Jeep Wrangler owners...step in.

[The Big D]

Just sold my Corvette in anticipation of the C7 convertibles that won't be availbale until this winter or early spring, 2014.

Need something fun to get me through the summer. Owned a '94 Wrangler for a couple years but sold it circa 2004. It was a fun/cool ride and now considering another to tide me over.

So...any special concerns, years to avoid, etc? I want this to be a low maintenance "beater," if you will.

Didn't wash the last one the entire time I owned it...and pulled the drain plugs so I could get through the summers with just a bikini top (on the car...not me!)

Your wisdom is appreciated...in advance.

Be safe.

 

[WC145]

I've got an '05 Wrangler that I use for work, spending 75% of my time on dirt roads, trails, and shoreline. It's been a good vehicle and it goes anywhere but it does have some short comings. The auto trans crapped out last Feb and had to be completely rebuilt at a cost of $2600 (out of warranty) even though it only had 62K miles on it at the time. Also, I've replaced both front sway bar links twice each and did front brakes at around 65K. They also are rust prone, any rock chip in the paint will start rusting almost immediately, and they also rust around the hinges and any corners like the window frames on the doors.
In spite of these things I like it a lot, it goes everywhere, the fuel injected straight six makes plenty of power (though gas mileage sucks), and they're fun and good looking cars. I intend to keep this one until I wear it out or the new diesel version the're talking about is available.

 

[Alnamvet68]

2010 4 door Rubicon.

 

[ladder13]

See the new vert Dale?

 

[97ZJWheeler]

I'm a fan of any Jeep with the 4.0L under the hood. You can beat on those all day, in the woods in July, and they might get warmer than the normal 210...

 

[woodsltc]

Looked at 'em a couple of years ago......but got a FJ Cruiser instead with 6 speed manual, full-time 4wd, limited slip (ATRAC) front & rear and locking rear (on demand). Great vehicle and fun to drive.

 

[sar4937]

Get the coil spring Wrangler. 4.0 liter motors have exhaust manifold problems, and you can usually hear them when the engine is started stone cold. It will sound like lifter noise. The header cracks, and will need to be replaced by one with flex-pipes built in. Check for rear seal leakage, grease or oil leaks anywhere for that matter. Try to find an unmolested one, alot of these have been altered by those who should not work on cars and are unsafe.

 

[The Big D]

That's it, Mike. Probably the same color combination I will order. Just unveiled yesterday...C6 production line has been shut down and understand they will be building coupes only when production starts with deliveries of the coupes starting in the fall.

Be safe.

See the new vert Dale?

 

[jgh4445]

2000 TJ here. 4.0 L and a 5 speed manual. Bone stock. Hard and soft tops.

 

[CW Spook]

I had a '95 YJ for about 6 or 7 years...it was a really bare bones beater and I loved it. I sold it in a weak moment last spring and missed it so much that in July I bought a brand-new 2-door JK, 6-spd manual with the soft top that was about as close to the old one as I could find. The new 3.8L six gets better than 20 mpg on the highway, much better than my old 2.5L four.

 

[Xfuzz]

Google "Jeep death wobble".

 

[ladder13]

That's it, Mike. Probably the same color combination I will order. Just unveiled yesterday...C6 production line has been shut down and understand they will be building coupes only when production starts with deliveries of the coupes starting in the fall.

Be safe.

My GrandSport is only a year old and I'm thinking of selling for the C7.

 

[mstuhr]

Been in one since the 80's YJ-TJ

Howdy,
I have been in one since the 80's.
All of them have been rather plain. I drop all fluids every two years and keep the oil changed (Mobil-1)
Other than brakes and tires and occasional suspension part I have not done anything to any of them.
The four cylinders have 4:10 gears so there is not much to be gained by going to the four. Not a bad engine, needs to be run hard to produce but takes it.
I have a 2001 4.0 5 speed with 130,000 miles but it is solid yet. All of mine were manual trans and little or no options.

