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Buying a Used CJ or Wrangler

63 messages,  Last post on Dec 09, 2011 at 7:33 AM

You are in the Jeep Wrangler Forum.

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

Messages Page 4 of 7

#24 of 63 Re: first Jeep [4rider] by erickpl

Jan 03, 2008 (8:21 am)

Replying to: 4rider (Jan 02, 2008 4:39 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 63 Re: first Jeep [erickpl] by 4rider

Jan 03, 2008 (12:09 pm)

Replying to: erickpl (Jan 03, 2008 8:21 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 63 Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding by flyrod

May 20, 2008 (1:12 pm)

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 63 Re: Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding [flyrod] by erickpl

May 20, 2008 (1:45 pm)

Replying to: flyrod (May 20, 2008 1:12 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 63 Re: Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding [flyrod] by jetbatt

May 20, 2008 (8:08 pm)

Replying to: flyrod (May 20, 2008 1:12 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 !

#30 of 63 Re: Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding [jetbatt] by flyrod

May 21, 2008 (4:09 am)

Replying to: jetbatt (May 20, 2008 8:08 pm)
Thanks for the responses. My daughter is an experienced driver, very good with a manual transmission, has always driven "wrecks" that had to be nursed through the day, every day, up to now. She wants the softtop, knows about the ride, noise, etc. She's old enough to get what she wants (and will, no doubt). I feel better about the Wrangler and will go looking with her next month when she's ready to buy (what do I look for besides the underside?). I am thinking a 2005 soft top in good shape with 40K miles, manual tranny, 6cyl, CD, A/C, rear seat should go for $13,500 cash. Is that about right? Any years (older) other than 2005 better than others? Any years to stay away from? We've looked at an 05 with a 6 speed manual 4 cyl that was very nice but I thought it needed a little more merging power.

#31 of 63 Re: Daughter wants a Wrangler, need help deciding [flyrod] by erickpl

May 21, 2008 (11:52 am)

Replying to: flyrod (May 21, 2008 4:09 am)
IF you think she'll offroad or mod it any, try to find one with the Dana 44 rear axle. That has the metal fill plug (not the rubber one).
 
Check the radiator for any signs of leaks (Jeep radiators are a mix of plastic and metal and can crack - easily fixed). May also want to check under the carpet for signs of rust.
 
If you stick with 03 and newer, you should get a decent one. Quite a few changes in 02 and 03, but then fairly consistent after that.
 
The opinion about full vs half doors is pure opinion. I have half doors and HATE the full doors. When the uppers are off, VERY comfortable. The full doors feel confining by comparison, though I admit they are more secure, especially with a hard top.
 
may want to see about finding one with both hard and soft top if possible. If you have one top, and want the other, adding it later can be pricey!
 
-Paul

#33 of 63 1981 CJ Superstar?? by cactusgabby

Jun 10, 2009 (6:50 pm)

New here...does anyone know what a 1981 CJ Superstar is worth? It isn't on kelley blue book or edmunds.com since it is so old. Thank you for any information anyone can give me.

Messages Page 4 of 7

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