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Sahara or Sport, need help

4K views 27 replies 17 participants last post by  MCG 
#1 ·
Hi everyone, I am new to the forum, I need some advice and one question to be answer, I hope you guys can help me :) because I am planning to buy one of these models, but do not know the difference, please help me

1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara or 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport they are both selling for $6,995, both are automatic, both are 6 cyc., both are soft top . Sport has 96,000 miles, Sahara has 107,000 miles both are in very clean condition inside and outside.

The question is which one has a smoother ride?, which one should I buy?
 
#2 ·
I drive a '98 Sahara and I love it. I have driven a few others and I do think mine rides a little better. However, I am a bit partial :)

I wouldn't look for a very smooth ride from any wrangler though. You are still going to feel bumps and when the wind picks up you're going to know about it. My advice, test drive them both and see what ya like better. That sahara may have a crappy ride, who knows!

Good luck and welcome to the Forum
 
#3 ·
The problem is it is out of state I can't test drive it, but the look of the photo they look so clean, they are both from a dealer , I found them online. Is there a difference between the 97 and 98 models and what is the difference between a Sahara and Sport? The prices for 97 and 98 are too much here in Connecticut. I am planning to purchase it soon so it is a big risk buying a car from out of state, this is why I join the forum to ask for some advice.
 
#4 ·
First off I am not a TJ owner. With that said as I understand it the Sport model is the base model and the Sahara is the upgraded model. The Sahara should have a few more options installed. HTH
 
#10 ·
Get the VIN from the dealer and then you can punch up a build sheet and find out what axle, ect it has.
 
#21 ·
Dude has a lift in his driveway, we are all jelous!!

In an effort to stay on topic, isn't there someone on the forum from Clinton NY? For some reason that sounds familiar. Wouldn't it be nice to send someone impartial to check it out for you.

From my point of view I would go with the Sahara. A year newer and a higher end model with only a few more miles. It shure would be nice to be able to crawl around underneath and look for any neglect or abuse.
 
#22 ·
I would go for sport
less miles and i believe the only big difference between sahara and sport is AC and painted fenders, although i could be very wrong

i agree ask for a picture of the skid plates and see if it had been abused odd road and ask to see if it has the Dana 44 rear dif. those two things would be what would sway my opinion
 
#25 ·
it will wont really make a difference unless you want lockers or 35's, but it would help the resale vales, and if you get bitten by the bug!

i was thinking about it and if the dealers dishonest he could give you a shot of a different skid and you would have no way of telling until you got it, so make sure their reputable
 
#28 · (Edited)
Sahara...More options installed,19 gallon fuel tank for that year also,on 97 sport was an option,(if I'm not wrong)
My friend drives a 97 sport and i have a 00 sahara,There is a big difference on the standard features,plus the options allready installed on mine,like full doors,A/C,Alluminum wheels(grand canyon),31's all terrain,factory fog lights,side bars,cd player,sound bar,nicer seats,etc etc.
 
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