The down side is a dog and small tackle box and it is full. Put lots of stuff in the boat and it won't stop. Works hard around Chattanooga with boat and a weeks gear but will tow through the mountains.
OOOOH....OOOOH..OOOOH... I lied to you all, I forgot about the end of the trail to a well worn YJ in the days of Carburetors. Pop and a big fire Flames pouring out all over, boat on the back and a mad 2 mile dash in flames to the house to get a extinguisher (Yep, had one in the boat) where she melted down in the driveway. It was old and tired and deserved it.
I wish they would make the little square fendered pick up with the sliding roof. I'd buy another one.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Sven]

Great vehicle!

I've had my '97 since new and it's my daily driver. First year of the coil springs so I wouldn't go older than that. The coils ride nice on the street and off-road great! I'd stick with the 4.0 six. The 4 cyl doesn't get any better mileage, but if you find a great deal on one. . . Don't worry about the death wabble in a stock Jeep. Even on a lifted one, it just means you have worn parts that need replacing. No big deal.

Gettin' ready to drive mine out to Moab, then on to AZ for a couple of weeks.

Now, if you happen to find one with the Hemi conversion, that'll really put a smile on your face! Not quite as quick as a Corvette, but. . .

 

[bpeddicord]

My main vehicle is a 4 door 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. I bought it new in early 2009 and proceeded to drive it from Tennessee to Washington State and Oregon to visit friends. We then just went sight seeing around Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Louisanna, Mississippi, and back to Tennessee. No agenda, just go see what ever we wanted to see. No hurry to get home since I had just retired. The Wrangler ran great. Only problem was keeping windshield wiper fluid in the tank in Wyoming. We used several gallons cleaning the bugs off the windshield. At times, it sounded like hail hitting the windshield while on the interstate. I like my Jeep so much that I bought my wife a 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet Edition. Her Jeep is almost 2 years old now and only has 7000 miles on it. She still loves her 2001 Honda CRV for daily transportation.

 

[medalguy]

I have a 1995 4 cyl YJ model Wrangler, about 110,000 miles on it, and it still drives very well. I bought it used from a friend about 10 years ago, and every time he sees me, he asks if I'll sell it back to him. Not a chance.

I think the older Jeeps run better and were built better than the newer ones. If you can find a good deal on a pre-95 TJ I'd go for it. You can sell it for what you put into it when you're ready.

 

[rburg]

Yep, we've got 'em. Or they've got us. for the last 35 or so years, we've had one or two in the family. Lots of mis-information floating around. The best driving jeep ever is the brand new JK. I've got one that's about 8 months old and I don't think I've shut the engine off. Its got 14,000 miles on it. We were out putting dents in it when it still had the temporary tags on it in July.

They've finally put a good engine in the things, and an auto tranny that matches it. Its got an honest 285 horsepower and it shifts when it should. It even gets acceptable (to me) fuel economy.

Jeeps under my ownership don't live easy lives. The new one already has a dent in the fender flare (not a problem) and a scratch or groove all the way down the passenger side. And I just don't care.

The old one is a 2003 we ordered in April of 2002. Its the first edition of the Rubicon. Its going to Moab, and it does just fine. The old straight 6 engines were hobbled by the EPA until they don't make any power. It still gets me around OK. Some day I'll sell it, just not soon.

Probably the best used ones are the very first TJs from 1997 model year. You get a good 4.0 liter before the power robbing emissions. Get much older and you buy a ton of problems.

The fastest one we've owned was the 1983 CJ we put a 360 fuel injected engine in. It ran pretty good. Accelerating up to the tunnels on I 70, it could run at well over 70 and be gaining speed, altitude and all.

 

[Frank46]

I once had a 73 CJ% straight 6 with 3 on the floor. First thing is put big tires on it. Ran good still had a few problems. Like the whole cab leaning over when you made a turn floorboard was rusted out where the cab was connected to the frame. Buddy of mine was a good welder. He cut and installed a whole new floor pan out of 1/8" steel plate. One day coming home the throttle linkgage breaks. Have to pull over and recouple the coccamami lingage. The back bed was rusted out so used aluminum diamond plate with grade 8 bolts. When I sold it to a good friend he asked what a good name would be. Bucket of bolts would be good, so bucket of bolts became the new name for the CJ5. Frank

 

[Chubbs103]

When me and the wife moved to the Mojave, she insisted we needed a jeep. I suggested a JK, but she wanted a CJ. We wound up with a '93 YJ (3 point belts in the back for the kids).

