Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives What to look for in a used Jeep

I won't dispute that an auto is better for a lot of stuff. As someone else stated for hard core off roading, specifically rock crawling and with heavily modified vehicles they are better. At least with a stock vehicle I cannot get an auto to go as slow downhill without braking as a manual. In reality that may be the only true advantage. But for me, and where I live it is a HUGE advantage. I live on an extremely steep hill with about 1/4 mile straight down till I get on level ground. When it snows 4X4 low in a manual gets me down at about 1 mph without touching the brakes. I actually give it a bit of gas going down. With the auto 4X4's I've owned over the years 5-7 mph is about as slow as they will go. Too fast for the conditions.

If it were for daily driving an automatic is all I'd have. But it sounds like the OP is planning on using his jeep the same way I use mine. As a toy and occasional vehicle. Part of the fun of driving a Jeep to me is the manual. And every one really needs to learn HOW to drive a manual. An old Jeep is as good to learn on as anything.

I forgot to add bump-starting to my list of reasons I prefer a manual to an auto. That can become a huge selling point if/when the time comes.

The TJ models from 97 - 03 has a coil spring suspension and has a better ride. the YJ 87 - 95 which is what I own has leaf spring and is a bit rough. I like the interior better on a YJ as its like a old CJ and is more roomy. The 2.5 is an ok motor but has had more issues than the 4.0. I have driven both and I much prefer the 4.0. The YJ in 95 had upgraded UV joints. Some YJs had some electrical issues mainly on 2.5 liter versions. The TJs are more expensive to lift and have issues (rare) with death wobble (google it). Both the TJ & YJ are a better overall jeep than the CJ. They both have a wider wheel base and a better frame, but the CJ has a tailgate which I love. Either would suit your needs. Stay away from a 87 - 89 YJs though, the auto tranny in them are built by pugeo and are complete crap and they have the old 258 ci I6 which is an awesome motor but is carberated and it takes a bunch of effort and a nutterbaypass for most of them to run great. The 4.0is fuel ingected and is bullet proof. I have had mine for 12 years as a daily driver it has amost 200000 miles and I have only changed plugs wires and rear main seal. can't beat that.

I have owned a few Jeeps over the years and given the OP's stated use I would opt for the 97 or newer models if he can find one that fits the budget. An auto is fine (if I want to see my 50th wedding anniversary that is what I would have to buy)for what he is going to do with it. Maybe get a hardtop with A/C and cruise control since I am old and like to be comfortable when it is hot out. They also are easier to sell when that time comes. 4.0 engine is fine but the little four cylinder is okay for most things too. If a good one comes along with the four I wouldn't let that kill the sale.

My favorite Jeep was a 1971 CJ-5 with the v6 and factory 4spd with overdrive. It had terrible brakes but would go just about anywhere. Last of the Jeeps before AMF got ahold of them for awhile.

I just bought a jeep back in march fter wanting one since a kid. Found one that a girl used as a daily driver and never been offroad. Had 3.07 gears, 4.0 with 5 speed manual. 125,000 miles Paid 5500 for it. Put a winch bumper on it and my old x8000i warne. Put a 2" budget boost spacer lift, new shocks and replaced old 31" tires and wheels for a set of rubicon wheels and 265/75r16 federal MT. I lost a bit of power on hills but nothing dropping it to 4th wont fix. Pulls my 17ft prodrive boat fine and gets 18 mpg. I'm tickled with it.


when I bought it


Now

Looks like a GREAT sportsman's rig/grocery getter. I recently read that 3.07's were exactly what you want if you plan to drop a Cummins 4BT in a Wrangler, if anyone is interested in that.

that sounds like a bad ass upgrade

Very good deal on a TJ even if the miles are high, the 4.0 is a damn good motor.

Those 4.0's will usually make it to 200K+ and rebuilds are cheap.

Only problem with the 4.0s is that they are GUTLESS as heck!! My 2003 Rubicon (auto trans) is a DOG on freeway hills (Interstate 5 Grapevine, and Siskiyous), and that's with stock sized tires (245/75/16) and factory 4.10 gears. Constantly downshifting and revving up way too high for a straight 6!!! I guess I am too spoiled with the 401 v8 in my older CJ5.