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Jeep Question
Posted on 12/9/22 at 8:28 am
Posted on 12/9/22 at 8:28 am
I have been casually browsing for a 2 door manual wrangler. I don't need it, but I always wanted one. My nephew has really gotten into jeeps recently so he has sort of guided me through this process. What I can tell from looking is people are proud of these vehicles and/or they hold their value, which is odd to me because they seem to be money pits.
Anyway, this vehicle will mostly be used to ride around town in, no mud riding or towing.
I have been told to get a TJ 6 cylinder, but I have seen some clean JK's on FB. One of my patient's mentioned the 3.8 in the JK has all sorts of problems at or after 100k miles. Is this true? The one I was looking at has arounf 70k miles and it says its been garage kept with a female driver.
Most of the TJ's have over 100k miles so I wanted some guidance on which engine may have more life (less issues). I know this depends on who the driver was and what they did with the jeep, but if they were basically garage kept, does it matter?
Anyway, this vehicle will mostly be used to ride around town in, no mud riding or towing.
I have been told to get a TJ 6 cylinder, but I have seen some clean JK's on FB. One of my patient's mentioned the 3.8 in the JK has all sorts of problems at or after 100k miles. Is this true? The one I was looking at has arounf 70k miles and it says its been garage kept with a female driver.
Most of the TJ's have over 100k miles so I wanted some guidance on which engine may have more life (less issues). I know this depends on who the driver was and what they did with the jeep, but if they were basically garage kept, does it matter?
9
Posted on 12/9/22 at 8:45 am to Creedence
reddit wrangler forum
There is a lot of good info here and you can ask some specific questions to jeep nerds and get solid answers there.
There is a lot of good info here and you can ask some specific questions to jeep nerds and get solid answers there.
Posted on 12/9/22 at 9:47 am to Creedence
The 3.8 has oil cooler issues, not a big deal but it can be expensive. You can find a lot of them that have already had this done. That being said, the JK is a big improvement over the TJ in terms of just being a "sometimes" car.
I went from a JK, to a JLU and now I am back in a TJ. The TJ by far rides the worst, feels old, and it the easiest to work on. Power between the 4.0 and 3.8 isn't much, MPG it close if that matters. Have quite a few buddies with 100K+ mile 3.8's and never really have had major issues.
I went from a JK, to a JLU and now I am back in a TJ. The TJ by far rides the worst, feels old, and it the easiest to work on. Power between the 4.0 and 3.8 isn't much, MPG it close if that matters. Have quite a few buddies with 100K+ mile 3.8's and never really have had major issues.
This post was edited on 12/9/22 at 9:48 am
Posted on 12/9/22 at 9:50 am to Creedence
I have a '15 4 door (91k) and a '16 (195k)2 door. No issues with either. Motor still runs like a top.
On the '15 I have replaced the heater core and belt.
'16 nothing but routine maintence.
On the '15 I have replaced the heater core and belt.
'16 nothing but routine maintence.
Posted on 12/9/22 at 10:31 am to alteroviously
TJ 4.0 is the best jeep made. JKs are woke stupid jeeps
Posted on 12/9/22 at 10:36 am to Creedence
The 4.0 (and its predecessor the 4.2) will run forever. Just depends on what you want. I'm on my third CJ7 through the years, but it's just a toy. I don't have any desire to own one of the JK's or newer.
Posted on 12/9/22 at 11:23 am to Park duck
quote:
TJ 4.0 is the best jeep made. JKs are woke stupid jeeps
dumb take. they're more capable.
3.6 pentastar and the transmission that comes with those are tough as NAILS.
to the OP, jeeps are a way of life. they're awesome. do it. you'll never regret it. your key phrase that stuck out is "i've always wanted one." if that's true, you are going to fking love it. i strongly recommend a hoist if you get a hard top. i have one mounted to my garage ceiling and i can just drive under it, hoist it up and leave it up in the air. (attach extra cordage to wall anchor)
Posted on 12/9/22 at 12:18 pm to Park duck
quote:
TJ 4.0 is the best jeep made.
Best looking yes, best overall, not close. A JK will out perform it everywhere, as a JL will outperform a JK.
When you start talking about offroad it's even worse for the TJ.
