Jeep Fever

[JaSla74]

For the past 20 years I've drooled over a Jeep. I've been close to buying one on numerous occasions, but practicality always won out. I'm looking at purchasing a new (not new new, I always buy used) vehicle in the next few months. I realize that owning a Jeep is a commitment, & you have to have a certain personality to drive one daily, but oh do ever want one.

Are there any Jeep CJ, YJ, TJ, or JK owners out there that drive one on a daily basis? Do they get old fast? I have about 25min commute to work. Gas mileage is not a big concern, because what I drive now isn't that great. I have two kids, but 95% of the time it's just me. The current or late models will tow my boat no problem. Thoughts?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Jeep Fever

full size make a good tow vehicle, the short wheel base will not, except for very short distances.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Jeep Fever

Agree with the full size or you can end up with the tail wagging the dog.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Jeep Fever

in contrary, I have seen quite a few jeeps pulling boats where we go. seems to be mostly jetboats for some reason. The closest possible place to tow home to is about 50 miles, so they are towing some distance with their rigs. I never followed one to see how they do, but it seems halfway popular around here, with an appropriate sized boat. no 25' cuddy cabins or anything

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Jeep Fever

I had a 92 Cherokee I bought w/ 100K on it, ran like a bat out of hell with the I6, at 175K gave it to daughter. It towed my 17' alum. boat, getting 22. mpg on a long trip, and averaged 17 mpg. With reg. maint., the only things I fixed were, upgraded radiator to 3 row, one oil filter o-ring, and thats it. I drove it everyday for 3-4 years at 80-85 mph to work. They dont break.

 

[insanity]

Re: Jeep Fever

I would drive my 96 XJ daily but after I lifted it and put 33 inch tires and beat it up off road. It is more of a chore to drive it now and it get like 10mpg. I don't recommend towing a lot of weight with any jeep, they just are not built for it.

 

[arks]

Re: Jeep Fever

I agree with exbtr- they're pretty solid and reliable (if maintained).
I have a '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited. It's got 145 K so far and I intend to keep it 'forever'.
It tows OK, but they're not the best haulers.
The 5.9 GC was only made 1 year, so these particular ones are becoming collectible. I LOVE all the power!
Here's mine:

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Jeep Fever

Oh the elusive five niner, sadly I saw one in my local pick a part from the cash4clunks debacle.
As far as the "real" Jeep style well I guess not "real" as its 4 door and V6 but the newer 4 door style Cj/Wrangler look pretty nice to me. If your going new new that is anyway. I think they even come as a Rubison, I would love about an 03 Rubicon with some nice half doors.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Jeep Fever

06 TJ owner here.

If memory serves me correct.

4cyl 1000# capacity
6cyl 2000# capacity

during the summer it's "Naked"

No top, no doors, it's still just as much fun as the day it came home.

as far as towing, keep it small. short wheelbase and towing don't go together heavy. Have to keep up on the wheel and pay attention.

BUT if you want to get in a real remote area. A TJ and a John Boat is hard to beat.

Not sure of your boat size but think hard of overdoing it.

Oh you must wave to every other Wrangler, CJ etc vehicle. "It's a Jeep Thing"

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Jeep Fever

As the name implies, I have been known to drive a few. Short wheel base does not lend itself to a smooth ride. The newer 4 door is the exception for the CJ style jeeps. Longer, wider hence better ride. I tow my boat out of the lake and about a thousand feet to the cottage property. It's a '79 with 33s. fibreglas body and a lift kit. It's my toy and is great off road and around town. I don't think I would take to the highway with a boat in tow. A jetski or small tinny wouldn't be a problem. I've had Cherokees and they are more comfortable on the highway and have no issue towing within their rated limits. Presently, I'm on the hunt for a Liberty for the better half. She had a rental for a short time and loved it.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Jeep Fever

I bought an 04 TJ last July. Lots of fun.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Jeep Fever

Jeepman we just SWMBO a Liberty and she loves it . She had a choice between it and a Dodge caliber which is what she wanted . she drove the liberty and didnt even want to test the Caliber she was sold . She has been driving Chrysler mini vans for a looooooong time and was ready to get out of a mini van.



Rick

 

[Brent S]

Re: Jeep Fever

I've had a 98 wrangler since it was new. We had a transfer case issue with 80,000 miles and it was replaced with a 2001 case. (different manufacturer)
It now has 185,000 miles with no problems.

Daily driver - GREAT. BUT it can get old when taking it across country. Just not that comfortable and no air conditioning.
We have towed a kayak trailer from Virginia to Florida with no problems but I would not want to tow our 18ft CC any further than just around the Eastern Shore.
I love the top down, it just makes you smile, good music, sun and fun.

Kids is an issue I do not have to deal with. Can't help you there.

good luck on your decision,
Brent

BTW- YES you do have to wave at other wranglers!

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Jeep Fever

Worlds greatest 2nd vehicle. My daily ride is a 91 YJ with about 140K on it. Great for towing a log splitter or my 12' aluminum fishing boat. Would never think of towing my 20' Nitro bass boat with it. Thats what my GMC 2400HD diesel is for. (12000 towing capacity) That being said I have used the Jeep to pull a log trailer on old skid roads that are too narrow or have turns too tight for the GMC. Thank heavens for low range. Average 20-22 miles per gallon on the road vs 18 with the diesel at about 20 cents more per gallon. Just a little pop riveted tin and some fiberglass on the floor boards every two years or so is the only major upkeep. A loud radio helps at highway speeds to drown out the wind noise and the flapping duct tape that keeps the right side vent window closed.

However it is paid for and maybe someday Obama will give me ten thousand or so just to get it off the highway

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Jeep Fever

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm leaning toward an 04,05, or 06 unlimited. I get the extra wheel base along with a little more room. The new 4 door unlimiteds and have a lot of options/more room, but the only year I could probably afford are the 07s & I'm very weary of buying a first year redesign. Plus I think the previous Unlimiteds may have more long term value since they were produced for a shorter period. I like the idea of a 4 door Wrangler, but something just doesn't look right with them.

 

[justchange]

Re: Jeep Fever

I bought a 1991 Grand Wagoneer mostly for pulling the boat. Has the 5.9 liter and runs great. I found it handles amazingly well for solid axles and leaf springs. Hihg mileage is 13 which is 1 mpg more than rated highway mileage. Not too awful bad for a carb.

Thing only had 44,450 original miles so it's solid and most everything works ok.

 

[shanedawg]

Re: Jeep Fever

If they are well taken care of they can be pretty dependable I think. However about six or seven years ago I had an '88 Cherokee and was always working on it. Of course I got it for cheap and the previous owner had abused it. It was approaching 145k miles when I got rid of it.

They are great for off roading, but not for pulling large boats.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Jeep Fever

I've been a Jeeper for over 20 years. They sure are fun, but I wouldn't want one as my sole vehicle, especially if road trips are on order. I love mine for when I want to drive it, but am glad I have other options....Others are correct, the short WB models are scary to tow with.

 

[i386]

Re: Jeep Fever

It's a god time to buy Jeeps, Boats, motorcycles, and BBQ grills right now.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Jeep Fever

Thats what my GMC 2400HD diesel is for. (12000 towing capacity)

See. I'd never get anything less than a 2500HD diesel.

But the 2400HD is a tough one to find.












(just struck me as funny for some reason)