There haven't been many significant...
There haven't been many significant powertrain option boxes to check with the '07-present Wrangler, although the Rubicon version features heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and a 4:1 transfer case. A two-wheel-drive model is a good buy for anyone making a complete powertrain swap.
The MyGIG multimedia radio and navigation system found on the '07 to '09 models may seem like a cool feature, but it's notoriously finicky and unreliable. You'll likely be much better off with an aftermarket navigation unit. Look for the single CD player or six-disc CD changer. Both units feature an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players and iPods. The jury is still out on the new Uconnect multimedia head unit found in the '10 Wrangler.
Inspect the tailgate and spare tire carrier for damage, especially if a larger aftermarket tire and wheel has been bolted up. Even more so if a spacer was added. A JK spare tire spacer and a heavy spare can cause many problems, ranging from a cracked spare tire carrier to a bent tailgate and broken spot welds in the tailgate itself. You can run up to a 35x12.50R17 on the stock tailgate-mounted spare tire carrier as long as you use a 17x8.5 wheel with around 4.5-4.7 inches of backspacing. It fits with the stock rear bumper if you deflate the tire. For 36-inch and bigger tires, the JK should have a bumper-mounted swing-out spare tire carrier.
As with any used car purchase, take the Jeep for a test drive and try out every lever, button, knob, and switch to make sure they function properly. Try the four-wheel-drive system either in a dirt lot or in a parking lot. If it's a Rubicon model, make sure the lockers engage and disengage and that the sway bar disconnect functions. A more thorough inspection up front will save you time, money, and frustration in the future.
What's New?
New for 2010
• Available Uconnect navigation with UConnect phone, six-disc stereo, MP3 player and SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Available power windows and door locks are designed so that doors may be easily removed
New for 2009
• Sunburnt Orange Pearl Coat
• Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat
• Drop-in bin added to full center console
• Storage nets added to lower center stack and side of center console
• ULEV II emissions replace LEV II emissions on manual transmission vehicles
• Standard Hill-Start Assist (HSA) prevents rollback on steep surfaces
• Available Trailer-Sway Control monitors vehicle movement relative to the intended path and activates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if the trailer begins to sway outside set parameters
New for 2008
• Sahara Appearance Group - 18-inch aluminum wheels, bright steering-wheel spokes and air-conditioning outlet rings, front and rear bumper overlays
• Detonator Yellow exterior color (Wrangler X and Rubicon models)
• Sunrider soft top standard on Sahara and Rubicon models
• Remote Start available
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system standard
• Right-hand drive Wrangler X available for U.S. and Canada