maintain compared to a truck. compared to a late model chevy, ford or dodge full size truck

I have over 200K miles on my YJ. If you are a do it yourself guy then I'd say its no big deal. Jeeps are a lot more straight forward than a truck. Everything is right in plan sight and easy to get to.

At the same time Jeeps to me really are not cheap because there is always a new or better accessory out there for it. Headers, air intakes, suspension, etc......

It is almost a life style.....like hot rods. Your never done working them. But I enjoy mine. You could have a beater of a Jeep and people are like cool Jeep. Not so much with some older trucks or cars.

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Like the other poster said....always new stuff to buy. Straight maintenance is not more costly thanother similar vehicles. Something that you get with a Jeep that's not available with other makes, esp the CJ, YJ, TJ....camraderie. help, enthusiasm. The network of Jeepers is amazing. I guarantee that if you had a problem at the side of the road, 90% of the Jeepers out there would pull over and help you. Some other great stuff....interchangeability between many many years. Another thing.....there is no such thing as an "unavailable" part. I have had several CJs, and though I don't currently own one I have stayed "in the family" driving a pair of mid sixties Ramblers (same motor) The Jeep 6 cylinder is without a doubt the strongest 6 cylinder ever built. That being said.....DO NOT BUY A WRANGLER WITH A 4 CYLINDER. You'll regret it. Not a BAD motor, it's just that it pales in comparison to the inline 6. Feel free to email me if you have any specific Jeep questions, like best years (and why the best years are the best years) or whatever.

What other vehicle can you buy that every other person driving one rolls down his window to wave to you? (the Jeep wave)

Take care....Rob

More expensive than a sedan because of the four wheel drive items that require maintenance. About the same as a domestic truck.
However as a four time Jeep owner, I have to say that they are an extremely reliable vehicle if you maintain them and the Jeep experience outdoes driving a sedan anytime, anywhere.