Jeep Wranglers?

[MMARSH]

Tossing aroung the idea of getting a used Jeep to pull behind our motorhome. Right now the cars we have would require a tow dolly to pull behind it. Seems like a pain in the butt. Taking a big trip the end of July/Aug and will need to decide quickly.

Jeep seems like a fun vehicle to go exploring in once you get to your destination with the added benefit of 4wd. But I really know nothing about them. Are they reliable? inexpensive to maintain? Don't want to spend a lot of money on one as it would truly be an extra vehicle Thanks.

[sammyg2]

Jeeps come from the factory with a spare water pump, AC compressor, and alternator.

But they're fairly easy to work on.

[craigster59]

They were manufactured with the Chrysler 4.0L in line 6 from 1986 to 2006. This seems to be the sweet spot for your price range. not uncommon to get 300k out of those with 190hp. Later they switched to a V6 mini van engine that was a dog and not as reliable.

I'm in SCV, I can keep an eye out for you. I was looking for an XJ (Cherokee wagon) awhile back, those are nice. Parts are cheap and a ton of mods available. I know there's other Pelicans with Jeep knowledge, I'm more of a LandCruiser guy.

[asphaltgambler]

^^^^^Ditto on the inline 6 Wrangler - bullet proof and very torquey

[Dantilla]

The 4.0 six is a great engine.

In 1997, the re-designed Wrangler came out with coil-spring suspension. Far better manners than the older leaf-spring Wranglers, both on and off road.

I've had both. No contest between the two.

[MMARSH]

So I should definitely get the I6. Does it matter whether its an Auto or Manual. Lots of stuff out there with 100K miles on it.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

So I should definitely get the I6. Does it matter whether its an Auto or Manual. Lots of stuff out there with 100K miles on it.

Be a man, get the manual!

Also, I think for towing it would make it easier. I'm not up on the Jeep auto trans, but I would prefer a manual myself, especially for resale later.

[jshape]

I've had three. Current one is a '98 with about 130,000 miles. I put less than 2,000 miles a year on mine as it's used as a summer beach vehicle and a tow vehicle for my fishing boat. I agree about getting one with the inline six. Mine current one is a 4-banger and it can't get out of its own way. The previous one - an '89 that I sold with 150,000 miles - had the six and it was a lot smoother and had tons of torque. The one before that was actually a CJ7 - not a Wrangler - and it was a scary beast with a 302 V8. They all were fun utility vehicles that were pretty easy to work on. But....beware of rust.

[upsscott]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

The 4.0 six is a great engine.

In 1997, the re-designed Wrangler came out with coil-spring suspension. Far better manners than the older leaf-spring Wranglers, both on and off road.

I've had both. No contest between the two.

+1 on this. Do not get a leaf sprung yj. Unless you like wagon rides.

[MMiller]

Love them.. Owned a few YJ's and TJ's, even a couple WK's.. all bullet proof and cheap to maintain

Can be expensive once the mod bug bites

Owned both but prefer the autos... Much easier to navigate the steep with one less pedal. Most don't take them there so buy what makes you happy.

[DerkPerk]

Lots of good advice here. 100k is nothing to be afraid of.

I have a 2000 TJ sport that has the 4.0l inline 6 with the 5 speed manual. I've driven the 3 speed auto and personally think it's a terrible transmission.

Stick to a '97-'06 TJ. Excellent ones can be had for around 10k.

Coil sprung as mentioned offers a much better ride thanks the previous models.

If you plan on running a small lift or bigger tries, (which you will) try to find one that has 4.10 gears in it, that will save you a couple grand from having it re geared down the road.

Be sure to check the frame for rust. Especially where the tranny skid attaches.

Parts are a plenty and cheap! No other vehicle can be modded to your style like a jeep.

I'm sure you'll find yourself driving it more than just for beach runs.








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[upsscott]

Originally Posted by DerkPerk

Lots of good advice here. 100k is nothing to be afraid of.

I have a 2000 TJ sport that has the 4.0l inline 6 with the 5 speed manual. I've driven the 3 speed auto and personally think it's a terrible transmission.

Stick to a '97-'06 TJ. Excellent ones can be had for around 10k.

Coil sprung as mentioned offers a much better ride thanks the previous models.

If you plan on running a small lift or bigger tries, (which you will) try to find one that has 4.10 gears in it, that will save you a couple grand from having it re geared down the road.

Be sure to check the frame for rust. Especially where the tranny skid attaches.

Parts are a plenty and cheap! No other vehicle can be modded to your style like a jeep.

I'm sure you'll find yourself driving it more than just for beach runs.








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Nice! I had a tj very similar. Awesome ride. With a family I needed a jku unfortunately.

[Rickysa]

Just finished rebuilding a '91 YJ....super easy to work on. Can't say enough good things about them. The TJ will give you a better ride, Rubicon package has nice off-road goodies.

[berettafan]

Have a '99. Not sure I'm keeping it much longer but it is fun to drive off road. Wouldn't necessarily seek out a lifted TJ as I think stock is just fine and will still go many places.

[cbush]

Recently got a 2002 TJ. Would be an awesome vehicle for towing as you can disengage the transfer case and they roll free. Also lots of setups for front tow bars.

While not known for reliability, mine has over 120k miles and works great. Also easy enough to get parts, and fix.

[SweetWaterSurprise]

I have an 88YJ. Pretty solid ride, although I don't get it out as much as it needs.

[JavaBrewer]

How much realistically do you want to spend?

My '04 TL was at ~ 90k miles and stock suspension was shot. Fighting the popular big lift trend I went with a modest 2.5" OME suspension and lift to comfortably fit 31" tires. Staying at 31" also avoided having to re gear which runs ~ $1K if done by a pro. Dramatic improvement in ride and handling - cannot be overstated compared to stock. It was not cheap though... Also had to replace the front end components as the PO (my Dad) had a minor accident that tweaked various items.

I have seen many used Jeeps that have a bunch of neglected maintenance. Everything can get pricy in a hurry, especially if you are outsourcing the labor.

A warning for the automatic transmission is that they are prone to heat related issues and @ 100-120K miles a rebuild is not uncommon. Mine went at 102K miles. Figure $3-4K to have that done with warranty by an independent. Other items at 100K miles are valve cover leaks, RMS leaks, and worn out steering components.




Good luck and have fun!

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

How much realistically do you want to spend?

My '04 TL was at ~ 90k miles and stock suspension was shot. Fighting the popular big lift trend I went with a modest 2.5" OME suspension and lift to comfortably fit 31" tires. Staying at 31" also avoided having to re gear which runs ~ $1K if done by a pro. Dramatic improvement in ride and handling - cannot be overstated compared to stock. It was not cheap though... Also had to replace the front end components as the PO (my Dad) had a minor accident that tweaked various items

I have seen many used Jeeps that have a bunch of neglected maintenance. Everything can get pricy in a hurry, especially if you are outsourcing the labor.

A warning for the automatic transmission is that they are prone to heat related issues and @ 100-120K miles a rebuild is not uncommon. Mine went at 102K miles. Figure $3-4K to have that done with warranty by an independent. Other items at 100K miles are valve cover leaks, RMS leaks, and worn out steering components.




Good luck and have fun!

Something like that is exactly what im looking for. I would actually like a green one w/ black wheels.... would like to spend around 15K.

[berettafan]

15k gets you into the newer wranglers. Do not drop that kinda dough on a tj. Mine was 7200. Wouldn't spend more than 10k max.

The LJ shown above goes for significantly more simply due to longer wheelbase. Great for off-roading or highway driving but not an issue for just riding around town.


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[72doug2,2S]

On my list for a DD. Good info.