Hello!! Been a few years without a Jeep and I can't stand it any longer. I've decided to get another as a 2nd vehicle, since they just don't work well as my primary. The last I had was the 2008 Unlimited, which I bought new and was my primary vehicle, but pulling a trailer and limited interior space led to selling it. The V6 winding out struggling to get up hills and pulling the trailer got to me.

That leads to my question. I'll occasionally be pulling a small trailer, 2,800 pounds max. My budget is $20,000 max, but prefer $15,000. That range can get me a 2004-2006 Unlimited or a 2007 Unlimited. Would the Inline 6 of the TJ be a better puller than the 2007 V6? I test drove a 2005 Unlimited a few days ago, and was well pleased with the ride and handling, although not as good as the 4-door, it was much better than the short wheelbase TJ I had. I also liked the power band and torque better than what I remembered of the JK. Like I said, its been a while, and want to get others opinions.

 

I know the newer engines have more power, but another reason I'm leaning towards an older Jeep as second vehicle, is that I found myself more and more unlikely to take the top down as I had owned the JK a couple of years. When I had the TJ as a second vehicle, I kept the top off, I could just jump in it and go. I enjoyed the TJ(with Bikini top most of time) as a Jeep/convertible much more than I did with the JK. I had both JK tops, but found them both to be a pain in the ass.

 

Get an older V-8 CJ if you don't mind a stick shift !

 

I'm going with the longer versions for stability reasons. Didn't think about the CJ-7, that's a possibility. Did they make the 7 with a 304?

 

read here:
Jeep CJ - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Max tow rating on the LJ (and TJ) was only 1500lbs.. Bumps to 3500 if the trailer has brakes..

 

That's another reason I'm looking at the 2004-06 Unlimited, towing capacity is 3,500.

The CJ-7 did have squirrely brakes, and I doubt it could handle and ride near as good as the Wranglers.

 

You do know an LJ is the 04-06 Unlimited right..?? 3500lbs is only applicable if the trailer has it's own brakes..