The Renegade is an easy Jeep to spot... it’s the little one with the tall roof and boxy shape.
Beneath the skin, this model rode an advanced structure built to deliver good on-road ride quality, and superior off-road capability.
This littlest Jeep should satisfy virtually anyone’s need for a flexible and easy-to-drive package. It’ll also satisfy virtually anyone’s need for ground clearance, traction-enhancing off-road tech, recovery hooks, skid plating, and available enhanced water fording capability.
Seriously, you can (and should) take this one off-road, though it handles itself nicely on the road more travelled as well.
Look for a smattering of high-end feature content, including a heated steering wheel, remote start, and premium audio systems.
Power came from an all four-cylinder engine lineup, with 1.4-litre turbo and 2.4-litre non-turbo offerings, packing up to 180 horsepower. Mileage should prove decent, though this is not a sporty-to-drive machine.
Look for automatic or manual transmissions, and several 4x4 system options, depending on the model-grade selected.
PERFORM THIS CHECK
Make the vehicle’s cabin as quiet as you can, open your ears, and drive steadily at 50 km/h for a moment. Search for a droning, grumbling, rumble. Some drivers say it sounds and feels like driving over centre-lane rumble strips, though not as severe.
Repeat the test in increasing increments of about five km/h at a time, until you’ve reached 75 km/h. If you detect the offending rumble (aka the ‘Renegade Rumble’, say affected owners), moving to another unit is likely best.
This issue is not widespread against total sales volume, though it’s frustrated numerous owners with multiple causes, and in some cases, the need to replace driveline components, often under warranty. It’s a rare issue, but a noteworthy one. Note that it doesn’t seem to apply to models with the manual transmission.
UNDERBODY CHECK
Has your potential Renegade ever been borrowed by its seller’s teenager for a secret bush-whacking adventure that wound up remodelling the oil pan on a boulder?
Not sure?
That’s exactly why it’s a great idea to have a technician give the used Renegade a full on-the-hoist inspection before buying. It’s good advice for any vehicle and maybe especially one that may have been used carelessly in an off-road setting.
TEST THE COOLING FANS
Some owners have reported cooling fan failure, which can result in numerous irritating problems like annoying sounds, radiator damage, and engine overheating. These owners say a loud buzzing or scraping sound is a good sign that some (or all) of the radiator fan is about to become detached from its motor.
So, get the cooling fans working by making the Renegade’s engine hot. Apply full throttle for an extended period (when appropriate), then stop the vehicle immediately, park it, crank the AC, and wait about 60 seconds. Next, pop the hood, confirm that the fans are running, and listen for any signs of trouble.
If you hear any, have the vehicle checked professionally before you buy.
STRESS TEST THE AC
Next up, give the Renegade’s AC system a workout. Ideally on the hottest day possible and at the end of your test drive, park the vehicle and crank the AC system to its coldest setting. Then, confirm sufficiently cold air arrives quickly, and that it keeps coming for a few minutes without interruption. If that’s not the case, have the air conditioner checked professionally for refrigerant leaks, and overall health and operation. Air conditioner issues might be covered by remaining warranty, if applicable.
CHECK THAT OIL
Some owners have reported oil consumption issues with their Jeep Renegades. Many have not. Low engine oil levels may cause the Renegade’s engine to randomly stall. This is why it’s important to check your oil.
Check the Renegade’s oil level and condition on your test drive, and obtain documentation confirming that no oil changes have ever been stretched or skipped. Note that strict adherence to the oil change schedule is required to keep the engine warranty active.
During ownership, check your Renegade’s oil level weekly (for serious), change its oil religiously, and keep all receipts. If you’re still under warranty, have a dealer technician check the vehicle at the first sign of any funny business.
The information presented above is gathered from online owner discussion groups and collaboration with a network of automotive repair professionals. The above information is not a comprehensive list of all possible issues with the vehicle in question and is instead intended to draw shopper attention to possible trouble spots they may wish to investigate before they buy. In most cases, problems listed above are reported with relative rarity in comparison to total sales volume. Shoppers are advised to have a dealer- performed pre-purchase inspection on the vehicle they’re considering for maximum peace of mind.
