COMPARISON · THE SHOWDOWN
OPEN LABOR PROJECT
VEHICLE A
▼
Jeep
Jeepster Commando
258ci I6
VS
VEHICLE B
▼
Jeep
Jeepster Commando
304ci V8
Real labor data. Real maintenance costs. Real recall counts. No subscription, no paywall — free for every wrench-turner.
01
Specifications
Year
1973
1973
Engine
258ci I6
304ci V8
Drivetrain
4WD
4WD
Transmission
manual
manual
Fuel
gas
gas
04
Cost of Ownership
★ WINNER
5-Year Maintenance
$6,796
0.11 $/mi
5-Year Maintenance
$7,372
0.12 $/mi
🏆
ADVANTAGEJeep Jeepster Commando — Saves you $576 over 5 years (8% less in routine maintenance labor)
Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.
05
Maintenance Breakdown
Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.
Oil & filter change
0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr
0.5 hrs$1,380 / 5yr
Tire rotation
0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr
0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr
Front brake pads
1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr
Rear brake pads
1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr
Differential fluid
1.0 hrs$380 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr
Brake fluid flush
0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr
0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr
12V battery
0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr
0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr
Wiper blades
0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr
0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr
Cabin air filter
0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr
0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr
Intake manifold gasket
3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr
4.5 hrs$230 / 5yr
Coolant flush
1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr
1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr
Spark plugs
0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr
0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr
Oxygen sensor
1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
1.8 hrs$195 / 5yr
Water pump
2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
Fuel filter
0.4 hrs$180 / 5yr
0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr
Oil pan gasket
3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr
4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr
Serpentine belt
0.5 hrs$110 / 5yr
0.7 hrs$140 / 5yr
Engine air filter
0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr
0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr
Alternator
1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr
Valve cover gasket
1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr
1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr
Power steering flush
0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr
0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr
Ignition coil
0.8 hrs$80 / 5yr
1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr
Starter motor
1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr
Thermostat
1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr
1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr
PCV valve
0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr
0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr
06
Active Recalls
Open NHTSA Recalls
0
CLEAR
Open NHTSA Recalls
0
CLEAR
✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.
07
Fluid Capacities
Jeep Jeepster Commando
brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4
coolant10.00 qt · MS-12106
engine_oil5.00 qt · API SN
front_diff1.50 qt · API GL-5
power_steering1.00 qt · Mopar ATF+4 P/S
rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5
transfer_case2.50 qt · ATF or manufacturer specific
transmission_auto10.00 qt · MS-9602
washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated
Jeep Jeepster Commando
brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4
coolant10.00 qt · MS-12106
engine_oil5.00 qt · API SN
front_diff1.50 qt · API GL-5
power_steering1.00 qt · Mopar ATF+4 P/S
rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5
transfer_case2.50 qt · ATF or manufacturer specific
transmission_auto10.00 qt · MS-9602
washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated
08
The Verdict
🏆
THE WINNER
1973 Jeep Jeepster Commando
258ci I6
- Jeep Jeepster Commando is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$576 over 5 years)
Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.
Open the full dashboard for either truck
Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.