How are Jeep Wranglers?

Question

I am going to get a Wrangler (probably around the 2002-2004 range), and i just wanted to hear what people have to say about them. I DO NOT want to hear from people who never owned one or rode in one before. Only people who has/had one. Also, i know their gas mileage (esp on the 4.0) isnt great and they rnt the smoothest rides but that doesn't bother me. Also, i dont care what year your is/was, as long as you had one id like to see your comments.

1. Reliability?

2. Durability?

3. Maintenance?

4. How long the engine lasts?

5. etc, anything u think might be worth mentioning go ahead and type it.

Answer 1

i had a TJ and now i have a YJ, the thing i didnt like about the TJ was the coil springs that every one says how there so good but have never driven a YJ with leaf springs. i have wheeled both and wish i could have sold that p.o.s.TJ a long time ago. jeep should make a new model that has leaf springs and all the opps. that the TJ has,that would be worth getting.

Answer 2

You should care what years other people's jeeps that you're hearing advice from are because there are a lot of very big differences in them, and there may be some things you like and dislike you hear that won't be a factor in your purchase. The 4.0L I6 is a very reliable proven engine with plenty of power and very well supported in the aftermarket if you wanted to add more power or make repairs. I haven't heard too much bad about the 2.5L I4 either. The wrangler you're interested in (mentioned thinking of a 02-04) is the TJ which was actually made from '97-06, so that will give you more choices when you're shopping. I would stay away from the 07 and newer wranglers because they changed to a new V6 engine that many say is gutless, and with it being so new, it's unproven whether it will be reliable or not. Whatever you get, you'll definitely have fun with.

Answer 3

1. Reliability is good.  Some of the problems that may be found are the crank position sensor, and fuel pump.  Many Jeeps have had these problems, but just as many have gone problem free.  These are both fairly easy fixes too.

2. Durability is hard to be beat.  These TJs can take some serious abuse.  On stock, or near stock tires they can be beaten pretty hard without any issues at all.  When you go to larger tires, then you will run into some issues with the rear axle, and possibly the control arm mounts.

3. Maintenance is pretty easy.  Do the standard oil change every 3,000 miles, change the plugs every 20k, etc.  Everything is pretty easy to get to and do yourself on these Jeeps.  That's one of my favorite things about them.

4. The 4.0L engine is a great engine.  Many people have been able to make them last for as long as 300k.  Inline six cylinder engines have an advantage over most other engines, because they have more crank bearings.  The 2.5 four cylinder is a pretty good engine too as far as longevity.

5. Something else worth mentioning is the soft tops.  They changed the material that they were made out of in 02'.   The new ones are made of a material called 'Sailcloth'.  These tops are a whole lot better than the previous years.  They are durable and quiet, they barely flap at highway speeds.

There are a few models available from 02'-04', SE, X, Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon.  The SE is the four cylinder, personally I'd rather go for the six. X package is pretty much the SE but with the six cylinder engine, it's a real good bang for the buck package.  The Sport is available with a few things over the X package, most notable is the Dana 44 rear axle.  The Sahara is an appearance package.  It includes painted fender flares and nicer seats, and some things come standard like fog lights.  The Rubicon is a off-road ready package.  It comes with Dana 44 axles at front and rear, with lockers in both axles as well as 4.10 gearing.  It also has a different transfer case than any of the others with 4 to 1 gears for low range compared to the 2.72 of the others.