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Thinking of buying a wrangler...

B

bignateyk

Lifer
I am thinking of getting a wrangler, but im a little worried about reliability. I have owned a cherokee in the past that started to require a ton of maintainance after 75000 miles.

Is the wrangler a more reliable car than the cherokee? I havn't ruled out getting a used from 2000-2006 with less than 50000 miles on it if the price was right (im also not sure I like the extra 5 inches of width added to the 2007 model)...

Also, I would plan on getting a suspension lift and putting 33"-35" tires on it.

Any past/present wrangler owners care to share their experiences with the car?
 
My mom owns one which I used to drive quite often.

The Good:
The I6 engine is almost indestructible.
Great in snow, never managed to get it stuck.
Heats up fast in the winter.
Great for sunny days with the top off.
Fun to drive.

The Bad:
The I6 is not terribly powerful.
Noisy inside.
Not great mpg.
The tops are a PITA to change.
High crosswinds at interstate speeds = bad

The Ugly:
Rust. Watch out for rust.
 
Bought a 99 Wrangler w 76K miles on it last December...put nearly 16K miles on it since then and I'm having some transmission issues and it's going in the shop on Friday....generally though they'll run forever. I would definitely like to have the addt'l space the newer Wranglers have (though I wouldn't go 4 door)....the longer wheel base does help when offroading and towing.
 
The Cherokee and the previous generation Wrangler are very similar and share tons of parts and both are very reliable. I'm not sure what you experienced at 75,000 miles, but I'm sure it was either normal maintenance or an oddity. Now, adding 35" tires will certainly hurt that reliability. You are talking about wheel/tire combos that weigh 100lbs+ at each corner.

The new generation of Wranglers are untested really. New drivetrain, new electronics, new everything. They are also slower than the old I6 TJs due to added weight and a new torque curve.
 
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
 
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
Click to expand...

Sweet.
 
Out of all Jeeps the Cherokee is the only one that I ever routinely see on the side of the road - so you're probably fine.
 
Jeeps rule. I'm currently in the process of restoring my 1981 CJ-7. Can't wait to drive it. It originally had the 6 cylinder. Great engine. Still ran like a champ when I pulled it out.

The newer Jeeps (since the TJ) have coil spring suspensions, which ride better and handle the offroad better, too.

If you start modifying it, remember what Jeep stands for:

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Once you start, it's hard to stop.
 
My buddy had a 94 years ago. His had the 2.5 4 cyl in it with a manual transmission. That thing was the slowest vehicle on the road, but yet was tons of fun. I remember the heat didn't keep you very warm in winter, for a smallish 4 cyl it got bad gas mileage, and accelerating was sloooow. But I'd still take one if I could convince the wife. 🙂 It was a lot of fun taking the doors and top off and driving around. Once in a while we'd take it off roading, that was a blast.
 
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Jeeps rule. I'm currently in the process of restoring my 1981 CJ-7. Can't wait to drive it. It originally had the 6 cylinder. Great engine. Still ran like a champ when I pulled it out.

The newer Jeeps (since the TJ) have coil spring suspensions, which ride better and handle the offroad better, too.

If you start modifying it, remember what Jeep stands for:

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Once you start, it's hard to stop.
Click to expand...

heh. Yeah thats why im thinking of getting a used model.. that way I have 10 grand or so to put into modifications...

If I spring for a new 2007, id be looking at close to 30 grand, which wouldnt leave me with any cash to modify it.
 
Originally posted by: bignateyk
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Jeeps rule. I'm currently in the process of restoring my 1981 CJ-7. Can't wait to drive it. It originally had the 6 cylinder. Great engine. Still ran like a champ when I pulled it out.

The newer Jeeps (since the TJ) have coil spring suspensions, which ride better and handle the offroad better, too.

If you start modifying it, remember what Jeep stands for:

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Once you start, it's hard to stop.
Click to expand...

heh. Yeah thats why im thinking of getting a used model.. that way I have 10 grand or so to put into modifications...

If I spring for a new 2007, id be looking at close to 30 grand, which wouldnt leave me with any cash to modify it.
Click to expand...
Jeeps are the most capable off-road vehicle ever built in stock form, particularly the Rubicon.
That's what I'd recommend you get...it already has lockers in the front and rear axles.
No stock 4x4 can wheel with it.
 
Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
mpg ftl
Click to expand...

I live less than a mile from where I work. Other than that, I probably put less than 20 miles on my car a week, unless im driving somewhere (<40 miles) to go camping/hiking, in which case I want to have the wrangler.

right now I only fill my tank up about once a month, and there is usually about 200 miles on the trip at that point.
 
