Which Jeep Wrangler model year is the most reliable?

[dagod16]

Looking to buy a backup vehicle and I am thinking a nice red or dark red wrangler. Does it matter which model year?
I wonder what the insurance is on a wrangler compared to my 01 xj cherokee.

Thanks

Rob

[OrangeXJ]

I have a 97 TJ and like it. I would get a TJ over a WJ because the TJ has front coil springs and WJ has leaf springs the TJ rides much better. As for the insurance there is not much diffrence than a XJ

[XJ Wheeler]

Yj, not wj.

[4.3LXJ]

As far as reliability goes, I don't think there is any real difference. But the TJ does ride better and has much more aftermarket support

[bluedragon436]

If I were to pick up a Wrangler especially as a second vehicle to my XJ... I'd pick up a TJ/LJ... or CJ... I'd go with the CJ, only because I love the older "beefier" body style of them, not to mention the option of a 360 V8... But the TJ/LJ's there is quite a bit of aftermarket support, not to mention plenty of kits out there to swap in just about any V8 if you so choose, to include the newer Hemi's. I have a co-worker who has the LJ and I have driven it a few times.. and I think the LJ would be the way I'd go because it is the same as a TJ, just has the longer wheelbase, and the more room interior due to it having the longer wheelbase... so I can still haul some stuff... and wheel... although I can't haul four people and camping stuff like I can with my XJ... Also if you decide to go with the TJ/LJ... I'd look into a 2006 as the newest, as they are the last years with the 4.0... then they go into the mini-van engine...

[Carves]

My '97 TJ ... that I bought new ... was OK ...

Racked up about 160,000 trouble free, long distance, remote area touring, miles in it - during the 5yrs I had it.

Didnt like the 5spd gearbox tho ... and I think they used a different one in a later model ??.

An LJ would have been good if they had exported them here.

[dagod16]

Ok so I am looking for a TJ which is from 97 to 06.

Do any of these have the bad cylinder head that cracks? Also as a backup vehicle I don't mind if it has 100K miles on it. I really like something like this below

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SE-/190782149508?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619&forcev4exp=true[/URL]


Now I wouldn't buy anything online, but I have time and my camper will be paid for in the next three months. So I will be able to start looking.

I could drive my 01 xj during the winter and the back up during the summer with the top off. Or what ever.

[bigjim350]

None of the wranglers had the bad head. If your looking for an automatic one I would look for a newer tj. The early ones (97-?) had a 3sp auto and the newer ones have a 4sp auto (which has better gear ratios, as well as better mpg)

Sent from my nerdy smartphone

[dagod16]

Alright, keep the ideas coming.

What if the seat is all torn up on the side the driver gets in, ya know that edge on the left side when looking out the driver window. Can I get replacement covers that are original and not from auto zone.

[bigjim350]

Yes a few places sale original and aftermarket seat covers for them, such as quadratec and 4wheelparts

Sent from my nerdy smartphone

[4.3LXJ]

Much easier buying seat stuff for a wrangler than an XJ

[cantab27]

beat up seat ..what kinda miles on it ......usually a sign that they have done a couple,,,,,

[4.3LXJ]

Or some very heavy people

[Brasscatz]

Or short people having to slide in and out from height

[XJ4IV]

im my personal opinion Id get a TJ but get one with a distributor! those coil packs are cap and pretty expensive... I think they started those in 02 but im not 100% positive... if you CAN... try to get an LJ which is a tj but a little longer I think by 10 inches or so!