Good and bad about Jeep wranglers?

Happy-7-farm · #1 09/27/11, 02:33 PM

I'm looking for the good and bad about Jeep Wranglers. If you've had an experience and know first hand or are a mechanic please let me know what you think about them. I'm looking to buy one probably 1998 to 2001.

Thanks, Happy

mountainwmn · #2 09/27/11, 05:41 PM

I love wranglers. Soft tops are loud, and they can be tough to drive on a windy day especially if they are lifted. 4cyl auto is way underpowered, either get the 6 or get a standard. The 4 wheel drive is way better than on a pickup, and they have a better turning radius. Gas mileage isn't great, but its a 4x4 all winter, a convertable all summer, and mine had the fold up back seat so I could even use it as a small pickup.(very small) Just be careful of ones with plows on them, they aren't really made for it and it may have been pretty abused.

CarrieAnne · #3 09/27/11, 06:05 PM

I know I TOTALLY WANT one, lol! I have always heard the little CJs would tip easy, so my Parents dont want me to get one, they think they look the same. But I have never heard of the Wranglers tipping.
My Grandpa flipped a CJ7 over while my Dad was riding with him, lol, so they freak him out/

HermitJohn · #4 09/27/11, 06:06 PM

Do some googling research on any particular one you find. Some of transmissions were both weak and expensive. And they used bunch different ones over the years. If four cylinder still has good even compression and good oil pressure when engine at operating temp, then maybe ok though they are pretty underpowered. The straight six is a good engine. But again that depends on condition. Good cylinder compression 135# or better with 10% or less difference between worst compression reading and best reading and good oil pressure when engine is hot is the gold standard on any used vehicle.

Fat Charlie · #5 09/27/11, 08:44 PM

The TJ (97-06) was a good platform, for what it was. Just remember that it isn't a car and it isn't a truck, so don't expect it to do either of those jobs all that well. If you understand that and it can still meet your needs, you'll probably love it.

**Roadking** · #6 09/27/11, 09:09 PM

Had a '79, '93 and '97...great utility vehilces (plus a lot of fun). Negatives...if in the northern zones...salt rots the frames pretty quick, no storage and if you have kids, just not practical. Also, if top has any leaks, frame and floors damage pretty quick as well.

Matt

TedH71 · #7 09/27/11, 10:39 PM

Ex girlfriend had one. Was hard to shift the gears. When it rained, it wen through the front end into the interior! Due to the soft cover, we got robbed once..guy just sliced open the cover and stole a throwaway camera when next to it was a bag filled with expensive jewelry.....not worth having one plus they can get tipsy easily.

Pony · #8 09/27/11, 10:45 PM

Biggest problem with TJs? They aren't CJs! LOL!

As noted already, weak transmissions. Hard to take the doors off.

They are not tippy if you drive them properly. They're NOT cars - they're JEEPS! (many people believe that all boxy utes are tippy b/c of that television expose' a few years ago, when the t.v. reporting team rigged a Samurai so that it was guaranteed to tip over.)

Raven12 · #9 09/27/11, 11:14 PM

Engine problems. They are like the old VW beetles. You needed a parking pass from the garage they were there so often.

big rockpile · #10 09/28/11, 09:26 AM

Loved my CJ but to be pratical for my use,4WD Pickup is better.

big rockpile

michael.hickman · #11 09/28/11, 09:34 AM

I had a '74, '87 and now own a 2008 unlimited. Once you have one, it's in your blood. The older ones have their quirks and need to be worked on...but they're OLD.

Even with the old ones, they are simple to work on. The new ones are just awesome.

HermitJohn · #12 09/28/11, 10:02 AM

The small utility Jeeps and the early Bronco were nice vehicles, but way over priced in used market. Even basket case examples bring crazy amounts considering money you would have to invest in them.

If looking now for stock 4wd vehicle to drive as is, I would search for 80s era short wheelbase Ford half ton pickup 4wd and the 300-6 with the granny 4spd. I've seen some come up on Craigslist so they do exist. Half the price of a CJ or Wrangler in good condition. You could get relatively low mile one in very good condition for around $2500. And that engine/tranny combination is tough as nails. Rather have narrower body, but the smaller 4wd pickups and SUVs werent nearly as strong or durable. Plus the CJ/Wranglers tend to have the stupid body lifts and big tires. Fine for some kid trying to impress his friends how macho he is, but suck to actually drive down the road.

By way anybody know if Jeep still makes a smallish "2 door" utility Jeep, seeing all these 4 door utility Jeeps on steroids that look like pretend Hummers??? As popular as the small utility Jeeps have been, Chrysler-Fiat would be really, really stupid to discontinue them.

