Considering used Wrangler 392 - thoughts?

[Jimmy N.]

Used prices range $60k-80k with mileage at ~25k, MY22-MY24

I paid just a hair over $40K for my ordered '26 Durango GT AWD.

And I'd much rather have two of those than a used 392 Jeep. Or a new one for that matter.

 

[Hayabusa]

Just that simple, thoughts? Experiences?

Used prices range $60k-80k with mileage at ~25k, MY22-MY24

Hey Bull, I've owned 2 392 Rubicons and 5 Rubicons over time (1 JK and 4 JL's). As Speedy said, the Wrangler experience can be a wandering highway ride, noisy, drafty, fear of death wobble...etc. However, my 392's were not like that. I had a late '22 (came off the truck with the first '23s) and a '24 Final Edition.

Trying to share the info you'd want before purchasing would be like trying trying to describe the differences in Hellcats over their lifespan...too much for a post. I'll summarize and would be happy to talk if you'd like (DM me if you'd like more info).

Headlines: Both of mine were on 35's from the factory with associated suspension and wheel upgrades. My '22 drove straight and handled well for an off road oriented rig (not like my former SRT Grand Cherokee but very mannered for a Wrangler). The '22 had some of the "stuff" others have mentioned...A couple of body part creaks over rough pavement, expected wind noise, but damn outstanding acceleration and exhaust note.

Went to eyeball a '24 Final Edition in Sept 2024 and ended up getting super discount and fat trade # so upgraded. Larger infotainment screen, upgraded Dana's, thicker glass & more sound insulation, power seats, factory Warn Winch and on board compressor...it was much "tighter" feeling...actually handled great for a truck even on curves.
It had 1 issue that I could not endure...a drone that was maddening. Prior to the '24 model year it was not an issue. Not all '24s have it based on the lively threads on the Jeep forums. Mine got intolerable after break in miles. Jeep refuses to acknowledge it and owners that went aftermarket exhaust (AWE, Borla, etc) report it is still there. Jeep allegedly rerouted the exhaust during the mid-cycle refresh. I really loved that rig but the drone headache killed it for me.

I traded it and did really, really well on the trade. If the '25 F.E. didn't have the drone I'd still have it. Now...waiting to see what a new Dodge musclecar turns out to be and if Jeep straightens out the 392 drone some have. The Final Edition was not final as the new MOAB is a 392 but optioned differently than the Rubicons. Jeep is dropping a new "Special Edition" on the 12th of the month over 12 months. MOAB 392 was one of them. They did a Commando 392 that is the stuff...current Military or Vets only.

I'll find pics of my 2 rigs and post in a few. If your wife wants a ride more like the cushier SUV's she might not like the ride of the 392. Hope you can get a test ride in one...@Speedy! ,you would enjoy a test drive too if there's one at a dealer near you.

 

[Hayabusa]

Just that simple, thoughts? Experiences?

Used prices range $60k-80k with mileage at ~25k, MY22-MY24

Grey is the '22 392XR (Extreme Recon) and the white is the '24 Final Edition (or Not So Final Edition as it turned out as they made more in '25)

 

[Hayabusa]

An entertaining review by SavageGeese. As they say...it feels like driving a 60's musclecar.

 

[2ndAmend]

You guys made me look. Local dealer has a new '25 for $13k off. Interesting but not nearly enough to get me.

 

[Speedy!]

Wow, 11mpg? I get it he was hammering it but my 170 gets that on E85. We were serious about getting one but the negatives just kept adding up. I think it's full time AWD as well? I'd hoped it'd be shift 4WD like a normal Jeep.

Interesting on the drone. The only thing I can think of is exhaust touching somewhere. Years ago I modified a truck and got the exhaust up over the axle too high and it was kissing the bed of the truck underneath and it droned terribly until I realized it.

 

[Bobo]

What site are you using to see these ?? All I keep seeing are the storm damaged/repaired? ones @ Rob (and I do mean ROB) Lambdin in Davie.
I wouldn't buy a Vespa from that place !!!

Pics of the 23 and 24 sitting at one of my local dealers when I went in to have a lease tire replaced two weeks ago.

 

[Bobo]

Hey Bull, I've owned 2 392 Rubicons and 5 Rubicons over time (1 JK and 4 JL's). As Speedy said, the Wrangler experience can be a wandering highway ride, noisy, drafty, fear of death wobble...etc. However, my 392's were not like that. I had a late '22 (came off the truck with the first '23s) and a '24 Final Edition.

Trying to share the info you'd want before purchasing would be like trying trying to describe the differences in Hellcats over their lifespan...too much for a post. I'll summarize and would be happy to talk if you'd like (DM me if you'd like more info).

