Buying first jeep wrangler
#21
If you end up considering a TJ, I'd avoid an 05 or 06 because of the OPDA issue. You can jump over to one of the other Jeep forums and read up all about it. The only other fairly common issue I'm aware of with the TJ is with the manual jumping out of gear ("JOG"). You can also read up on that issue in another forum.
I experienced both issues in my 05 TJ, and the JOG issue is the only reason I went with an automatic in my JKU.
I experienced both issues in my 05 TJ, and the JOG issue is the only reason I went with an automatic in my JKU.
#22
I found my 08 JK in 2011 with relatively low miles on Autotrader.com. If you aren't afraid to travel say 250 miles or so, your options open up considerably. I was set on a 4 door, 4WD, JK with 6 sp manual and hard top with less than 15000 average miles per year on it. It took me about a month of looking and I had to drive about 5 hours to get it, but I found exactly what I was looking for and paid asking price for it. It had everything I wanted, and had half the miles at the same price as one I found locally.
I bought mine as a daily driver for a family of four in addition to going off road on "moderate" trails a few times a year. So I wanted a 4 dr JK. If I was a young guy and didn't care about hauling kids around, I'd go with a TJ. Although there are aspects about the JK that are advantages over the earlier Jeeps, they are more complicated, and the TJ has cheaper and more abundant aftermarket parts. You and replace just about everything on it with a wrench and basic tools.
Go to JP Magazine and other off road magazines sites on line, there are articles that compare the various types of Wranglers (YJ, TJ, JK). Do your research, know what to expect from the Jeep you buy, and get the one that's best for you. I waited 30 years too long, but it's the best vehicle I've ever bought, and I'll have one as long as I can climb in one. BTW, my wife also says it's the best thing I ever bought!
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2
I bought mine as a daily driver for a family of four in addition to going off road on "moderate" trails a few times a year. So I wanted a 4 dr JK. If I was a young guy and didn't care about hauling kids around, I'd go with a TJ. Although there are aspects about the JK that are advantages over the earlier Jeeps, they are more complicated, and the TJ has cheaper and more abundant aftermarket parts. You and replace just about everything on it with a wrench and basic tools.
Go to JP Magazine and other off road magazines sites on line, there are articles that compare the various types of Wranglers (YJ, TJ, JK). Do your research, know what to expect from the Jeep you buy, and get the one that's best for you. I waited 30 years too long, but it's the best vehicle I've ever bought, and I'll have one as long as I can climb in one. BTW, my wife also says it's the best thing I ever bought!
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2
#25
#26
#27
First thanks for serving!
Grambo don't mean to talk you out of a jeep, however, do yourself a favor and get something economical. A car that gets good gas mileage. Being an enlisted Marine save all the money you can. Eat in the chow hall and live on base. Plus if you get deployed the jeep is just going to sit.
My son is currently stationed at Pensacola. He has a Tj we got him graduation but he wants to get a smaller car so he can drive home on leave and get better than 10 to 15 mpg. Plus the insurance is a check of a lot cheaper. Remember Jeep stands for just empty every pocket. Driving a jeep will make living on $1400. A month even harder.
Thanks again and stay safe.
Grambo don't mean to talk you out of a jeep, however, do yourself a favor and get something economical. A car that gets good gas mileage. Being an enlisted Marine save all the money you can. Eat in the chow hall and live on base. Plus if you get deployed the jeep is just going to sit.
My son is currently stationed at Pensacola. He has a Tj we got him graduation but he wants to get a smaller car so he can drive home on leave and get better than 10 to 15 mpg. Plus the insurance is a check of a lot cheaper. Remember Jeep stands for just empty every pocket. Driving a jeep will make living on $1400. A month even harder.
Thanks again and stay safe.
Last edited by HornetJK; 01-03-2013 at 03:08 PM.
#28
Funny. My son has a TJ he got as his first vehicle. He is now finishing up training for mortarman in the Marines at Camp Geiger. Hopefully he will know soon where his home base will be. We the. Have to make a long, hard decision about the TJ. It won't be too economical for any distant trips. Anyway, I think your post said $15,500 with 130,000 miles? Dude, way too many miles for that price. Thanks for serving. I never fully appreciated what you service members endure until I read my sons letters when he was in Parris Island.
#30
Actually, I read somewhere that a Wrangler was one of the cheapest vehicles to insure. Personally, I have 5 cars and with four drivers (two teenage), and the Jeep is the cheapest one of my vehicles to insure.
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2