Daily Driver??

Offroadin_89_YJ · 03-05-2003, 03:25 PM

OK I am 16 years old and I'm looking for a GOOD! jeep to get me to and from school and have a little fun on the side...I'm thinking of a 97 or 98 Wrangler SAHARA or a 1999 TJ Sport...if you guys know if these are unreliable(for a daily driver) or have better suggestions just go ahead and post em' id like to know which is right for me befor I buy it...PS I like round headlights

and im looking to spend about 15 grand CANADIAN not TO sure how much that is American though

**Markus** · 03-05-2003, 04:03 PM

I had a 98 Sahara and loved it. Guarantees you the I6 engine. If you are looking at a manual transmission, watch for any difficulties shifting into 2nd (seems to be a problem with the AX-15 transmission, which incidentally is also found on all I6 manuals from 97-early 99). Certainly not every Jeep through these years had this problem, but it is a weak point.

You'll pay more for a Sahara than a Sport initially (average 1000-1500 CDN more) but the resale value will reflect that when you sell it.

Look for one with a Dana44 rear end - much stronger rear axle than the standard Dana35. Both Sport and Sahara models were and are still available with this upgraded rear axle as a factory option.

The Sport and Sahara are comparable vehicles ride-wise. Unlike the Tj's predecessor, the YJ, where the Sahara edition had a heavier-duty suspension from factory, the 6 cyl TJs all have the same ones. Upgrades on the Sahara over the Spart are purely aesthetic. Good luck with the decision.

You should be able to find either one for 14000 to 16000 +tax CDN. Especially in Ontario.

Markus.

**Markus** · 03-05-2003, 04:07 PM

http://www.trader.ca/Wheels4Less/Default.asp?Trader=1&CAT=2&adid=2587892&dContact=5 50280&VLot=/Wheels4Less&ADS=2587892%7C&SRVlot=1&SRslts=1&q1=%3 D+2&c1=%40category&q3=%3D+71&c3=%40makeid&q4=%3D+3 656&c4=%40modelcode&q5=&c5=%40adcopy&q6=%3E%3D+199 7+and+%3C%3D+1999&c6=%40year&q7=&c7=%40askprice&mk nm=71&mdnm=TJ

Might be a reasonable Jeep. Certainly a good price. Maybe too good?

Markus.

Offroadin_89_YJ · 03-05-2003, 08:59 PM

WOW

im gonna give them a call and the great thing is that kingston road is about 20 minutes away from me...but with a low price like that there either must be a real problem or was in a wreck...

KMAKAZE99 · 03-05-2003, 09:15 PM

I would jump on that !

dontpush · 03-05-2003, 09:41 PM

i have a 2k tj 2.5L 4 bangger. bought it for 14,500. thats with no ac (who cares, doors and top can come off) no stereo (i had my own to put in anyways) and the stockish (is that a word??) rims and tires you can get. it was a steal. and yes i bought it new. not bad for a college student that goes to and from school and maybe work. 10 bucks of gas will last me about 5 days.

GW · 03-06-2003, 07:56 AM

Wranglers are ok daily drivers for short trips. But keep in mind that the current wrangler, that is not all that far removed from the military MBs, is primarily designed for off road use at slow speeds. Its a pure off roader. Everything else is secondary. If you intend to take long highway trips, carry around a lot of stuff, tow something, or travel with other people, the wrangler is not the best choice. It can do all these things, but not nearly as well as other trucks. You may want to consider a used cherokee, liberty, xterra, etc.

Wranglers are small without much carrying capacity inside so don't plan on hauling lots of stuff. You can squeeze three passengers in it as long as they don't have any luggage and you're not going that far and they aren't big and tall. It can tow about 2000 pounds which is not all that much. The soft top raises theft concerns. Plus the short wheel base that makes the wrangler great off road, also makes it on the squirrely side on slick streets.

If you just want a suv for short trips and off roading, its a decent choice. Otherwise, think again. There are lots of 1-2 year old wranglers on used car lots bought buy people for the image without enough consideration for its design.

