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Buying a Used CJ or Wrangler

59 messages,  Last post on Sep 07, 2009 at 8:20 AM

You are in the Jeep Wrangler Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Jeep Wrangler, Jeep CJ-7, SUV


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#20 of 59
How many miles are too many? by ccronquist
Oct 14, 2007 (6:01 am)
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Replying to: jeepsibuild (Sep 08, 2007 3:48 am)

I'd like to buy a used TJ with a 6-cylinder and an automatic transmission. How many miles are too many? And does anyone have any experience with buying Jeeps from CarMax? Thanks
#21 of 59
first Jeep by ajeepforme
Nov 18, 2007 (10:02 pm)
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in the future, the next year or two, i would like to purchase a Jeep Wrangler. probably used and probably a standard. however i know nothing about them execpt that i really want one. what should i know before hand? is it any different than buying any other vehicle? i've only bought cars before. and what is a YJ, CJ, TJ? as you can tell i'm new to this! but would appreciate any help, Thanks!
#22 of 59
Re: first Jeep [ajeepforme] by erickpl
Jan 02, 2008 (9:18 am)
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Replying to: ajeepforme (Nov 18, 2007 10:02 pm)

CJ, YJ, TJ, etc are all model designations from jeep for the variations.
 
CJ - older style up to about 1985 IIRC.
YJ - 86-96
TJ - 97-06 models (what I drive)
JK - 07-now
 
When looking at a Jeep, consider if you plan on offroading it - as that may affect which version you go after. I personally wouldn't go any older than a TJ, especially if you want reliability for a daily driver.
 
If you plan to offroad, consider the axle types (Dana 44's have a metal plug on the back axle for draining vs a rubber one and are considerably stronger). Strength is key for bigger tires, gears, lockers, etc.
 
Some like the hard top, some love the soft top. Mine only has the soft top and steel half doors. My upper doors/windows are fabric. There are:
 
Hard tops / soft tops
full doors / half doors
Safari / bikini tops to cover the cabin, but have no windows at all (I run one in the summer with no doors at all.
 
If you tell me what your intended activities are with it, I could better help you. A 2001-2006 TJ (Sport trim) with hard and soft tops is an EXCELLENT base to start from, whichever path you choose.
 
-Paul
#23 of 59
Re: first Jeep [erickpl] by 4rider
Jan 02, 2008 (3:39 pm)
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Replying to: erickpl (Jan 02, 2008 9:18 am)

One thing to consider on the later TJs(may be 03 and newer?) it that it they have a lower hanging gas tank which makes the rear diff oil change or any other work in that tight spot unnecessarily painful. I had to get rid of my Rockcrusher diff cover in the back for this very reason.
#24 of 59
Re: first Jeep [4rider] by erickpl
Jan 03, 2008 (7:21 am)
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Replying to: 4rider (Jan 02, 2008 3:39 pm)

That's what body lifts and Kilby tank skids will help with.
 
I've found that jacking up the body/frame a bit to sit on jackstands so the axles are easier to access makes changing the fluids a bit easier.
 
-Paul
#25 of 59
Re: first Jeep [erickpl] by 4rider
Jan 03, 2008 (11:09 am)
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Replying to: erickpl (Jan 03, 2008 7:21 am)

"I've found that jacking up the body/frame a bit to sit on jackstands so the axles are easier to access makes changing the fluids a bit easier. "
 
Totally agreed. In fact, this is the only way to do it. I guess this is a lesser problem for liftted TJs. I wished they could have designed this differently so that there is a little more space between the tank and the rear axle for easier maintenance and (quick) inspections.
#27 of 59
Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding by flyrod
May 20, 2008 (12:12 pm)
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My daughter is in the market for a car and wants a Wrangler, manual transmission with softtop. Looks like 2005 is the price range limit.
 
Questions: mileage for a 6 vice 4 cyl? reliability? safety? will be driving in No. VA. DC area. any and all advice will be welcomed.
#28 of 59
Re: Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding [flyrod] by erickpl
May 20, 2008 (12:45 pm)
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Replying to: flyrod (May 20, 2008 12:12 pm)

Questions for your first:
 
How old is she? Wranglers are not necessarily ideal for a new driver due to their short wheelbase and higher COG. My daughter had one (and it became mine) and nearly rolled it on the road going around the corner.
 
As for your questions:
1. 6 will have more pep, esp on the highways. Mileage may be a hair better for the 4, but not enough to be a huge difference. The 4 is great for around town. DEFINITELY not a speed demon. I have a 4cyl.
2. Reliability. Depends on previous owners. My 97 is doing okay with only a few things I've had to address, mainly from my offroading. If the PO wheeled it (check the underside for scrapes, dents, etc) I'd probably stay away.
3. Safety. They hold up pretty well in crashes, but if this is a concern, I think there are better SUV options out there. I drive mine w/o doors and top and it can be disconcerting for younger drivers knowing a bumper or other car part could get ya pretty easily. I've armored mine up for offroad action and I actually feel safer in it as a result, even on road.
 
In your region, knowing how DC drivers are, the 6 would be a better option as far as being able to go highway speeds vs being the slowpoke and have a truck drive up the tailpipe.
 
-Paul
#29 of 59
Re: Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding [flyrod] by jetbatt
May 20, 2008 (7:08 pm)
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Replying to: flyrod (May 20, 2008 12:12 pm)

1. Definitely the 6cyl. (#1 - more zip, #2 resale value, #3 Mpg difference is negligible)
 
2. My 2004 has had ZERO problems! and yes it has been used off-road.
 
3. Safety? Name any other consumer vehicle that comes with a functional roll-cage. We traded a dodge neon in on our Wrangler and my insurance premiums actually dropped! They are safe to drive and cheap to fix.
 
4. Things you WILL want in a used jeep. Full size doors are a must, No one wants to unzip the window every time you go to the ATM or McDonalds. Hard top is a Plus for the winters in your area, you can always buy an aftermarket soft top.( Alot of Hardtoppers like me have both ). Say NO to skinny tires. Wider tires get more traction in wet weather and have better overall handling. A/C comes in handy when sitting in traffic under a hot sun.
 
5. One thing to remember - They all ride ruff !

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