[onecalledjimbo]

I am looking to buy a Jeep Wrangler or CJ-5/7, all years considered. Very broad, I know, but I am open to any and all suggestions.

Price: sub $10,000 for a TJ/YJ, sub $5,000 for a CJ-5/7

I'm looking for a reliable daily driver (to high school) - something that won't be breaking down often or absolutely terrible on the roads. I really don't care about comfort, but I don't want to be constantly weaving on the highway.

That sounds like a Wrangler, I know, but I'm still considering the CJs because of their utter simplicity.

What should I look for? What should I steer away from? How many miles are too many on a Jeep? What is a Jeep like to live with? What would I be getting myself into?

I'm not afraid to work on one, but I don't have the equipment to do internal engine work or anything that requires pulling the engine.

I'd like to be able to tow (small) things (dirt bikes), but that is not of utmost priority.


As Jeep owners talking to a potential Jeep owner, what advice do you offer? My father would like to make a well-informed decision.


Thank you,


Jamie

[Mike4ya]

My opinions...

Originally Posted by onecalledjimbo

I am looking to buy a Jeep Wrangler or CJ-5/7, all years considered. Very broad, I know, but I am open to any and all suggestions.

Price: sub $10,000 for a TJ/YJ, sub $5,000 for a CJ-5/7


I'm looking for a reliable daily driver (to high school) - something that won't be breaking down often or absolutely terrible on the roads. I really don't care about comfort, but I don't want to be constantly weaving on the highway.
Get a TJ or YJ, CJ's are great, but the older a vehicle gets, the most wore out all the parts will be. You may find yourself putting more money into keeping it running than in your gas tank.

That sounds like a Wrangler, I know, but I'm still considering the CJs because of their utter simplicity.

What should I look for? What should I steer away from? How many miles are too many on a Jeep? What is a Jeep like to live with? What would I be getting myself into?

If you've got the budget, be VERY picky. I'm going to speak for TJs as I dont know everything about YJs). Try and find one with a D44 rear axle, as this will be much beefier to withstand bigger tires and heavier offroading. A D35 came standard on early model TJs, but the 44 was an upgraded option, so they ARE out they, you just have to look.

Miles are all dependent on use. Many 4.0s are known to last 300k+ miles with proper maintenance and care. So try and find one preferably stock, and as clean as possible inside/outside/underneath(check for rust)--This way you know it hasn't been put through serious offroading. Less abuse helps for a longer life. It's also not a bad idea to research the model/year you're looking for, find out recommended oils/maintenance/etc, and ask the seller about them. If they don't know or answer incorrectly, you know that they haven't paid close attention to the care of their Jeep. (If you can get service records that are regular and account for an extended history, this also is a good sign.)

I'm not afraid to work on one, but I don't have the equipment to do internal engine work or anything that requires pulling the engine.

If you're picky and do your research, this should be a problem. Unless you want to drop in a Hemi

I'd like to be able to tow (small) things (dirt bikes), but that is not of utmost priority. Get the 4.0 Inline6. Standard Wrangler (not unlimited) have a towing capacity of 2,000lbs, which should be plenty to carry a trailer with a few bikes or 4wheelers on it. The 2.5 only has a tow rating of 1,000lbs, which could suffice, but personally I wouldn't want to put the 4banger through that sort of struggle. The 4.0 also has a higher resale rate. Also if you're looking at the LJs (2-door Unlimiteds) they have a tow rating of about 3,500lbs (due to the extended wheelbase, and only come with a Dana44 rear axle.)


As Jeep owners talking to a potential Jeep owner, what advice do you offer? My father would like to make a well-informed decision.

Good luck on your purchase and like I said, be very picky and you will be happier in the long run. And watch prices, many people will try and get WAY too much out of their Wrangler than what they're worth, so don't just pay any dime people are asking. Find out what the going rate is through Craigslist around your area, and check KellyBlueBook. Unfortunately KBB doesn't apply to Wranglers around Atlanta (KBB-5k/sells for 7k) ...but many other places it does.

Thank you,


Jamie

There's a lot more I could tell you, but I dont want to seem like I'm rambling. Just search through threads on the forum and you will learn a lot more than you would think. And this was a quick type, so forgive me if I made any typos!