Buying a used Jeep Renegade can be an excellent way to acquire a rugged and compact SUV without the price tag of a brand-new model. However, as with any used vehicle, you need to do your due diligence before making the purchase, not just rely on good luck.

By asking the right questions, you can ensure you get a reliable vehicle and avoid hidden mechanical issues. This will also ensure that you are making a smart investment. To that end, here are five critical questions you should be asking to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your used Jeep Renegade.

1. What Is the Vehicle’s Maintenance and Service History?

Perhaps the single most important thing to check when going to buy your used Jeep Renegade is its maintenance and service history. A well-maintained vehicle is far less likely to have issues and will be more reliable by having fewer problems down the road. Maintenance records matter because they will indicate when important services, such as oil changes, brake services, and fluid checks, were performed.

Any missing or inconsistent records should be taken as a red flag. Neglect or undisclosed repairs can lead to issues with used vehicles, not to mention the fact that service history can reveal if the vehicle received recommended manufacturer updates. Always ask the current owner for their maintenance records, receipts, or a dealership service report, and use a vehicle history report from sites like Carfax or AutoCheck to verify.

2. Are There Any Common Mechanical Issues with the Jeep Renegade?

The Jeep Renegade is known for its off-road capabilities and stylish design, but it has had some reported mechanical issues. By knowing what these issues are ahead of time, you can target your questions based on the condition of the Renegade you are looking at. The most prominent issues reported in the past include:

• Transmission Issues: Some Renegade models, particularly those with the nine-speed automatic transmission, have been known to experience rough shifting, delays in acceleration, and unexpected stalling.
• Electrical Malfunctions: Owners have reported issues with infotainment system glitches, faulty sensors, and electrical system failures in the past.
• Excessive Oil Consumption: Some Renegade models, especially those with the 2.4L Tigershark engine, are known to burn oil at an unusually high rate, leading to potential engine problems if not monitored.
• Cooling System Problems: Radiator leaks and thermostat failures have been reported, which could lead to overheating if not addressed.

To find out which specific issues you should be looking for, look up the year of the Renegade you are considering buying and ask the owner if any of the above issues have arisen in the past.

3. Has the Jeep Renegade Been in Any Accidents or Had Major Repairs?

A used vehicle’s accident history can significantly impact its long-term reliability, not to mention its resale value. Any type of accident can impact the structure of a vehicle and lead to long-term frame, alignment, or mechanical issues. Additionally, poorly maintained vehicles may have lingering problems that aren’t immediately visible.

Obtain the aforementioned vehicle history report to see if the Renegade you are considering has been involved in any wrecks. When doing a walkaround of the car, look for signs of bodywork, mismatching paint, or misaligned panels which can all indicate prior damage. On top of this, simply ask the seller directly about any past accidents and request documentation on those accidents if possible.

4. What Is the Current Condition of the Engine, Transmission, and Suspension?

Even if the Jeep Renegade or Jeep Renegade Trailhawk you are looking at looks amazing from the outside, there may be interior damage you are unaware of. The engine, transmission, and suspension are crucial to the vehicle’s overall performance and longevity, but they are also the areas where the most hidden issues may be on used cars.

Specifically, listen for some of the following indicators of issues when you are on your test drive:

• Listen for knocking, ticking, or excessive engine noise
• Check for engine oil leaks and inspect the ground behind the vehicle for a trail
• Feel for rough shifting when moving through the gears
• Inspect the transmission and fluid levels for signs of neglect
• Drive over bumps and turns to detect any unusual noises or excessive bouncing
• Check for uneven tire wear, which can indicate suspension alignment issues
• Inspect the shocks, struts, and bushings for signs of damage

A simple pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is truly the best way to ensure that the above critical components are in good working order. However, you should also ask the previous owner about any issues as a discussion starter. After all, you don’t want to be slapped with expensive repairs the first time something goes wrong on pre-owned vehicles.

5. Does the Jeep Renegade Still Have Factory Warranty Coverage or Need an Extended Warranty?

Knowing the warranty status of the used Jeep Renegade, you are considering purchasing can help you determine whether or not additional coverage is necessary. Jeep’s standard factory warranty typically includes a 5-year or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, powertrain warranty, and a 3-year or 36,000-mile, whichever comes first, basic warranty for new vehicles.

Check the current mileage on your vehicle and compare it with Jeep’s warranty terms to see if any coverage remains. Also, feel free to contact the Jeep dealership with the VIN to confirm the remaining warranty eligibility. If the factory warranty has expired, ask the owner if there is an extended warranty associated with the vehicle that can be transferred as this can ensure continued protection.

How Endurance Can Help Used Jeep Renegade Owners

If you’re considering picking up a used Jeep Renegade for yourself, consider partnering with Endurance Warranty to add an extended warranty, also called a vehicle service contract, to your car. Depending on the number of miles on the Renegade, many of our coverage plans offer protection ranging from simple and stated to near bumper-to-bumper coverage, all dependent on your needs.

Additionally, all Endurance Warranty plans come with standard benefits, including comprehensive repair coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, flexible payment plans, and access to certified repair facilities across the country. This means that your decision to purchase a used Jeep Renegade can be protected with best-in-class protection, allowing you to drive confidently while knowing you’re covered.

Protect Your Renegade With an Extended Warranty

Buying a used Jeep Renegade can be an excellent investment, but only if you ask all of the right questions ahead of time. By checking on the maintenance history, researching common mechanical issues, verifying accident history, inspecting all critical components, and considering warranty coverage, you can ensure you are making a smart purchase.

Take things a step further by adding a vehicle service contract from Endurance to your newly purchased Jeep Renegade to ensure you stay on the road for as long as possible. In addition to all the standard perks, as an Endurance customer, you can enjoy one year of Elite Benefits, which offers even more, such as tire coverage, key fob replacement, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, and up to $500 in collision coverage.*

To learn more about our various coverage plans, contact a plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 or get a FREE quote online. You can also shop our eStore to see your unique plan recommendation and pricing now.