[dart1516]

I've always wanted a jeep and this would be my first car. I'm looking to purchase used, and I don't have the best budget but I have seen some CJs and older YJs in my range. I don't really understand the difference b/t both models other than the square/round lights and of course the YJ is more modern. As a daily driver what should I lean toward and why? Also, since I'm buying used, what Jeep specific issues should I be on the lookout for?

Thanks!

[bobbert350]

hmm try to get a 4banger yj...with a cj ur gonna have some problems doing work cauz its older and its alot harder to remove thing most of the times..4banger and a manual to get ok gas mileage unless u can a fi 6 cylindar

[dart1516]

I should have mentioned in my first post, I am definitely looking for a 6 cylinder. My dad won't even allow me to consider a 4.

[Tomb Raider]

Definitely a YJ. Less maintainence, 4.0L more reliable than the carb'd CJ's.

[northjeep]

I was lucky to find a great deal on a YJ that had a total frame off restoration.
It had the front body work swapped to CJ style.
The Fuel Injection and electronic ignition is by SDS and has been very solid.

You might luck out like I did and find a good jeep with decent mods if you can wait a while.

I would advise you to look for a jeep thats for sale by a body repair guy...at least if your not too sure about the mechanicals (which dont generally die) then you have a good foundation to wrench on.

RUST IS THE ENEMY!

Originally Posted by Tomb Raider

Definitely a YJ. Less maintainence, 4.0L more reliable than the carb'd CJ's.

Just as a side note:
Not all JY's are Injected. 88-89 were carb with 4.2's.

[trw]

YJs have stronger frames, more stable suspensions, wider wheelbase, and the benefit of more powerful fuel injected engines, and I think the front D30 axle is stronger too, the transfercase doesnt hang as low, and a bunch of other stuff, but cant remember everything.

they also tend to go for less then a CJ (atleast from what I've seen) and dont have much trouble with rust as CJs do due to time.

oh and then who cant forget, the far superior square headlights

[Tomb Raider]

Originally Posted by northjeep

Just as a side note:
Not all JY's are Injected. 88-89 were carb with 4.2's.

Your almost right... 87-90 were carb'd.

[Nightcon777]

Id say look for a 91-95 YJ, like said above, watch for rust in the floors, tailgate windshield frame, where the rollbar mounts and rockers. Lower miles the better

[Bob_R]

Besides all those things mentioned you are in a YJ forum!! Of course it should be a YJ, why not? YJ are the best to work on, best bang for the stock I6 so YJ not? And also the YJ has the best of all worlds, carbs, FI, computer, ign module, and all the other good stuff. And when you want to start changing things most after market parts are YJ, so again, YJ not?

I'd differently say YJ.

[dart1516]

[QUOTE=Bob_R]Besides all those things mentioned you are in a YJ forum!! Of course it should be a YJ, why not? [QUOTE]

Duly noted. No bias, eh?
Thanks for all the input thus far guys.

[toates89]

look on craigslist.com just click your state on the right great website

[rezalien]

Just like everybody else...YJ

I sold my restored 1980 CJ5 to buy a YJ to make my daily driver/weekend warrior. I had planned on driving my CJ but it was just too small and overall didn't run as well (even with a rebuilt 4.2)...guess it was due to the carb and actual age of the vehicle. Plus there seems to be a lot more choices for aftermarket/comfort parts for the YJ...so it's easier to actually have the best of both worlds.

I was going to spring for a CJ7 but just found that everyone wanted WAY too much for an old beat up 7, compared to what I could get in a YJ. End result? I got a lot more Jeep for the $ with my YJ, while still retaining the leaf springs and bumpy ride that I love!....now the square headlights? well, I'm learning to love 'em.

just my .02

[dart1516]

My Dad seems to think the CJ is a better vehicle than the YJ based on its resale value. But I'm having such a horrible time looking for a decent CJ that I wanted to expand my search (based on earlier arguments presented in this thread). His argument was that the CJs now are going for the same price if not more than a used YJ, so the CJ must be a better product. Again, we're talking about a vehicle that would be my main source of transportation Is there any method to what he is saying? I'm trusting you guys not to be biased.

[JaySpencer66]

Get a 92+YJ. It was the second year that they had the 4.0L HO fuel injected inline 6. It was also the first year with the "family style" roll cage that had rear seat belts.

The frame on the YJ is tough as nails and you still have leaf springs. Be ready for a lot of change over on the engine if it was not kept up. Things like the radiator, belts, hoses, oil pump and everything bolted to the engine basicly.

[Bgeddes]

My Dad seems to think the CJ is a better vehicle than the YJ based on its resale value. But I'm having such a horrible time looking for a decent CJ that I wanted to expand my search (based on earlier arguments presented in this thread). His argument was that the CJs now are going for the same price if not more than a used YJ, so the CJ must be a better product. Again, we're talking about a vehicle that would be my main source of transportation Is there any method to what he is saying? I'm trusting you guys not to be biased.

I was loking for a YJ or CJ to use as trail rig. EVERY CJ I looked at for less that $5 or 6K needed a body or a ton of work to get solid again. Most YJs were in far better shape body wise. I opted for a solid bodied YJ that needed and engine. I got it for $1000K. For me the mechanical work is easier and faster than the body work. I droppped in a used (free) engine and I could probably triple my money now that it's drivable. I could have easily installed a later model engine or a rebuilt unit for less than work and money that replacing a CJ body.

Good luck.