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Buying a Used CJ or Wrangler

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

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

Messages Page 7 of 7

#60 of 63 Daughter set on a jeep by babeegirl1969

Dec 04, 2011 (9:06 pm)

I have been looking at Jeep's for my daughter that will turn 16 in December. I have found a 1995 Jeep Wrangler 2.5L manual, Hard top, 102K for a reasonable price. Many people question me about putting her in a Jeep. I started driving in a 78 K10 Blazer and have been in trucks/SUV's every since. She's got her first "3-wheeler" at the age of 4 and always driven anything she could find. We did the Driver's Ed thing (for insurance purposes!) and her instructor told me he had "no worries with her from day one". Being born and raised around a family semi-trucking company, I don't see the "truck" worry; but people are making me question this possible purchase. I've read a lot here and I'm torn!!
 
Someone wrote "the manual keeps him (16yr son) focused, and speed isn't a real factor.
Another wrote "the tipsyness" which seems to be everyone's concern and now mine!
 
She's strong and smart and a great driver, but still a kid! We live in the country (not back woods!!) and do have some bumpy back roads, mainly some highway driving with no open freeways. From what I am gathering the safety in a rollover, should it occur, is higher than the speed that can be reached in some other choices!
 
Any thoughts or suggestions!!

#61 of 63 Re: Daughter set on a jeep [babeegirl1969] by mac24

Dec 05, 2011 (2:44 pm)

Replying to: babeegirl1969 (Dec 04, 2011 9:06 pm)
Get her a 4cyl auto model and you won't have any worries about speed.
However, the center of gravity is higher than that of a comparable length small car, and where a small car can easily zip quickly around a sharp bend, a Wrangler will be much more likely to lift a wheel at the same speed, or even tip over if it hits a bump at the same time.
If it does actually roll, the 'roll bar' and windshield frame offer much less protection that a car with a regular roof.
 
That said, if she drives in a manner that suits the vehicle, you should have no worries.
Texting, phoning, or being distracted by other teenagers in the Jeep are all much more serious threats to safety.

#62 of 63 Re: Daughter set on a jeep [mac24] by stact114

Dec 07, 2011 (11:48 pm)

Replying to: mac24 (Dec 05, 2011 2:44 pm)
I own a 95 Jeep Wrangler. I am not sure about the driving safety, but I have had a lot of mechanical problems. I was told by a couple of mechanics that this year of wrangler is prone to certain problems including electrical. In the two years I have owned mine, I have had to replace two censors and it still just dies sometimes when I am driving it. And because you need the codes to fix certain things on Jeeps, you can't just bring them to any shop to fix. Just make sure you have a Jeep mechanic look at it. BTW this is not my first Jeep. I have been a Jeep girl for the past 10 years.
 
Good Luck

#63 of 63 Re: Daughter set on a jeep [stact114] by mac24

Dec 09, 2011 (7:33 am)

Replying to: stact114 (Dec 07, 2011 11:48 pm)
own a 95 Jeep Wrangler........... I was told by a couple of mechanics that this year of wrangler is prone to certain problems............
 
Can't really argue with that, although you should take into account that it's a sixteen year old vehicle.
 
Unless there is a specific reason I wouldn't recommend buying anything earlier then a TJ, which first appeared in '97. In fact late '98 or '99 would be the best starting point.
The TJ was a huge improvement over the earlier CJ and YJ models, both mechanically, electrically, and in terms of reliability.

Messages Page 7 of 7

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