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Jeeps are the most capable off-road vehicle ever built in stock form, particularly the Rubicon.
That's what I'd recommend you get...it already has lockers in the front and rear axles.
No stock 4x4 can wheel with it.
Click to expand...

Jeeps in stock form, except for Rubicons, aren't that capable. They have been plagued by small tires, weak axles, and open differentials, until now. They also require a large lift to fit big tires that most of its competitors fit in stock form. For my Grand, I need a 4"+ lift to fit tires that a 4Runner comes with.

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
The Cherokee and the previous generation Wrangler are very similar and share tons of parts and both are very reliable. I'm not sure what you experienced at 75,000 miles, but I'm sure it was either normal maintenance or an oddity. Now, adding 35" tires will certainly hurt that reliability. You are talking about wheel/tire combos that weigh 100lbs+ at each corner.

The new generation of Wranglers are untested really. New drivetrain, new electronics, new everything. They are also slower than the old I6 TJs due to added weight and a new torque curve.
Click to expand...

They're completely different vehicles. They share some axles and the engines, but that's it. The Cherokee/Grand Cherokee are unibody by the way.
 
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Jeeps are the most capable off-road vehicle ever built in stock form, particularly the Rubicon.
That's what I'd recommend you get...it already has lockers in the front and rear axles.
No stock 4x4 can wheel with it.
Click to expand...

Jeeps in stock form, except for Rubicons, aren't that capable. They have been plagued by small tires, weak axles, and open differentials, until now. They also require a large lift to fit big tires that most of its competitors fit in stock form. For my Grand, I need a 4"+ lift to fit tires that a 4Runner comes with.

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
The Cherokee and the previous generation Wrangler are very similar and share tons of parts and both are very reliable. I'm not sure what you experienced at 75,000 miles, but I'm sure it was either normal maintenance or an oddity. Now, adding 35" tires will certainly hurt that reliability. You are talking about wheel/tire combos that weigh 100lbs+ at each corner.

The new generation of Wranglers are untested really. New drivetrain, new electronics, new everything. They are also slower than the old I6 TJs due to added weight and a new torque curve.
Click to expand...

They're completely different vehicles. They share some axles and the engines, but that's it. The Cherokee/Grand Cherokee are unibody by the way.
Click to expand...

Cherokees and Wranglers share most of their electrical systems, some interior panels, transfer cases, brakes, some cooling parts. A fair number of the suspension parts, as well. Cherokees have leafs in back, but they share the same track bars, tie rods, on and on. Same goes for 93-98 Grand Cherokees. Many many many parts are interchangeable. As a matter of fact, TJ owners frequently use OEM V8 ZJ suspension parts because they are tougher. A sotck V8 ZJ tie rod is solid, TJs have hollow ones.

TJ's have weak tie rods.
 
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
Click to expand...

:camera:?
 
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
Click to expand...

:camera:?
Click to expand...

I have lots of topless pics
 
Originally posted by: K1052
My mom owns one which I used to drive quite often.

The Good:
The I6 engine is almost indestructible.
Great in snow, never managed to get it stuck.
Heats up fast in the winter.
Great for sunny days with the top off.
Fun to drive.

The Bad:
The I6 is not terribly powerful.
Noisy inside.
Not great mpg.
The tops are a PITA to change.
High crosswinds at interstate speeds = bad

The Ugly:
Rust. Watch out for rust.
Click to expand...

That sums it up. Except that I had 4 angry hamsters under my hood. Made alot of racket but didn't go anywhere fast. The 5 speed helped a little. Most fun I've had on 4 wheels, though.
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
Click to expand...

:camera:?
Click to expand...

I have lots of topless pics
Click to expand...

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of ATOT pervs suddenly cried out in joy and were suddenly silenced.
 
Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
Click to expand...

:camera:?
Click to expand...

I have lots of topless pics
Click to expand...

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of ATOT pervs suddenly cried out in joy and were suddenly silenced.
Click to expand...

lol
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I cannot tell you the "technical" side of owning one, that was not my place, but i can tell you it was a great car when we had it.
We never really had any issues with it (that we did not cause 😉 ) and it was so great to have.
Driving topless and doorless is so exhillerating. It had a pretty nice lift and tires on it so the only thing i can remember having to deal with was if it was very windy and i was driving on the expressway. I am glad it was a 6cyl. and not a 4 as it was a dog some of the time though.
Click to expand...

:camera:?
Click to expand...

I have lots of topless pics
Click to expand...

Oooo, nice MCS! 🙂 Do you still have that?
 
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