I fall into the group of people who have always wanted a wrangler but don't know much about them.
I am planning on finally taking the plunge and buying my first one in the Spring. I am looking to spend around 6k on it.
One thing that I have noticed is I can get a 99/00 for 6k or a 90/91 for 6k at the same time.
My initial thought is to get something that will last me at least a few years. I am not planning on doing a ton of off roading or anything like that. I definitely would like to get my hands on something with low miles and a good look to it. I also heard the 4.0 engines last forever?
Can you guys give me any ideas as to what I may be looking at?
Again, I am looking for something around 6k with low miles, and one that looks pretty .
Any help you guys can give is very appreciated....
I'd defintely stick with a '97 or newer so you get the TJ version of the Wrangler. '97 and newer TJ Wranglers have so many major improvement over '95 and newer YJ Wrangler (no '96 Wranglers were made) that it's not even funny. MUCH better ride with the coil springs (95 and older have leaf springs), stronger frame, stronger tailgate for heavier spare tires, easier to mod, etc.
be very careful with buying already lifted jeeps. you never know what the previous owner has done.
you'll probably be happier with a tj. yj's aren't for everyone. since jerry did a good job bashin the yj, i'll tell ya why i won't buy a tj. yes the coil springs are better, thats the only improvement i like, i don't like the more refined interior, and the more electronics. every design change they make they make it more road friendly, i love the cj's and yj's.
its all personal preference, thats why there's different jeeps. research what you like, and go with it.
One thing to know about ahead of time is that '97 and newer Wranglers come with either of two different rear axles; the standard Dana 35c or the optional Dana 44. MANY buyers of new and used Jeeps later kicked themselves for not knowing about the Dana 44 option before they bought their Jeep.
If you don't plan to offroad, it's no big deal what axle it has in the rear. But if you're dreaming of making it an offroad beast with big tires and a locker (dramatically helps on tough trails), then you want to make darned sure the Jeep you buy already has the Dana 44 rear axle.
Used much on the trail with bigger tires or a locker, Dana 35c rear axles have a habit of breaking on the trail. The second photo shows a typical kind of Dana 35c rear axle breakage that allows the tire/wheel/axle shaft to separate from the axle housing.
The optional Dana 44 rear axle wasn't available on '95 or older Wranglers, only '97 and newer had them available from the factory.
What's the difference between the standard Dana 35c and optional extra-cost Dana 44 rear axles? Strength. The standard Dana 35c is up to offroading only mild trails with smaller tires. The optional Dana 44 rear axle is up to most anything, big tires and a locker won't faze it.
Since few sellers of used '97 or newer Wranglers know if they have a Dana 35c or Dana 44 rear axle, which axle it has seldom affects the price so its best to find one that has the Dana 44. If you go to add it later, it'll cost a LOT more to do so.
You can easily tell if the rear axle is a Dana 35c or Dana 44; the Dana 35c differential cover has a pure oval shape and has a black plastic snap-in piece that plugs its lubricant fill hole. The Dana 44 differential cover is more stop-sign shaped, kind of angular like an apple laying on its side. It also has a threaded steel bolt that fills its lubricant fill hole that is removed with a wrench.
I am open to either one to be honest. At this point I am looking for one that will be the most reliable to me in every day life with very little off roading involved.
What is high miles for a jeep? I'm having a hard time with the idea of spending 6k on a wrangler with over 130k on it.
I am open to either one to be honest. At this point I am looking for one that will be the most reliable to me in every day life with very little off roading involved.
What is high miles for a jeep? I'm having a hard time with the idea of spending 6k on a wrangler with over 130k on it.
can't pin down hi miles. if its maintained well, over 200k is no problem, 130k is just broken in. one thing about yj's though, i would recomend steering clear all together of 87-89 with the 4.2.
if you know of a good auto shop it is well worth your money to pay them an hour labor to completely inspect the used jeep you wanna buy.
no pain man, this is what the forum is for. hands down the only engine is the 4.0
besides your only options at the years we're talking is 2.5 or 4.0 i've had both engines, 2.5 is a great work horse motor that will run forever, but it is a dog. underpowered. you'll be much happier with the 4.0
I do not have any picks of my jeep sadly- I can see it right now tho in the backyard haha! it is really clean- little bit of rust here and there but nothing major little work on the hinges and mirrors then it will look like new.
Since you are going to be doing very little offroad I suggest you stick to the 4.0 6 cyl. I have the 2.5 4 cyl and love it but I spend at least half my time off pavement. Once you leave the pavemnet the 4 can do anything the 6 can and somethings better. But, onroad the 6 rules.
If you plan on putting some bigger tires, check the gear ratios... I made the mistake of getting a good deal on a TJ only to find out it has 3.07's....$$$ fix.
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