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Which model Wrangler should we buy?

2K views 19 replies 12 participants last post by  05ljman 
#1 ·
I have been told (by my wife) I am getting too old to ride dirt bikes anymore so I have decided to get a Wrangler as a second vehicle for weekend cruising and I need advice as to which one would be the best fit for what I want from one.

20 years ago I owned a CJ7 with a 304 V8 and 3 speed manual for a short time and loved the power but hated the shifter, not at all like the 4 speed I had in my car.

I like power so a four banger would probably not do it for me and I understand some 6I have a lot more horses than other years. A V8 with an auto tranny would be more what I think I would like but they are not easy to find.

I see us using it for weekend road trips and cruising in the woods.

I am a shade tree mechanic, so maintaining one would not really be an issue, but I don't want to buy a "project" and spend all my time working on it.

My budget will have to be under $10,000, but I think I can find a reliable ride for that.

Please give us some advice
 
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#2 ·
I'm in the same boat as you, problem is there just isn't much available for under 10k that isn't going to need some work due to age and mileage. You definitely won't find a rubicon for that price and the 4 door sports are pricey as well.

I've been scouring the classifieds, craigslist and the forums for ages...

Anyway, good luck with your search.
 
#6 ·
Thanks guys
I have seen some that look and seem like a good buy, but I just don't know enough about all the different models yet.
Like the Dana 44's. Can lockers be added to any model?
I drive a 4x4 truck so I understand high and low range transfer cases, so is there really a need to gear the axles low? would lockers in both axels be necessary?
I live in North Central Fl, we have a lot of sand and mud, so I thinking lockers would be a good idea.
 
#7 ·
Welcome.....there is a TON of info on here. The nice thing is most every question you have someone has PROBABLY already asked it...and gotten a LOT of answers...and some even disagree!!

Easiest way to think of it, Rubi's=Most expensive...and usually most desired. Factory lockers!!
Sahara's="Plusher", better "looks" and "trim level".
Sport/ X base models= MAY have the Dana 44 as an option. May have a "locker" (there were a few) Some haves LSD some have a 4cyl...most have the 6cyl.

IMO I would only go with the "newer" TJs that have the "solid state"/ coil rail for the plugs no distribitor or wires. I prefer the 5spd but that is just me.
Your tranny will be the "better" auto if you get one with the coil rail...just the way things worked out.
And yes Locker any model but not always recommended.
Again ask questions gets lots of answers, sort through what works for you.GOOD LUCK!!
 
#9 ·
:welcome: to the asylum!

I'm in the same shift from motorcycling to "something else" and after getting clued into Jeeps, spent around 6 months looking and considered everything from "any old Jeep" to a new one off the dealer lot.

Eventually settled on the '06 TJ as described in my signature. Personally, I'm having a blast with the 6-speed.

I did spend a bit more than what your budget allows -- which also happened to be more than I originally wanted to spend, but I pounced on a basic garage queen and am glad I waited and spent the extra $$.

:thumb:
 
#11 ·
wordsmyth,
I'm thinking it will probably end up like you, spending a little more than I planned to in the beginning. Most of what I see out there, that I really like is a little bit more than 10G. I know if I get too nice of one I will not want to put in the junk so much.....
But it needs to be dependable more than anything else because breaking down out in the woods somewhere can cause my wife to get a bit grouchy, if you know what I mean
 
#12 ·
LOL. I know exactly what you mean. :drinks:

At the point of breaking down in the woods I think every man is married to the same woman, or at least her sister. Have never heard of any female exclaiming "I'm so excited to be broken down here!"

Jeeps are a bit like motorcycles in that the better prices happen in wintertime, so you are coming up on the best time of year to shop.

The "pounce factor" is important. Once I settled on what I wanted I got my pennies all counted and then snagged it when it came across the radar.

Good luck in the hunt!

:thumb:
 
#13 ·
You are looking for the same thing I was when I bought my jeep. I figured I could buy one that was 10 years old or so with less than 100k miles for around $10k.
I looked for 6 months and never found one. Anything with less than 80k miles on it had an asking price of $17k or more. I found a few decent ones in the $10k range, but they had at least 125k miles.

In the end, I bought new because I couldn't justify spending so much on a used one when a brand new (2010) JK sport was $21k with a warranty.

I don't want to be too discouraging, because there are deals out there if you look long enough. But be prepared if you find that good deal and you may want to consider new due the high used jeep prices.
 
#15 ·
^x2

Summer = top down
Winter = hunting season
 
#18 ·
Here you go, found this for you in Pennsylvania.Lifted V-8 Jeep Wrangler
That looks to be an interesting deal.

Here's a low-mileage garage queen I found in the Atlanta Craigslist.

I agree with whoever said that sometimes the difference in money says "just get a new one," but for someone who wants a TJ this could be a sweet deal at the right price.

'06 Rubicon - 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
 
#19 ·
Maybe a CJ7 auto would be the answer....

Heck, for a little less than $10K you could get a total frame up restore of a late 70's early 80's CJ (5 or 7). I just finished looking at a bunch of Jeeps from every state and had two CJ7's that really tore at my heart. A 1980 with 350 Auto and B&M shifter plus a 1980 Auto Renegade with three tops. Both were all metal and in like new condition after the rebuild and the more expensive one was $8,800. I ended up going with my first choice, an 06 Rubicon for almost $5K more.

Just take your time and study what's out there before pulling the trigger and you will find THE ONE. Jeeps have a tendency to "speak" at you when you look at them. When I was going to look at mine I tried to tell myself not to expect much and - bam - she said "Hello Sailor!"
 
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