Posted on 12/9/22 at 12:51 pm to Creedence
quote:
2 door manual wrangler
quote:
I don't need it, but I always wanted one
quote:
What I can tell from looking is people are proud of these vehicles and/or they hold their value, which is odd to me because they seem to be money pits.
You want one? Or you "need" one? The WANT aspect is what keeps the value up. There are enough people who simply want one that they are willing to put up with the annoyances.
If you really want one, or "need" one, you need to have some extra cash for repairs or be able and willing to repair on your own.
quote:
get a TJ 6 cylinder
Pretty solid advice.
quote:
I have seen some clean JK's on FB
"Clean" doesn't mean without significant issues that you won't find on a simple test drive. You learn the hard way with jeeps.
The 3.8l is not the top choice, by far. You better have mechanic skills or have a good friend who does.
quote:
was looking at has arounf 70k miles and it says its been garage kept with a female driver.
Probably drove it to church and the corner grocery store.
quote:If you can grab a TJ close to 100K miles, you probably have a good deal. The 4.0l is a pretty reliable motor. Chances are, though, that it isn't stock and therefore has been lifted with suspension modifications. Probably more than the engine, the suspensions issues will drive you crazy.
Most of the TJ's have over 100k
Posted on 12/9/22 at 1:00 pm to Creedence
TJ 4.0L is the best Jeep. Fuel injected, tough, power, classic look.
YJ looks like a turd and drives like one.
CJ is a TJ with carbs and hard to find parts.
Anything after that is an SUV/Crossover product, not a jeep.
YJ looks like a turd and drives like one.
CJ is a TJ with carbs and hard to find parts.
Anything after that is an SUV/Crossover product, not a jeep.
Posted on 12/9/22 at 1:14 pm to m2pro
quote:best jeep engine past or present
3.6 pentastar
rock solid and nice performance
Posted on 12/9/22 at 1:26 pm to cgrand
quote:
best jeep engine past or present
absolutely. i do have my issues with factory shift points for daily driving, but i feel like i could thoroughly abuse them and never worry. it's funny. I've owned entirely japanese vehicles before my jeep. i worried beforehand.
idk how the JL outperforms the JK, but i can concede i don't know much about the JL's except how the interior is laid out differently, and of course the body changes. i only assumed jk/jl were identical in terms of off-road functionality and stock options.
This post was edited on 12/9/22 at 1:27 pm
Posted on 12/9/22 at 2:05 pm to m2pro
quote:yeah me too. 2nd gear especially is way too short. i need at least another 10mph out of 2nd before 3000rpm to drive the way i want to. other than that...awesome
i do have my issues with factory shift points for daily driving, but i feel like i could thoroughly abuse them and never worry
Posted on 12/9/22 at 2:09 pm to m2pro
quote:
browsing for a 2 door manual wrangler
quote:
factory shift points
That shouldn't be a problem
Posted on 12/9/22 at 3:06 pm to Creedence
I have a 2002 TJ Sahara . 130000 miles. Has been a great vehicle. No real issues. The straight six is the way to go. It’s also more of a real jeep to me. Still has the tub body, 1st and 2nd are geared low. Drinks gas, rides like a covered wagon , loud as hell inside and you can’t fit much in it. Some how that’s what I love about it. I have always been a jeep guy though. This is my fourth one. 
Posted on 12/9/22 at 3:19 pm to Creedence
I've had a few wranglers in the past and drive one currently.
1. 92 YJ - 4 banger with a manual. Drove it roughly 225k miles. I never had an issue. I'm positive it was the world's slowest vehicle though. It topped out around 55.
2. 10 JK 2 Door - 3.8L with an auto. This thing was a tank. I purchased it with 82K miles and drove it until it hit 167K. Other than regular maintenance, I didn't have to do a thing to it. I loved it, but the wife hated it, so there's that.
3. 20L 4 Door - 2.0L with an auto. I'm currently driving this one, and it's AMAZING. Very comfortable and goes everywhere that I need it to.
When you look at one, look underneath it for scrap marks. A lot of guys build them up to look like off-road monsters, but the only time their tires will hit dirt is when they accidentally drive off the driveway. Some guys ride them hard and put them up wet; take your time looking and listening to it, and you'll be fine.
