[MemphisCJ7]

Fellow Jeepers,

I am looking into adding a TJ to the fleet. I will never sell my CJ, but now that I have two little girls and a boy on the way I would like to have a safer option available when the kids want to go along. Not to mention, TJ's have been catching my eye lately. Good looking jeeps.

I have about $6,000 dollars to spend.
Questions:
1. Any particular years better than others?
2. Any common mechanical faliures?
3. What areas should I focus my inspection on when looking at a potential TJ?
4. How reliable has yours been for you?
5. Any other advice you would give someone thinking of joining the TJ family.

Thanks for your time and assitance.

[JBTJ]

I have a 1980 CJ7, 1993 YJ and love them both. I would find a TJ that has the 4.0L engine with a Dana44 rear axle, your choice of transmissions, but I prefer the 32RH auto.
I have had no mechanical failures in my 2001 TJ except for that ac fan switch melting, no big deal to fix. I have 5 kids and they love to ride in all 3 of them. These JEEPS have been perfect for me and have driven nothing but these 3 JEEPS for the past 32 years. I think as for the years the 2000~2002 were possibly a little better. I know the 4 speed autos are very picky. I guess it just comes down to what you can find for your price.

[VBRubicon]

Originally Posted by JBTJ

I have 5 kids and they love to ride in all 3 of them. These JEEPS have been perfect for me and have driven nothing but these 3 JEEPS for the past 32 years.

5 kids, 1 wife??, you, 4 seats.....

Do they draw straws to see which 2 get to go or do you just ratchet strap all of them to the roll bars???

[Bobs85Reny]

I am an original cj owner and would never part with mine. I needed a new DD and was looking at tj's too. I went with a 06 LJ. Given the size of your family it might be a better alternative. The longer wheel base makes its road manners much nicer plus you have extra storage. Its more than your budget but I felt it was the best alternative for my family needs. A couple of things to watch out for is the OPDA distributer. and the gas overflow issue. If you want more info search the subjects you will find plenty of info and solutions.

[JBTJ]

Originally Posted by VBRubicon

5 kids, 1 wife??, you, 4 seats.....

Do they draw straws to see which 2 get to go or do you just ratchet strap all of them to the roll bars???

Wife doesn't like it, too bad for her. 3 boys ride in their most of the time.