Even if there is a new Jeep Wrangler out, which just blew six candles off its birthday cake, its predecessors remain highly appealing. After all, the automaker has only mildly revised the exterior, making it tricky for the average Joe to tell the difference between different generations.
The JK iteration Wrangler, aka the previous one, is one great off-roader that doesn't break the bank. Well, so long as you stick to a standard copy that has seen some action. Otherwise, a hairy-chested version with decent mileage that is in great shape could cost you a hefty sum (for a Jeep).
Case in point, say hello to a 2012 example that was modified to the teeth. It bears the signature of Bedrock Motors and is said to be one of just ten copies to have been built in this specification. It boasts heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, has an 8-inch (203 mm) lift kit, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, electric front and rear locking differentials, and off-road bumpers.
Therefore, it's safe to say this is not your regular Barbie Jeep. Moreover, it also comes with a set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in massive 41-inch tires, has wide fenders, a padded rollbar, and a red paint finish. Attached to the rear door, the spare wheel is just as big as the ones on which it rides.
Photo: Mecum
Getting in and out could be tricky due to the elevated ground clearance, and once inside, it won't baffle you. It has a basic layout, with black being the dominating hue. This 2012 Jeep Wrangler has seating for four and a tiny cargo area behind the rear seats. For a more modern vibe, it’s been equipped with an aftermarket touchscreen infotainment system hooked up to an audio that features a subwoofer.
The previous-gen Wrangler came with different powertrains, including a straight-four and a pair of V6s. This one packs the 3.6-liter unit, which is said to kick out 285 hp (289 ps/213 kW). As a result, it doesn't boast any extra oomph, with the thrust rated at 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) with no outside intervention. An automatic transmission delivers everything to the four-wheel drive system with a transfer case.
As you already know, this eleven-year-old Jeep Wrangler is about to hit the auction block at Mecum's Kissimmee event in Florida, hosted between January 2 and 14, 2024, at the Osceola Heritage Park. The auction house hasn't released an estimated selling sum, though due to the heavy modifications and low mileage (7,893 miles/12,703 km), this two-door off-roader should change hands for a hefty sum.
Would you buy it if you were shopping for such a vehicle, or would you get a stock one and spend numerous days in the garage to elevate its appeal?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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