Posted on 12/06/2016 5:18:25 PM PST by Chickensoup
Jeep Fans?
Freeper Husbands!
I am Thinking of Buying a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. I like the vehicle, it is big for me, I am moving from my Golf Diesel. Although I have had Xterras and Mazda MPV (Before they ruined its design) previously.
I looked at many new cars and SUV crosses and they all are poorly designed, have lousy visibility and have metal that is so thin it needs to be serviced every few months. I also discovered I need a more butch looking vehicle. All the Suv crossovers look like they were made for Oprah. Teardrop shapes and curves.
I liked the used Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. It looks durable, I have found a couple of them. Seems as though I am having a difficult time getting the price down below 30K
I cannot quite figure out the Jeep Wrangler choices. Is there a Jeep Wrangler as high and tall as the unlimited but only with 2 doors? All the Wranglers I see with 2 doors are short and look like they belong in a suburb.
Any advice from Freeper Jeep owners appreciated.
Am I making another dumb move here?
The old line of fire move. Stupid should hurt.
Nothing says it can't entertain too ;)
True that!
XTerra—small dinky clutch taken from light car application resulting in a 15,000 mile replacement interval—or bad radiators that leaked coolant into the automatic transmission fluid.
Left to my own devices I will never own any vehicle other than a 4 door Toyota Tacoma!
OK, some feedback from an actual owner, thanks. From what I can tell, your model has a 1.6 liter inline four cylinder, correct? So it’s been pretty reliable and bulletproof in your experience? Is it fairly smooth and quiet for a four, or is it more tractor-like? Some fours have a lot of noise and vibration, very irritating with an automatic, not as bad with a manual.
The 2nd gen, when they all were badged Chevrolet in the US, went to a 2.0 liter four with optional V-6. I’m looking for the four due to weight considerations, one way or the other, whether 1st or 2nd ten. Auto with air. If 2nd, want the ZR2 since it has fender flares, beefier tires, not so obnoxiously “cute ute” looking.
I don’t think the women in my life who may be driving this on occasion will go for a Samurai. They’ll find the rollover controversy and nix it on the spot, most likely. Then, it’s a lot more spartan and utilitarian. Personally, I’d like that. They won’t.
Yeah, no problems. 1.6l 16V.
They had both the 1.6 and the 2.0 in 99, first year of the new body style. I’m already feeling like I’m looking for a needle in a haystack, lol, but I’ll concentrate on a 99 with the 1.6 if possible. Thanks!
Buy an new Willys package. You get the Rubicon wheels, axle and rock rails. It be tall, but not as pricey as the Rubi. Don’t by used, they don’t drop in value enough in my opinion to save enough money for a 2 or 3 year old. Enjoy it.
Well, no, scratch that, the 1.6 was unavailable with automatic in 99. Oh well, it was a thought. Sounds like I’m wanting an 01-03 Tracker ZR2 2 door with auto, air and soft top. They did make them with leather but I’ve yet to see one for sale. Not too many in any condition for sale.
Mine is the only Sidekick I’ve ever seen with air conditioning in this part of the country (PNW).
It would be hellish without here in NC, especially with a convertible top. Yes, it bogs down small four cylinders but it’s the price you pay to not be drenched in sweat upon arrival wherever you go from May to October. Sometimes need to run it even in winter. Rare, but it happens.
Jeeps, love or hate relationship. I’ve owned
6 different ones through the years, and not a
one has ever left me stranded. They’RE noisy,
rough riding, poor handling on the highway,
somewhat tame on city streets, and hands down
number one off-road.
My current TJ has a winch, (has winched out
lots of FJ’s, Blazers, Pickups), a 3” lift,
4:11 gears and lockers front and rear.
If you’ve never owned one, a basic off road course is
probably a good idea.
Abrupt evasive maneuvers are probably the number one
thing to be avoided.
Jeeps hold their value
well as long as they are
maintained.
Parts are expensive, up
there with Harley and Corvette at times, but a
ton of after market stuff
is available to dress them
up for personalization.
JEEP=Just Empty Every Pocket
I’ll chime in on my daily driver 98 5 speed Cherokee.
I just turned over 300K on it and it still runs like a champ. I have hauled everything from an entire data center to a motor and several moves and it has never complained or had any issues. I used to pull a M1101 trailer behind it for a year while my son was in scouts and it was a big hit. Out performed the Toyota 4X4 and larger Chevys that others were using to get around the dirt roads.
Last year, things that don’t normally wear out are starting to wear, but the replacement options are endless. At 300K, that’s to be expected and it is a pleasure working on it. With the ground clearance, I can easily get underneath and everything is in a logical position.
These vehicles have a history of overheating in hotter climates and I was surprised to discover that there are more an a dozen options for radiators that I could replace my damaged one. I got a triple core and it has never even tried to overheat since. Even in 100+ degree heat and full air. Down side is in the winter, I have to cover the front to enable it to reach operating temperature so I get some heat.
Last weekend, I replaced a motor mount and I found several to choose from that are a substantial upgrade from the original factory. Most of my other vehicles don’t have options if they have the parts at all.
The part-time 4X4 has never failed to carry me even in the worst weather. It is a fun vehicle to drive and after driving several other off road vehicles, I can say it has been my favorite. A/C in the woods is very nice. It has been able to get around in the winter when more “modern” 4X4’s got stuck.
The 4.0L 6 cylinder engine is the original from the factory. I have had to do minor replacements and regular maintenance but so far nothing that was a major overhaul.
As I move forward, I have the philosophy that every piece that needs replacing is a opportunity for an upgrade.
There are a couple of companies that actually sell every part to reproduce the CJ Jeeps from decades back from scratch.
I am still amazed at what my old jeep can bring on the market as well. I get offers from time to time and they keep going up.
When I wear out the current set of tires, the third so far, I think I’ll put a lift in it and bigger wheels.
I have heard good things about the new Cherokee and Renegade but I can’t say they are good yet. I have a friend that had a Patriot and it has a piece of crap. Transmission was it’s biggest failure. There is a guy that parks his Jeep in my work that has a new Cherokee all decked out and it looks great. There are several other Jeeps there as well and I have yet to see a driver not smiling.
I had a Cherokee with a 4 cyc and 2WD and it was had a completely different feel to it. My wife traded it away for almost nothing for her Beetle.
Totally correct on Jeep frames.
I’ll stick with Willys and AMC.
I’m on my second one and for a front line vehicle, I feel the same way.
Chicken,
I bought an ‘05 TJ off the lot new
To work the border here in San Diego.
Added a lift kit ,bumpers and Skid plates.
This straight six engine and manuel gear box has worked Awsomely.
Handles like a sports car on pavement mountain roads and off road is a Blast !
The modifications were done by
Off Road Warehouse and MY JEEP has been
Absolutely Trouble Free.
Choose Awsomely!
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