Headlines: Both of mine were on 35's from the factory with associated suspension and wheel upgrades. My '22 drove straight and handled well for an off road oriented rig (not like my former SRT Grand Cherokee but very mannered for a Wrangler). The '22 had some of the "stuff" others have mentioned...A couple of body part creaks over rough pavement, expected wind noise, but damn outstanding acceleration and exhaust note.

Went to eyeball a '24 Final Edition in Sept 2024 and ended up getting super discount and fat trade # so upgraded. Larger infotainment screen, upgraded Dana's, thicker glass & more sound insulation, power seats, factory Warn Winch and on board compressor...it was much "tighter" feeling...actually handled great for a truck even on curves.
It had 1 issue that I could not endure...a drone that was maddening. Prior to the '24 model year it was not an issue. Not all '24s have it based on the lively threads on the Jeep forums. Mine got intolerable after break in miles. Jeep refuses to acknowledge it and owners that went aftermarket exhaust (AWE, Borla, etc) report it is still there. Jeep allegedly rerouted the exhaust during the mid-cycle refresh. I really loved that rig but the drone headache killed it for me.

I traded it and did really, really well on the trade. If the '25 F.E. didn't have the drone I'd still have it. Now...waiting to see what a new Dodge musclecar turns out to be and if Jeep straightens out the 392 drone some have. The Final Edition was not final as the new MOAB is a 392 but optioned differently than the Rubicons. Jeep is dropping a new "Special Edition" on the 12th of the month over 12 months. MOAB 392 was one of them. They did a Commando 392 that is the stuff...current Military or Vets only.

I'll find pics of my 2 rigs and post in a few. If your wife wants a ride more like the cushier SUV's she might not like the ride of the 392. Hope you can get a test ride in one...@Speedy! ,you would enjoy a test drive too if there's one at a dealer near you.

Speaking about the glass, I believe Gorilla glass is now standard for all wrangler windshields! Used to be an upgrade.

 

[Wizza]

Most who have vehicles like that never take them off-road anyways.

I certainly do enjoy taking mine on the rocks and trails

 

[BULL]

I certainly do enjoy taking mine on the rocks and trails
View attachment 177080

Disconnected there I assume?

 

[MikeD1]

Pics of the 23 and 24 sitting at one of my local dealers when I went in to have a lease tire replaced two weeks ago.

Wow, seems to be a lot of black ones out there, guess I'm not the only guy wary of taking care of an ocean of black paint .

 

[SilverBillet]

Wow, seems to be a lot of black ones out there, guess I'm not the only guy wary of taking care of an ocean of black paint .

Black definitely needs more love and care than other colors. I know…I had a black car for 24 years. Modern paint is probably better than ever. Most DDSRT’s are probably not going to see many miles in bad weather or left outside very often in the first place. Black is beautiful.

 

[MikeD1]

Black definitely needs more love and care than other colors. I know…I had a black car for 24 years. Modern paint is probably better than ever. Most DDSRT’s are probably not going to see many miles in bad weather or left outside very often in the first place. Black is beautiful.

I've owned many black cars over the years and when clean, nothing is sharper. But, as I have been reminded with my black GV70, every spec of dust seems to actively search it out & take up residence (even sitting in the garage w/doors closed). And every little scratch & swirl screams LOOK AT ME !

Net is, I'm just way too OCD for a black car. Thought it would be OK now that I'm retired & no longer driving to work daily. But alas, I just can't let go .

 

[Bobo]

Wow, seems to be a lot of black ones out there, guess I'm not the only guy wary of taking care of an ocean of black paint .

All my wife's cars are always black (except her Dune colored Wrangler)
Currently has a black Cherokee and wants a black DDHC and I said only if I can put blue stripes on it.
It would be the negative of my Super Stock which is Frostbit with CF stripes.

 

[MikeD1]

I'm smitten with that Frostbite on the Challengers. There's a State Cop a few blocks from here that has one sitting in his driveway a lot (it's an R/T I think). I always slow down for a peek when going by his place !

Would love to see it on a DDSRT with the black stripes

 

[BULL]

Thank you all for the input and sharing experiences, I think I'm going to sit back and wait a bit, see what the next little bit of Dodge announcements brings about.

Oh, and hope that the 5.7L doesn't shyt all over itself between now and whenever...

 

[SilverBillet]

Thank you all for the input and sharing experiences, I think I'm going to sit back and wait a bit, see what the next little bit of Dodge announcements brings about.

Oh, and hope that the 5.7L doesn't shyt all over itself between now and whenever...

Look at the current announcements for the Durango’s