Used Jeep Dealer In Lexington

Why Buy Used Jeeps Versus New?

If you don't know anything else about Jeep, you probably know that they're known for their stellar resale value. In fact, the Jeep Wrangler has the lowest depreciation of any car on the market. While that does mean you'll be facing a higher upfront cost buying a Jeep, it also means you will get much more of your money back when it comes time to trade it in. This means you can swap Jeeps around pretty easily without taking a huge loss, or hardly even a loss at all. Another perk to this is that Jeeps hold their resale value for a reason. When properly cared for, they hold up great, making their maintenance fees much more affordable.

Speaking of durability, used Jeeps are just as capable of off-roading as new ones. If you're looking at used Jeep dealers because you want to get out of Lexington and head to Red River Gorge or out to your friend's farm, buying a used Jeep is smart. You won't have to worry about scratches or dents on your brand-new paint, but you'll still be able to climb rocks and hills with ease. To prove this, just take a look at the flagship Jeep model, the Wrangler.

While this vehicle has certainly evolved over the years, the basic design has remained nearly unchanged since the 1940s. Even the four-door Wrangler Unlimited has been around now for almost 20 years. The standard engine in the Wrangler, the solid Pentastar V6, hasn't undergone major changes since it was introduced in 2012. While buying a more modern Wrangler will give you options like the Uconnect 4 infotainment software or the 4xe hybrid powertrain, if you are looking for a no-frills off-road machine, then the old models will serve you just as well.

Trail Rated And Desert Rated Badging

Let's start our explanation with the popular Trail Rated badge. To earn this badge, Jeeps are tested in 5 different categories. These include traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. In order to earn the traction badge, a Wrangler must be able to perform above average during poor weather conditions, sliding less and maintaining stability despite mud, ice, and other slick surfaces. The water fording badge is earned by being able to safely tread through higher bodies of water than the average vehicle, such as creeks. In the case of the Wrangler and Gladiator, this means being able to drive through up to 30 inches of water!

Next, we've got the maneuverability criteria, which means the Jeep must be able to handle the most unpredictable driving situations. It needs to be able to quickly negotiate unexpected hazards such as deer and efficiently move past obstacles with ease. The articulation criteria are met by the Jeep's ability to handle bumps and rougher terrain without causing damage to the vehicle. Finally, the ground clearance criteria are met by the Jeep's ability to drive over large items without bottoming out. Every Jeep model has a Trail Rated trim, and you can find them all here at Dan Cummins of Georgetown.

The Desert Rated badge only arrived in 2020 with the new Jeep Gladiator Mojave. It also tests sand and dirt traction criteria, demonstrating the ability to navigate desert terrain. This may include anything from sand to rocks and anything in between. The desert may have more obstacles than the average off-roading trail, so this is important. Second, the desert prowess is also tested for the Desert Rated badge. This certification means that the Wrangler's engine is able to handle running in dry, sandy, hot conditions. These benefits can be even better depending on which trim you're looking at. Aside from those two changes, the Desert Rated badge includes the same criteria as the Trail Rated badge.

Places To Test Your Jeep Near Lexington

There are several places around Lexington that you can take your Wrangler to test its abilities, especially if you know people with private land. However, the best place to go is the Wildcat Adventures Off-Road Park. This is an affordable location, where you can purchase a full day pass for only $16. This includes 2,000 acres of trail options, with everything from beginners to expert level trails. You can even purchase a 5-day pass for $64 and rent a cabin to make a full trip out of it.

If you're fine with a longer drive, Dirty Turtle Off-Road Park is located in Bedford, about an hour and a half north of Lexington. This park offers day passes for $20, with a $5 fee for passengers. You can also purchase 7-day tickets or season tickets if you plan on going frequently. Dirty Turtle offers annual events, such as Birthday Bash and Boo Bash, along with The King of the Shell race, all of which offer cash prizes.

Both locations are affordable and offer plenty of trails; it just depends on distance and what kinds of events you're into. If you're looking to casually ride and enjoy your Wrangler's off-roading power, then Wildcat Park is the easiest bet.

Why Buy Used At Dan Cummins?