I just took it camping in the Panamint Mnts. Took the Mengel pass without a problem. It crawls around in the rocks pretty well. We only have the top on it about three months out of the year.

Here is a rare photo with the top on.

 

[The Big D]

Great information, folks. Taking copious notes...will keep you posted.

Be safe.

 

[The Big D]

Update and request for more info.

Very seriously considering a 2010 Wrangler that I found when in State College, PA, last week.

It is a 2010 soft top, red, 6-speed, V-6, 51000 miles on the odometer.

Appears pristine...never off road. No dings, no scratches.

Loaded with everything except power locks and windows.

$19,200.

Thoughts, anyone?

Thank you.

Be safe.

 

[Sven]

That one should do you well. I woldn't call it a a "low maintenance 'beater'," as you mentioned in your original post. Price seems good. Wranglers sure seem to hold their value well.

Good luck. My Wrangler just turned sweet 16 this spring. I'm the original owner and it's still my daily driver.

 

[Mike7.62]

Very seriously considering a 2010 Wrangler that I found when in State College, PA, last week.

It is a 2010 soft top, red, 6-speed, V-6, 51000 miles on the odometer.

Appears pristine...never off road. No dings, no scratches.

Loaded with everything except power locks and windows.

$19,200.

Thoughts, anyone?

Thank you.

Be safe.

Your idea of a beater is way different than mine. My Jeep cost $4200 new in 1978. I still have it, and probably will until I croak.

You never said how you wanted to beat it, primarily on road or off. If off road look to suspension, gearing, and tires. If primarily on road, then all of that is secondary. Jeeps are fun regardless of how they get used, and I had/have loads of fun with mine, although nowadays it sits in my barn most of the time.

 

[DelFuego]

My idea of a beater is a 1997 or newer TJ. They can be found for 7,500 or less and have coil springs instead of leaf springs which make for a better ride on and off-road.

Sent from my AT300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[1morethan8]

..putt putt

putt putt..

2006 Rubicon

 

[The Big D]

"Beater" amendment.

Thanks to the remarks of some who replied, I herein aver no "beater" for me now that I have seen some of the Jeeps in my search. Seems they have been beaten senseless.

Now think I need one that has not climbed a mountain of rocks.

Again, thank for your comments. Will keep you posted...

Be safe.

 

[scooter123]

FYI, Mopar Parts offers a kit to convert the 4 door JK into a 2 door short bed pickup. Looks totally cool. You can also have a 6.2L Hemi V8 stuffed into it that is fully emissions certified and compliant. In a straight line that's a pickup truck that would be a bit of a surprise to someone driving a new Corvette. Yeah, I know the Vette would win, however it would have to work at it a lot harder that it's driver would expect.

 

[laskt9]

My tip to you? Avoid all jeeps!


But I'm biased I'm an old Toyota fan. Us and jeepers don't get along

 

[rburg]

The 2010 V6 is a dog when comparing to a 2012 or 2013. The new engine is a little smaller, 3.6L compared to 3.8. The difference is the newer engine comes alive. The 3.8 is rated at 202 hp, and most of us call them liars. The 3.6 is rated at 285 and I believe it. The engine just screams. Better still, they've dumped the junk minivan transmission and put in a good one. Its always got a gear that seems right for the situation.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've had a 92 4cyl, manual and a 95' 6 cyl, Auto. I tend to like the older YJ's myself but hate the ride They ride harder than the coil spring's jeeps but the newer styles tend to have more plastic inside than I care for.
Things to consider. !/2 or full doors? 1/2 doors are nice but looking through plastic windows gets old for me.
Hard/soft top. I never saw the use for hard tops. Jeeps have great heaters and should be driven topless whenever possible. Hardtops are a PITA to take on/off.
Door Style: For me full doors and a good soft top do it all. Your likes may differ.
Look underneath GOOD. Jeeps that have been driven through salt water will show excessive signs of rust.
Nice thing about Jeep Wranglers is that they are the "Mr. Potato Head" of SUVs. If you don't like it as is, there are hundreds of sources for parts to make you fall in love with it again.

FWIW, I'm without a jeep right now but have been planning another before retirement. They get under your skin!