Offroadin_89_YJ · 03-06-2003, 10:14 AM

hmmmmm....I also forgot to mention that i am a slighty bigger then average 16 year old ( height and a little bit of width)so take that also in to consideration... and MG you bring up a lot of good concerns...theft...towing and all...i think im going to go find a jeep take it for a test drive...bring it up to my house at around 8:00 AM and see how long it takes me to get to my school...i will get a friend and see if he finds it comfortable...and then i will see if i can get used to the ride quality and romminess. If all those tests are PASSED i know what my next vehicle will be.

Glenn · 03-06-2003, 10:28 AM

I've got a '97 TJ Sport 4.0L 5Spd for sale and it sounds like we're in the same neighbourhood... I'm near Kingston and Morningside in Scarborough. The jeep's specs are below. Email me at glenn@thegriffiths.ca if you're interested or would like to see some pics.

Teal '97 TJ Sport 4.0L
AX-15 5spd (with no 2nd gear issues)
165000Km
4 inch SkyJacker lift kit (w/ t-case drop)
33" Dunlop Radial Mud Rovers, 85% tread (matching spare)
Black soft top with half doors
Warn Receiver rear bumper
Cut down front bumper
Winch mount for Warn XD9000I (Winch not included)
CB, Off-road lights, etc.

Asking 14,500.00 CANADIAN Cert. and emission tested.

View Poll Results: Which JEEP is right for me
97 JEEP Wrangler SAHARA	0	0%
98 JEEP Wrangler SAHARA	2	13.33%
1999 JEEP TJ Sport	7	46.67%
Other ( please tell me in your post)	6	40.00%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll

03-05-2003, 04:03 PM	#2
Markus Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 723 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I had a 98 Sahara and loved it. Guarantees you the I6 engine. If you are looking at a manual transmission, watch for any difficulties shifting into 2nd (seems to be a problem with the AX-15 transmission, which incidentally is also found on all I6 manuals from 97-early 99). Certainly not every Jeep through these years had this problem, but it is a weak point. You'll pay more for a Sahara than a Sport initially (average 1000-1500 CDN more) but the resale value will reflect that when you sell it. Look for one with a Dana44 rear end - much stronger rear axle than the standard Dana35. Both Sport and Sahara models were and are still available with this upgraded rear axle as a factory option. The Sport and Sahara are comparable vehicles ride-wise. Unlike the Tj's predecessor, the YJ, where the Sahara edition had a heavier-duty suspension from factory, the 6 cyl TJs all have the same ones. Upgrades on the Sahara over the Spart are purely aesthetic. Good luck with the decision. You should be able to find either one for 14000 to 16000 +tax CDN. Especially in Ontario. Markus. __________________ [URL=http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/370762]HEAVILY ARMOURED 2002 SAHARA[/URL] [URL=www.truro-offroad.com]TRURO OFFROAD[/URL] Last edited by Markus; 03-05-2003 at 04:08 PM..

03-05-2003, 04:07 PM	#3
Markus Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 723 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	http://www.trader.ca/Wheels4Less/Default.asp?Trader=1&CAT=2&adid=2587892&dContact=5 50280&VLot=/Wheels4Less&ADS=2587892%7C&SRVlot=1&SRslts=1&q1=%3 D+2&c1=%40category&q3=%3D+71&c3=%40makeid&q4=%3D+3 656&c4=%40modelcode&q5=&c5=%40adcopy&q6=%3E%3D+199 7+and+%3C%3D+1999&c6=%40year&q7=&c7=%40askprice&mk nm=71&mdnm=TJ Might be a reasonable Jeep. Certainly a good price. Maybe too good? Markus. __________________ [URL=http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/370762]HEAVILY ARMOURED 2002 SAHARA[/URL] [URL=www.truro-offroad.com]TRURO OFFROAD[/URL] Last edited by Markus; 03-05-2003 at 04:10 PM..

