As much a style and design icon as it is a hero within the off-roading community, the Jeep JK Wrangler bridged the gap between hardcore niche adventure vehicle and mass market appeal.

But while the JK was and is less painful to live with and drive than previous generations, make no mistake, this is fundamentally an incredibly capable off-roading machine softened slightly for the road and therefore, is compromised for it.

Throw in a very questionable reputation for reliability and mechanical longevity and you really must ask yourself, are you buying a Wrangler for the right reasons and are you willing to deal with not only its idiosyncrasies but its potential for financial and mental stress?

In Australia, the JK Wrangler range was based around 3 core models with various special and limited editions featuring throughout its lifecycle.

This, the third-generation Jeep Wrangler is considered the least dependable. It has the most complaints and lowest-rated reliability among consumers, with multiple issues affecting every part of the vehicle.

While Jeep updated the Wrangler every year, 2011 saw the Wrangler receive a mid-cycle restyle, receiving a redesigned interior and a host of tech and equipment upgrades. 2012 saw the introduction of the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6.

Which one do we recommend, if at all? Read on.

What goes wrong with a used Jeep JK Wrangler?

• Totally integrated power module failure
• Fuel pump remaining on and burning out due to constant use
• Airbags refusing to deploy or deploying at random.
• Engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion
• Starter cranking but refusing to start
• Horn honking at random intervals
• Power windows getting stuck
• Doors locking or unlocking without input
• Regeneration (or burn off) process can result in huge plumes of white smoke from the exhaust (especially with vehicles driven predominantly around town at slow speeds)
• Timing chain failures
• The “DEATH WOBBLE”. The most common issue is worn track bar bushings
• Throttle position sensor failure
• Catastrophic engine failure
• Transmission failures
• Diesel engines have issues with blown intercooler piping
• Hardtop roof models likely to leak
• Exterior plastics discolour
• Hinges and exterior screws can rust or fail
• Coolant leaks
• Oil leaks

Should you buy a used Jeep JK Wrangler?

It depends.

If you’re genuinely going to use the Wrangler’s incredible off-road ability, are happy to embrace the Wrangler’s unique character and very questionable reputation for reliability and mechanical longevity, are prepared for the potential financial and mental stress, sure, buy one.

Just make sure it has a full service history and has been inspected by your local independent mechanic.

But, if you’re buying a Wrangler to make some sort of fashion or lifestyle statement and have no intention of truly exploring its off-roading ability, then no, do not buy a Jeep Wrangler.

Once the novelty wears off you’ll be left with a harsh riding, thirsty, noisy, uncomfortable, unreliable truck that has cost you a fortune to buy and will cost you possibly more to maintain.