Which Jeep Wrangler model would the best for my first Wrangler and the best for my money?
Also looking to put some extra’s and accessories on it.. and would appreciate it if it werent TOO awfully expensive. Im not using it to offroad.. just some fun. I’m a college student so I wont have too much time to invest in it, and I commute about 20 miles to work about twice a week. Any thoughts???
6 Responses to “Which Jeep Wrangler model would the best for my first Wrangler and the best for my money?”
Comment from luis r
Time May 11, 2010 at 2:55 am
i would find a TJ (1996-2005…don’t quote me on that). as far as the specific model (i.e. se, x, sahara, or sport), they are all the same with slight cosmetic differences. the only ones that are different are the 4 cylinder and the rubicon. the rubicon comes with all the necessary modifications that most jeepers have to purchase aftermarket, but they are a little more pricey. word to the wise though, do your research and make sure you really want a jeep. i say this for three reasons:
1. gas mileage: mine gets about 19 hwy and 15 city.
2. death wobble: this is not a problem until you start modifying the suspension, ask anyone with a modified jeep and they can tell you all about death wobble.
3. addictive: you think you won’t modify it, but we all have a breaking point. if this happens, you’ll get no sympathy from me when your jeep takes over your bank accounts…”Just Empty Every Pocket.”
Comment from Rubicon Jeeper
Time May 11, 2010 at 3:09 am
For on road travel the new wrangler JK’s (07+) has the best ride quality and you can find them used for not to expensive.
As far as models go:
Wrangler X – base model with fewest bells and whistles
Sahara – a few perks and a good middle of the road offroad/on road
Rubicon – Built for offroad with lockers and dana 44 diffs
Personally it sounds like you are looking for an X since you plan on doing some minor aftermarket changes and don’t plan on doing much offroading in it. If you would like even further info check out the jeeping community over at JK-Forum.com. they will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
have fun and welcome to the club
Comment from Andrew
Time May 11, 2010 at 3:39 am
get a YJ(87-95). They’re older so usually relatively cheaper. They have many, many accessories and are usually cheaper to buy parts for. TJ’s are newer, but a little more comfortable, but can cost more to fix and accessories can be expensive. Cj’s are great for accessories, but it’s hard to find one that is in good shape and doesn’t cost too much. The CJ’s are what i consider the best and most fun.
Comment from Bologna
Time May 11, 2010 at 4:10 am
I have a 91, very reliable( it only has 85000 miles on it) so make sure you look at the milage.
if you really want the round headlights then go with late 90’s but remember, the newer the jeep…. the more expensive.
Make sure you go with a 6 cylinder(in-line six)! 4 cylinders dont have enough power, also make sure whover youve bought it from hasnt done anything to mess up the factory in-line six motor. they probably havent.
Easy to get parts for them also… well anything older than an 87.
My jeep has a 4 inch lift(soon to be 
on a set of 33in tires, so all my college buddies love ridin in it! if you try to get a jeep with a Sway Bar you dont have to worry about it ever tipping! oh and if you want it lifted a couple inches and its not already, then bigger shackles with give it about a 2 inch lift(cheap and easy to put on ALSO THEY DONT MAKE IT BUMPIER) and alot of jeeps have the nice leaf springs, if it does then you can do a spring over kit(again really cheap if you have like two hours and 2 buddies helpin out) or a body lift kit… all of these lifts dont affect the way the jeep rides.
Comment from JustinBoutin
Time May 11, 2010 at 4:43 am
honestly, please disregard the guy before me, i’ve owned a yj (‘87-’95) and a tj (‘97-06)
they are essentially the same, same engines and transmissions for pretty much the entire lines, get a 6cyl not a 4cyl, the 6 is better on road due to a shorter piston stroke, it has plenty more horsepower, the 4 has more torque for off road and less horsepower, about 100, it’ll get a jeep doing a good 75-80 if your lucky, keep in mind they’re basically steel boxes on wheels, and, if you dont care about off road too much, grab a yj both are good but a yj has leaf springs versus coil, same ride quality though, you can get a good yj for 5 or 6 grand and lift it and add some tires for less than a grand, a tj will at least be 8 or 9grand for a decent 6 cyl. spring over swaps on a yj take more like 2 weeks rather than two hours, give you atleast 5 inches of lift, you have to weld perches, and address axle wrap. and the higher you go the higher the center of gravity, for you id say 2 inches of lift and 31″ tires, trust me itll look good. and btw all jeeps have swaybars, and they will limit body roll in corners but will certainly not stop you from rolling over. i could go on for hours, if you have any questions email me: justinboutin@yahoo.com
im in college too and have owned both my jeeps in the last two years, im sure i can help you out
Comment from Alan
Time May 11, 2010 at 2:29 am
go with a late ’90s Jeep Wrangler. make sure it has less than 100,000 miles and youll be fine. i own a 1998 Jeep and have it lifted 4″. they are great vehicles