03-05-2003, 08:59 PM	#4
Offroadin_89_YJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 76 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	WOW im gonna give them a call and the great thing is that kingston road is about 20 minutes away from me...but with a low price like that there either must be a real problem or was in a wreck... __________________ Currently driving: 1993 Ford Taurus SHO, 2003 Gran Prix GTP, 2003 Ford Escape XLT. VERY Soon to come: 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ. .

03-05-2003, 09:15 PM	#5
KMAKAZE99 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I would jump on that ! __________________ 99 TJ SE/4 Angry Hampsters 3'' BDS Lift, 1''MML, 1"BL, RE Trac Bar, 33''x12.50'' BFG's on 15''x8'' Krawlers D30 Front Super35 Rear /4.88 gears. OX-LKRS on both Co-Co Nuts

03-05-2003, 09:41 PM	#6
dontpush Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Barrington, il Posts: 220 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	i have a 2k tj 2.5L 4 bangger. bought it for 14,500. thats with no ac (who cares, doors and top can come off) no stereo (i had my own to put in anyways) and the stockish (is that a word??) rims and tires you can get. it was a steal. and yes i bought it new. not bad for a college student that goes to and from school and maybe work. 10 bucks of gas will last me about 5 days.

03-06-2003, 07:56 AM	#7
GW Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Michigan's UP Posts: 170 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Depends on how you will use the jeep Wranglers are ok daily drivers for short trips. But keep in mind that the current wrangler, that is not all that far removed from the military MBs, is primarily designed for off road use at slow speeds. Its a pure off roader. Everything else is secondary. If you intend to take long highway trips, carry around a lot of stuff, tow something, or travel with other people, the wrangler is not the best choice. It can do all these things, but not nearly as well as other trucks. You may want to consider a used cherokee, liberty, xterra, etc. Wranglers are small without much carrying capacity inside so don't plan on hauling lots of stuff. You can squeeze three passengers in it as long as they don't have any luggage and you're not going that far and they aren't big and tall. It can tow about 2000 pounds which is not all that much. The soft top raises theft concerns. Plus the short wheel base that makes the wrangler great off road, also makes it on the squirrely side on slick streets. If you just want a suv for short trips and off roading, its a decent choice. Otherwise, think again. There are lots of 1-2 year old wranglers on used car lots bought buy people for the image without enough consideration for its design.

03-06-2003, 10:14 AM	#8
Offroadin_89_YJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 76 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	hmmmmm....I also forgot to mention that i am a slighty bigger then average 16 year old ( height and a little bit of width)so take that also in to consideration... and MG you bring up a lot of good concerns...theft...towing and all...i think im going to go find a jeep take it for a test drive...bring it up to my house at around 8:00 AM and see how long it takes me to get to my school...i will get a friend and see if he finds it comfortable...and then i will see if i can get used to the ride quality and romminess. If all those tests are PASSED i know what my next vehicle will be. __________________ Currently driving: 1993 Ford Taurus SHO, 2003 Gran Prix GTP, 2003 Ford Escape XLT. VERY Soon to come: 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ. .

03-06-2003, 10:28 AM	#9
Glenn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Great White North Posts: 12 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I've got a '97 TJ Sport 4.0L 5Spd for sale and it sounds like we're in the same neighbourhood... I'm near Kingston and Morningside in Scarborough. The jeep's specs are below. Email me at glenn@thegriffiths.ca if you're interested or would like to see some pics. Teal '97 TJ Sport 4.0L AX-15 5spd (with no 2nd gear issues) 165000Km 4 inch SkyJacker lift kit (w/ t-case drop) 33" Dunlop Radial Mud Rovers, 85% tread (matching spare) Black soft top with half doors Warn Receiver rear bumper Cut down front bumper Winch mount for Warn XD9000I (Winch not included) CB, Off-road lights, etc. Asking 14,500.00 CANADIAN Cert. and emission tested. __________________ Is it time for your medication or mine? Last edited by Glenn; 03-06-2003 at 10:38 AM..