1. 92 YJ - 4 banger with a manual. Drove it roughly 225k miles. I never had an issue. I'm positive it was the world's slowest vehicle though. It topped out around 55.
2. 10 JK 2 Door - 3.8L with an auto. This thing was a tank. I purchased it with 82K miles and drove it until it hit 167K. Other than regular maintenance, I didn't have to do a thing to it. I loved it, but the wife hated it, so there's that.
3. 20L 4 Door - 2.0L with an auto. I'm currently driving this one, and it's AMAZING. Very comfortable and goes everywhere that I need it to.
When you look at one, look underneath it for scrap marks. A lot of guys build them up to look like off-road monsters, but the only time their tires will hit dirt is when they accidentally drive off the driveway. Some guys ride them hard and put them up wet; take your time looking and listening to it, and you'll be fine.
Posted on 12/9/22 at 4:11 pm to felps22
Yes, just want one. My tundra has been paid off for years. Wife’s car is close. I have young kids so no car seats. They will have to understand for now
Here is where I’m at…
05 TJ Rubicon 6 cylinder with 130k - lots of add ons listed.
2010 JK 6 cylinder with 63k - not as many add ons.
Both are similar in price - around 16k
Both seem to causal drivers and garbage kept.
I see responses of get a JK and some that say get a TJ. I guess it’s preference, but I’ve never been an owner so I have no idea
Here is where I’m at…
05 TJ Rubicon 6 cylinder with 130k - lots of add ons listed.
2010 JK 6 cylinder with 63k - not as many add ons.
Both are similar in price - around 16k
Both seem to causal drivers and garbage kept.
I see responses of get a JK and some that say get a TJ. I guess it’s preference, but I’ve never been an owner so I have no idea
Posted on 12/9/22 at 5:21 pm to Park duck
quote:
TJ 4.0 is the best jeep made. JKs are woke stupid jeeps
CJ - Citizens Jeep
YJ - Yesterday’s Jeep
TJ - Today’s Jeep
JK - Just Kidding
‘06 Wrangler X, 4.0L in-line six. 185K
Posted on 12/10/22 at 6:10 am to Nicky Parrish
CJ - Civilian Jeep
YJ - Yuppie Jeep
TJ - Training Jeep
These were the names i recall on Jeep forums in the late 90s early 2000s....
Had an 80 CJ-7 - 258CI (4.2L) I-6 followed by 360CI V-8.
Ordered a 2000 TJ - 4.0 I-6. Totalled at ~178k miles
Currently - 2nd owner 2015 JKUR with 115k.
CJ easiest to work on. 15 gal tank sucked with both motors
TJ - best combo of simplicity and creature comforts. Motor reliable. Coil, 4-link suspension a bit more complex (and frustrating) than the leaf springs of the CJ. Post 2000s are best.
JKUR - much more comfortable on long trips (we have done them in this and the TJ). Engine bay is crowded as hell. The plastic oil filter housing is a POS. No dreaded ping followed by cam issues ($$$). 3.6L has more power than the 3.8L.
my $0.02
YJ - Yuppie Jeep
TJ - Training Jeep
These were the names i recall on Jeep forums in the late 90s early 2000s....
Had an 80 CJ-7 - 258CI (4.2L) I-6 followed by 360CI V-8.
Ordered a 2000 TJ - 4.0 I-6. Totalled at ~178k miles
Currently - 2nd owner 2015 JKUR with 115k.
CJ easiest to work on. 15 gal tank sucked with both motors
TJ - best combo of simplicity and creature comforts. Motor reliable. Coil, 4-link suspension a bit more complex (and frustrating) than the leaf springs of the CJ. Post 2000s are best.
JKUR - much more comfortable on long trips (we have done them in this and the TJ). Engine bay is crowded as hell. The plastic oil filter housing is a POS. No dreaded ping followed by cam issues ($$$). 3.6L has more power than the 3.8L.
my $0.02
Posted on 12/10/22 at 6:37 am to TigersnJeeps
Had 5 mostly TJs. Highly recommend getting a standard with the strait 6. Be ready to work on AC, all front end components, ecm’s , leaky head cover gaskets, drum brakes, and catalytic converter and or O2 sensors. All easy stuff if you can pull a wrench. If you can’t get a Honda. Bring a code reader when you go test drive one for sure.
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