Considering used Wrangler 392 - thoughts?

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.

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.

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)

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

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

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.