Fat Charlie · #13 09/28/11, 10:27 AM

They do. I don't know how many they're making (the new car market wants the Hummer clones), but 2 door specific parts are listed in the catalog and are available.

Tinga · #14 09/28/11, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HermitJohn

By way anybody know if Jeep still makes a smallish "2 door" utility Jeep, seeing all these 4 door utility Jeeps on steroids that look like pretend Hummers??? As popular as the small utility Jeeps have been, Chrysler-Fiat would be really, really stupid to discontinue them.

Yeah, they still make the 2 doors. As far as Jeeps go it's all about price vs performance. For the price and performance AND space, get an XJ. Same motor, similar transmission and more room. I don't care for the unibody design, but they are tough little rigs. I prefer my TJ, nothing like top off summer driving. BUT, storage is next to nill.

The cheaper of the "wrangler" types would probably be the YJ. You can tell by the very unique and in some circle, controversial square headlights. If I were to buy ANOTHER Jeep ( we've had 3) We'd buy a 98-2003 Wrangler. You get the Fuel injection, better head ( some earlier 0331 heads were notorious for cracking) and the coil spring suspension. We just an overhaul on ours and stroked the 4.0 out to a 4.7 :P It's beastly and gets about the same gas mileage as the 4 banger lol

Jeeps are great, fun and can be VERY reliable. Just gotta give them some love and maintenance.

Silvercreek Farmer · #15 09/28/11, 03:00 PM

Don't get one if you do a lot of interstate driving, the stiff off road suspension will beat you to death (IME) as well as consume your expensive all terrain tires. Don't get one if you want to listen to the radio on the interestate at less than 75% of it's maximum volume. They are designed for relatively slow travel (<45mph) over rough terrain, that is where they excel.

volleypc · #16 09/28/11, 03:15 PM

If you take care of it, keep the oil and air filters changed, don't abuse 4wd then they are pretty dependable. Expect catalytic converter to go out about every 45k miles, belts around 75k, and my brakes made it to about 90k miles. I would take the carpet and drain plugs out in the summer as well.

You do need to be especially careful if you are pulling a trailer. The short will base and long trailer combination can be deadly.

Common Tator · #17 09/28/11, 03:22 PM

Last month a bear ate, mangled, molested and munched hubby's Subaru Outback. Did so much damage that the insurance company declared it a total loss. We bought a 2010 Jeep Liberty, and love it! 4x4, and hubby (driving like a little old lady) still gets 25 mpg!

HDRider · #18 09/28/11, 03:28 PM

From Consumer Reports (who I trust)

The Wrangler is a true off-road champ, but it still falls short on-road. Handling is compromised by vague steering and low cornering limits. The ride is stiff and jiggly. The 3.8-liter V6 lacks punch and delivers just 15 mpg overall. For the 2012 model year, the much better 3.6-liter V6 will be used. Off-road capability remains extremely impressive. IIHS side-crash-test results without the optional side air bags are unimpressive. Reliability has been below average.

The two dor is rated better than the 4 door. Not sure why that is. The 2010 is not rated so bad, mostly red circle (means good) except a black circle (bad) on squeaks and rattles. '09 is slightly less good, and they get worse on earlier models. '02 & '06 are next best years. only goes back to '01.

All said and done, get what suits you. Ford's are good and Toyota's can't be beat.

Pony · #19 09/28/11, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volleypc

If you take care of it, keep the oil and air filters changed, don't abuse 4wd then they are pretty dependable. Expect catalytic converter to go out about every 45k miles, belts around 75k, and my brakes made it to about 90k miles. I would take the carpet and drain plugs out in the summer as well.

You do need to be especially careful if you are pulling a trailer. The short will base and long trailer combination can be deadly.

IMO, that 4l engine doesn't have enough "oomph" to be pulling any substantial loads.

The cat and such can be bypassed, and I still have no idea why they put carpet in an off-road vehicle. A friend was going to buy a new TJ a few years ago, and they would not build according to his specs (eg, NO Carpet).

Pony · #20 09/28/11, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarrieAnne

I know I TOTALLY WANT one, lol! I have always heard the little CJs would tip easy, so my Parents dont want me to get one, they think they look the same. But I have never heard of the Wranglers tipping.
My Grandpa flipped a CJ7 over while my Dad was riding with him, lol, so they freak him out/

CJs are not tippy if you drive them (and ANY box ute) properly.

The pre-82 CJ had a narrower axle, but IME that just gives a slightly unsettling FEELING, but really didn't affect the handling. Of course, if you're used to the CJ and that's pretty much your only ride (as it was mine), then maybe you just don't notice it.

The new Wronglers and Badonglers (our names for the latest "Dummer" lookalikes" are not my fave vehicles. Seems like Daimler doesn't realize: It's a Jeep thing, and they don't understand.