Jeeps are as popular today as ever, and they are famous for retaining their resale value thanks to awesome capability and well-known style. Those in the market for a used Jeep have a lot of options, but what are the best Jeeps for people on a budget? According to Autotrader, there are several good choices. One used Jeep that brings the most desirable elements of the brand together at an affordable price is the 2010 Jeep Commander.

The 2010 Jeep Commander seats seven

If you’ve got a lot of people to haul around, the 2010 Jeep Commander offers a third row with seating for up to seven passengers. It was actually the last 3-row Jeep ever to be offered, so the option is fairly rare. Jeep sold the Commander from 2006 until 2010, and one of it’s coolest features is that the second and third row of seating is elevated a little higher than the front row. Passengers enjoy excellent visibility, but not a lot of room in the cramped third row. 

There’s plenty of security in the 2010 Jeep Commander, with a 5-star safety rating for the driver and front passenger. There’s also a parking assistant, rear back-up camera, and the Commander is equipped with Bluetooth so you can talk hands-free and keep your eyes focused on the road. Other standard safety features include stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side curtain airbags. 

A choice of Jeep engines

This sport utility vehicle came in 4 configurations, Sport or Limited trims and 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. There is a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 210 horsepower in entry-level models, and in 2010, a powerful V8.

The 5.7-liter 360 horsepower V8 can be equipped with Jeep’s electronic limited-slip front and rear differentials, and skid plates for the transfer case, fuel tank, and front suspension.

Of course, Jeep Commanders equipped with 4-wheel drive boast legendary Jeep capability. There are three systems available, including full-time and part-time four-wheel drive. 

This is great for those who need a family-size vehicle but still want to experience all that Jeep trail ruggedness. The underbody components make the Commander right at home on the trails or any rugged terrain, and definitely will keep you confident in bad weather. 

Other affordable used Jeep models

The 2010 Commander wasn’t the only used Jeep that AutoTrader recommends. The 2008 through 2013 Jeep Liberty is a solid deal, currently running buyers around $10,000.

This vehicle replaced the famous Cherokee, so it had some big shoes to fill. Look for a used Jeep Liberty with a fabric roof, an option that puts a panoramic, canvas sunroof over the first and second rows to create a top-down Jeep feeling. 

Another good used Jeep pick is any Wrangler made between 1996 and 2006. These get you in the Jeep club, and the “TJ” generation is well known among Jeep enthusiasts.

These feel pretty rustic, but they have that classic Jeep look and feel, so if you don’t mind a little road noise and the basic interior, this is the right choice. If you’re looking for a few more modern features, check out the “JK” generation made between 2007 and 2011. These have a bit more cush to their interiors, while still giving you everything Wrangler has to offer off-road. 

When you’re looking for an affordable used Jeep, the 2010 Jeep Commander is a solid choice for a lot of reasons. It has classic Jeep reliability and resale value, three rows of seating, and nice features. In fact, there are several used Jeep models that are fun choices for used car buyers on a budget.