Faults:

Replaced water pump at 80000 miles.

Original tires were junk.

Return fuel line to the tank was found to be kinked causing the Jeep to run terrible... very tough to figure out!

General Comments:

Wranglers hold their value extremely well.

Don't buy a four cylinder, they have no power. Spend the extra for the 4.0.

Get the hard doors. Zippers are terrible at a drive-thru.

Wranglers make awesome second or third cars, but as a daily driver, they bite.

Faults:

Catalytic converter replaced.

Parking brake assembly and cable replaced.

Radiator replaced.

Rear differential rebuilt.

Front differential seals replaced.

Front axle u-joints replaced.

General Comments:

The engine and manual transmission are extremely durable, especially the 4cyl. which rarely develops oil leaks.

However, have the covers pulled on the differentials and checked for wear prior to purchase-the Dana 33 ring and pinion wear out around 100k miles. The Dana 44's are much better

U-joints are a plenty on this vehicle so have them all looked at. Over sized tires and lifted suspensions will kill them.

Radiators on these always need replacing before 100k.

Fortunately they are not expensive to buy parts for nor have worked on. They are simple, durable machines that will take you anywhere while you have a blast driving it.

Understand that any 4x4 vehicle with more than 60k miles will probably need servicing/repair if you intend to keep it for very long.

Faults:

Other than normal wear and tear (which is slight). There were two small problems around 100000 miles. For one, the exhaust system failed. The vehicle needed to have the exhaust system replaced. Which included the catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe. Secondly, the vacuum switch also failed.

General Comments:

The jeep Rio Grande is a very reliable vehicle. Of course there will come a time when it will need a little care. That is not a problem with the Jeep Rio Grande. It has got to be the easiest vehicle to work on, especially for the do-it-yourselfer. You will not need to hoist or jack up the vehicle to change oil, or do most underbody repairs because of the exceptional ground clearance. On the road the Rio Grande Does have a rougher feel than most are used to. It does not by any means, offer a smooth ride. But that is what sets it apart from the "soccer mom" sport utility vehicles. The peppy 2.5 engine does well in the gas mileage department. The Rio Grande also handles highway speeds very well. Off the road the Rio Grande shines. Remember Jeep is a recognized off road icon. Right out of the box you are good to go! However if you want to really shine offroad, you should probably get a Suspension lift. Large enough to at least fit 31-10.5-15 sized tires. Add sway bar disconnects to the package and you are an off road pro. The list of upgrades could go on and on. The few mentioned are more than enough to make your off roading experience more enjoyable. All in all the Rio Grande is a tank. It will take anything you can throw at it. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is considering a Rio Grande. Whether you are a father buying one for his son or daughters first car, daily driver, or a toy you will not be dissatisfied. Find out what your missing. Buy a Jeep. Join the legend. Get the wave.