PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What is the best old Jeep for taking off-road?
I’m in the market for a used Jeep that my son can use as his first car (both on and off the roads). What are the best older Jeep models for taking off-road?
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
When it comes to old
Jeeps
, you won’t be hard pressed to find a reliable model—many Jeeps can last as long as 20 years with proper care and maintenance! On top of that, most Jeeps are built with off-road readiness in mind. But it’s still a good idea to do your due diligence, as an older and neglected Jeep won’t just perform badly—it could also be unsafe for your young driver. For reliable older Jeeps that can handle off-road conditions, here are our top picks:
- Jeep Cherokee. Cherokees are a long-time staple of the Jeep lineup, and their reputation for durability and performance remains constant throughout the years. The NY Daily News rated Cherokees released between 1984 and 2001 as one of the best used car buys for under $10,000.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee. Like the Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee maintains a well-loved reputation for reliability—along with high ratings for off-road performance. We’d suggest taking a closer look at the 2015 and 2012 models.
- Jeep Wrangler. Ever the classic, off-road performance is unmatched in the Wrangler—although safety isn’t this model’s strong suit. The 2003 Jeep Wrangler X stands apart as a solid option for off-road adventuring, and has retained its value over time—although you may want to add some additional safety features before letting your teen hit the road.
Of course, you should research any specific vehicles you’re looking at—including getting a
Carfax report
done to ensure the title is clean. While first cars are meant to be fun, safety is an equally important priority! You may also want to think about bulking up your teen’s insurance policy with added coverages like
collision
and comprehensive
to keep him protected on all roads. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
