Trading for a Jeep?

Am I crazy for wanting to try my luck for a Jeep TJ? The more I see them, the more I really want one. My only worry is the reliability. And if I were to trade my truck for a TJ, I have no idea what to look for in a used Jeep. What is the better engine? The 4cyl or 6cyl? What's the better tranny? Manual or auto?

Please feel free to call me stupid, crazy, etc. for wanting to do this.

 

You'll be missing the taco in a month

 

Why do you say that?

 

Also wtf @Rock Lobster, you said do it and then liked the other guys post of regretting it. Lol

 

just guessing here but the taco can go everywhere a jeep can depending which model you have. I have test driven a jeep. Most of them ride like a horse. Plus it's a Chrysler and they have a tendency not to be the most reliable vehicles on the road

 

^Depends on the trim level. A Taco would need significant modding to equal a Rubicon off-road. At the same time, you can get stuck pretty quickly in a Sport with open diffs.

Trail toy, yes, but I would not consider a TJ as a daily driver:

• The solid front axle and steering box (as opposed to a rack-and-pinion) means there's a great deal of steering slop and no feedback.
• Unstable handling due to short wheelbase.
• Lack of convenience features like power windows, locks, and mirrors.

The 6 cyl is pretty reliable, but the rest of the vehicle falls apart pretty quickly. When it was being produced, the TJ was consistently rated the least reliable vehicle sold in the US. It has frame rust issues, too, though probably not as big a deal where you are. It's easy to work on, however.

 

What year/model was it?

 

We have a fleet of jeeps at work and they are pretty awesome and maneuverable on trails and that's it! They suck to drive and are very uncomfortable. Its a bad day at work when you get assigned a jeep! I will NEVER even consider buying one especially now that Chrysler makes em.

 

My first car was 99 Jeep TJ with the 4cyl, it was so slow... I mean like 35 going up the mountain being passed by semis slow... Also had a 3inch lift and 33s, Loved taking the top and doors off! Was fantastic off road and was kinda terrible on road but manageable..
For trails I would rather have a Tj than a first gen taco... For going fast off road or daily driving taco all day though...

Also keep in mind guys he is talking about the TJ not some of the crappy cousins or years

 

That right plus you have to learn a entire a new language YJ, TJ, XJ, ....BJ

Oh and you thought money flew out the door easily with the taco . Double with the Heep

 

Already know all these. It's not a big deal. It's basically the same as TRDDCLBFTMFW on this forum.

 

https://youtu.be/5sVmoOZRypk

 

I had a 1997 Wrangler with the 6 cylinder 5 speed. I would say that's the best drive train. The only problem I ever had with it was the oil sending unit went bad,about $25 and 30 minutes to replace so no big deal. I agree the comfort and ride aren't the greatest but it was still an awesome vehicle. I wish I had not sold it.

 

All I'm saying is Chrysler's have problems, I had a Dakota V8 2wd, i loved that truck mostly because it was my first truck, but it went thru parts like most men go through Beer. They only good thing about it was I gotta a trans on them under warranty.

 

We have the best of both worlds....however...we bought an 04 TJ a few years ago after always wanting a Jeep and we regretted it soon after. We kept it less than 2 years because we spent almost as much on repairs as we did the payment. Granted...the previous owner had obviously wheeled the hell out of it and got rid of it after it started having issues...but they didn't come to light until months later. The dealership we bought it from had made sure to make it look like it was in pristine condition before we purchased it. Fast forward...we traded it in for my 2011 Taco and sold my 99 taco I had at the time as well. We still missed having a jeep...because there's nothing like having the doors and top off even with all the problems we had. (Water pump, u joints, rear main engine seal, leaking rear axle, crank sensor, 2 clutches, radiator leak, etc) When we traded it in we drove it 165 miles in 4th gear because 3rd and 5th gear was gone. Just last year we found a 2014 JK that was almost new that was never abused and bought it. However, I will never be without a tacoma. It is piece of mind for me. My guard is still up a bit when it comes to our Jeep...just because of the history with the TJ, but hopefully it will prove to be a good vehicle. If you're worried about the ride like others have said then get a Cadillac...but I have no complaints about the ride and ours has 33 inch Duratracs and a teraflex lift. To sum it up....I wouldn't recommend getting rid of your taco. If you can afford to keep it and buy the TJ then that's what I'd do. It's your money though, friend...do what you want...this is just my experience and my $.02.

 

My buddy has 285k on his Dakota. No problems. Basic maintenance.


@chris4x4 went to Jeep - he hasn't died yet or killed anyone.

 

You mean especially since 1987 or for the last 29 years, Chrysler makes em.