2012 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep’s Wrangler doesn’t try to please everyone, and frankly, that’s the point. You’re not buying one because you want an SUV to cruise Sandton’s pavements — you want something that’ll get properly dirty, and the Wrangler is one of the few left that’s happy to oblige. On paper at least, it stacks up against the Bronco, Defender 90, and Land Cruiser 70 Series, but it’s really chasing buyers who know what a solid front axle feels like. There are two engine choices: a thirsty 3.6-litre V6 petrol and a 2.8 CRD diesel, plus the option to row your own gears or let an auto do the work. The catch? There’s barely any stock — just 15 listings, one of them new, prices from R199,995 to a wild R1,399,900, but most cluster around the R329,900 mark. You’re dealing with a small pool of die-hards here. Most used Wranglers you’ll find are well-travelled, with average mileage north of 138,000 km and some as early as 2001. That’s a lot of Karoo dust and KZN mud, so expect to factor in sorting out tired bushes and other high-wear bits. The Sahara spec dominates, especially the 3.6L V6 two-door, typically hovering between R329,900 and R349,995. Diesel Unlimited Saharas stretch from R299,900 to R601,900, depending on how much life you reckon is left in them. If you want the Rubicon’s locking diffs, expect R339,995 to R349,995. Compared to a Defender 90 or Land Cruiser 70, the Wrangler trades a bit of polish for a rabid aftermarket scene and serious trail cred — and for fans, that’s what the Wrangler should have been from the start.