The Jeep Wrangler is the classic off-roader: removable roof and doors, a real low-range 4x4 system and solid axles. Japan is a good place to buy one because Japanese owners tend to keep them clean and serviced, and many Japanese-market Wranglers are right-hand drive, which suits the Caribbean, East Africa and other drive-on-the-left countries. Always check the steering side on the listing.
Generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| JK | 2007–2018 | 3.6 V6 "Pentastar" (from 2012; earlier 3.8 V6) | 5-speed automatic |
| JL | 2018 onwards | 3.6 V6, or 2.0 turbo | 8-speed automatic |
Unlimited means the four-door, longer-wheelbase version, which is the practical choice for families. The two-door is shorter and better off-road but has a small boot.
Grades
- Sport: the basic grade.
- Sahara: the comfort grade, with body-coloured fenders and more equipment. The most common in Japan.
- Rubicon: the hard-core off-road grade, with locking differentials and a disconnecting front anti-roll bar.
- Japan also gets special editions (such as "Limited Sports"); the name is part of the listing.
Running Costs and Duty
The 3.6 V6 uses a lot more fuel than a Japanese SUV. Also, many countries charge import duty by engine size, so a 3.6 can cost much more to clear than a 2.0. Check the duty before you buy: see how to calculate the total cost.
What to Check
- 4x4 system: the transfer case should shift cleanly into 4H and 4L.
- Steering shimmy: the JK's solid front axle can develop a violent shake after bumps (known as "death wobble"), usually from worn steering or suspension parts.
- Oil leaks: the 3.6 V6 of this era is known for leaks from the oil cooler and filter housing.
- Roof and seals: check the hard top and door seals for leaks.
- Underbody and frame: look for rust and off-road damage.
- Radio and navigation: Japanese FM radio uses a different band (76–90 MHz), and the built-in navigation is set up for Japan. Budget for a band expander or a new head unit, or ask us to arrange one before shipping.
- Auction sheet: read how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
Age Limits: Which Countries Can Take One
Some countries cap the age of an imported car: Jamaica allows up to 5 years, Trinidad & Tobago 4 years, and Kenya and Guyana 8 years. The Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, the Eastern Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia and Antigua, Uganda and Tanzania have no strict age limit on our checker. Rules change, so always confirm with your clearing agent before you pay.
JK Wranglers (2018 and earlier) are now too old for Jamaica, Trinidad, Kenya and Guyana but can go to the no-limit markets. For the age-limited countries you need a recent JL.
The table at the bottom of this page applies each country's rule to our live stock and shows the cheapest delivered price. For the full list see import age limits by country, and for duty and port fees see how to calculate the total cost.
More on European and American cars bought in Japan: buying a BMW, Audi, Mercedes or Volvo from Japan.