2000 Wrangler

[JimsCJ5]

Hey Gang, I am looking for a Wrangler for my daughter to take back and forth to college. She really likes how our CJ5 turned out so I was thinking something a little newer and better for the 80 minute drive every other week and around town.
I'm looking at 1997 to 2006 Wranglers with either the 4 banger or the big six. I like the fuel economy being a little better with the 4 but wonder about reliability? Opinions?
I thought there was a thread on this on the forum but I could not find it.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Torxhead]

Issues that I can think of right off hand is the exhaust manifold cracking on the six and the transfer case chain stretching. Go for the more durable hardtop also. I am sure there must be other issues, searching the forums might help. Get one that is bone stock so there won't be any P.O. issues.

 

[JimsCJ5]

LOL I know all about PO issues. Still fighting them on my son's CJ5.
I would like to get an honest opinion on the 4 vs 6. I thought a four would be OK for a bone stock Jeep but I worry a little about freeeway performance and reliability. I know the Six is like a claw hammer...

 

[somedude922]

Six. That 4 is underpowered no matter how stock it is. Especially a worn out 4 cyl.
My friend had a 99 with a 4 cyl and it just didn't have the power when needed.

 

[WireEd]

4 is fine unless you are going with bigger tires etc. if you are going to build it do a six. If stock, then 4 is fine.

Chains do not stretch. They can wear, especially if you run them low or out of oil. Otherwise they will last a long time.


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[elwood blues]

I had a 2001 XJ from new (54 miles) unitl 2012 when I finally got rid of it (113K miles ), I had no issues with the axles, the transfer case or the auto trans. Oh yeah, forgot to mention it had about 4.5" of lift under it too.

I say this because it's the exact same running gear that the TJ used too. I would definitely go with the L6, it's a workhouse that with the proper maintenance done regularly will last you a long time. I liked the 2005/2006 6 speed manuals, they are very popular, and unfortunately that keeps the price of these two years up. My 2¢, I would look at '02-'04 TJ Sport package, L6 with a 5 speed, hardtop with full doors. The sport package isn't the stripped down X package that they had out at the time. An automatic is probably going to be easier to find, but if you shop around you'll find the right one

 

[JimsCJ5]

Thanks Elwood. We are graviting toward the 02-04 models mostly due to the fact the earlier years have too many miles. I looked at a 98 with 186k on the clock that looked good in the pics but underneath you could see where the body mounts were rotting away. He still wanted $8k!

 

[elwood blues]

Yeah, I don't know what the heck that's been about either. Jeeps never held value worth a and within the last 5-10 years the '02-'06 TJ's are really hanging on to their value, I have no idea why.

 

[gr8dain]

I had the 4 cyl in a 95 YJ. If she will have to travel on hills at all (not even considering mountains) she will be passed by the truckers. That thing is horrible on the highway. Get the 6.

 

[JimsCJ5]

Re: 2000 Wrangler update

Hey Gang, Just an update. I ended up buying a bone stock 2005 Wrangler with the six and a 6 speed. It looks like new even with 127K and drives great.
Thanks for all the great advice.

 

[elwood blues]

Re: 2000 Wrangler update

pics?

 

[JimsCJ5]

Sure!


Pretty stock but with a new Smittybuilt top. She loves it.
She's a Jeeper that's for sure...