Jeep inquiry February 26, 2017, 01:33:57 pm Good day to all,I've been thinking about a Jeep for a while now to take with me when traveling. I had a very basic CJ-5 back in the 70's (wish I still had it), but haven't paid any attention to Jeeps since I sold it. I know there are at least a few folks here that have them as toads, and was hoping for some insights, observations, and precautions about the models available now. I not interested in a new, big, or fancy one, just a solid 4 WD rig for 'casual' off road exploring and basic transportation if\when needed while on the road. Any advice would be appreciated!
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #1 – February 26, 2017, 02:31:17 pm A good choice would be the Wrangler TJ from 1997 to 2006. I like it for the 4.0 inline six engine that was pretty reliable. There are plenty of them out there and lots of ways to make it more to your liking.I don't like the later JK as much with the V6 but they seem to be doing OK.I don't know how small you are willing to go but the Geo Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick would be an option.I have a motorcycle I use, at least until I can't throw a leg over it any longer. Then I'll probably get something small like the Sidekick. Just big enough to get some protection and cargo capacity without adding too much weight to haul around.
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #2 – February 26, 2017, 04:37:19 pm Quote from: Jota - February 26, 2017, 02:31:17 pmA good choice would be the Wrangler TJ from 1997 to 2006. I like it for the 4.0 inline six engine that was pretty reliable. There are plenty of them out there and lots of ways to make it more to your liking.Found this website which may be helpful to potential buyers:Tips For Buying A 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler - TJ Trader
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #3 – February 26, 2017, 05:31:08 pm My Jeep (pictured in the current Banner Photo) is a 2006 LJ, the long bed version of the TJ. It's an additional 15 inches of body and 10" of wheelbase than the regular TJ. Also more towing capacity. It has the 6 cyl engine. Mine has a lot of bolt-on's so it's heavy. The LJ's are a bit rare and hard to find. It was only made between 2004 and 2006.
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #4 – February 26, 2017, 06:08:49 pm I posted this link once before, but a re-post seemed timely!JEEPS FOR SALE! Buy Jeeps For Sale at Jeeps For Sale. Used and New Jeeps for...
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #5 – February 26, 2017, 11:22:40 pm We have pulled a Jeep Cherokee for almost 14 years and over 75,000 miles.With all Jeeps, you need to be careful outfitting them, it's easy to go over the 4000-lbs bumper limit.I agree with the suggestion to limit yourself to a 2006 or older TJ Wrangler, they are lighter than the later generations.Parts to maintain or upgrade Wranglers are widely available and will be for a long time.All 4X4 Jeeps, those with true transfer-cases, can be flat towed without modifications to the driveline. Just put the transfer-case in neutral and the ignition key turned to the position where the steering wheel is unlocked and the ignition is off.Geo Tracker and Suzuki Sidekicks were never sold in large numbers and have been out of production for years.In Southern California or Arizona, most of what you will find will be worn out or have been heavily off-roaded.The same goes for finding decent Jeep Cherokees, their low prices has caused of them many to gutted and turned into dirt toys.As long as your off road desires do not extend past gravel and forest service-type roads, a manual transmission Subaru may be all you need. It certainly would drive better on the pavement.Larry
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #6 – February 27, 2017, 09:10:14 am Quote from: Larry Wade - February 26, 2017, 11:22:40 pmAs long as your off road desires do not extend past gravel and forest service-type roads, a manual transmission Subaru may be all you need. It certainly would drive better on the pavement.Funny you should mention Subaru as we are planning on purchasing a new(er) Outback later this year. It's unfortunate that Subaru no longer offers the manual transmission on the Outbacks and have gone exclusively to the CVT. I understand the reasons for doing so, though. I think the Forester may still be available with a manual but not totally sure about that.
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #7 – February 27, 2017, 09:58:48 am Re: Larry's recommendation of a Jeep TJ Wrangler: this link may be of interest to those considering this vehicle. Jeep Wrangler TJ Buyers Guide - Jp Magazine
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #8 – February 27, 2017, 11:14:07 am We have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler that we plan to tow behind our 2017 MB when she arrives. We were concerned about the hitch limit of 4,000lbs as our Jeep weights 4100 lbs with a full fuel tank and we might load another 100 lbs in her when we are towing. We explain this to Todd at the factory before our order and he said for us not to worry as the LD hitch would handle the load.
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #9 – February 27, 2017, 11:23:22 am Thank you all for your feedback, and the links to plenty of good information. As is often the case with more than a couple of good answers to a question, they beget more questions. Do I really want\need a Jeep, or would something like a Subaru be more practical? If an older TJ, how much do I want to invest in time and money in an older vehicle that’s probably had some rough use to get it the way I’d want it (I don’t see many ‘little old ladies’ driving around in them ;-)? I wouldn’t want to trick it out, just mechanically sound, good tires, and some stuff to get me out of a jam if necessary. If a Subaru, there’s a lot of discussion online about whether new or newer ones should be flat towed at all (I know many are doing so). Plenty of conflicting information. It may be that the Crosstrek is the only one that can be purchased new with a manual transmission, and it seems Subaru may have recently decided to recommend their vehicles not be flat towed at all. That brings up more discussion about whether this is for mechanical reasons, or legal reasons. Either way, if one does decide to flat tow, that would probably negate the warranty if buying new. Hmmm, plenty to think about and research.Any further thoughts or observations are welcome and appreciated. Thanks again for all of your comments!Bill
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #10 – February 27, 2017, 11:28:14 am "I don't see many 'little old ladies' driving around in them!"---Well, you might if I could find a good one! 1 Likes
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #11 – February 27, 2017, 01:45:03 pm Quote from: krmugn - February 27, 2017, 11:23:22 amIf an older TJ, how much do I want to invest in time and money in an older vehicle that’s probably had some rough use to get it the way I’d want it (I don’t see many ‘little old ladies’ driving around in them ;-)? I wouldn’t want to trick it out, just mechanically sound, good tires, and some stuff to get me out of a jam if necessary. If a Subaru, there’s a lot of discussion online about whether new or newer ones should be flat towed at all (I know many are doing so). A perfectly stock Wrangler, with good tires, will serve your needs. A stock Jeep Rubricon will take you places you don't want to go.Most manual transmission Subarus can be flat towed. There may be changes in the current year but you really don' want to buy a new vehicle to tow, due to the damage the paint and windshield will suffer, no matter how well you try to protect it.Find a decent 4-5 year old Subu, add a set of skid plates high traction tires.Primitive Racing Subaru Performance Parts - Primitive RacingLarry
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #12 – February 27, 2017, 02:05:35 pm Quote from: Ross and Beverly Taylor - February 27, 2017, 11:14:07 amWe have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler that we plan to tow behind our 2017 MB when she arrives. We were concerned about the hitch limit of 4,000lbs as our Jeep weights 4100 lbs with a full fuel tank and we might load another 100 lbs in her when we are towing. We explain this to Todd at the factory before our order and he said for us not to worry as the LD hitch would handle the load.We have towed 4,250 pounds for 94.000 miles. Had it checked by a hitch shop last year, he said there were no signs of metal fatigue anywhere.Do upgrade the bolts and add a backing plate as discussed elsewhere.
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #13 – February 27, 2017, 02:09:24 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 27, 2017, 01:45:03 pmA perfectly stock Wrangler, with good tires, will serve your needs. A stock Jeep Rubicon will take you places you don't want to go.LarryNot if you have my navigation system. It says, "we are not going there".Have done Elephant Hill trail, the Poison Spider, The Maze and more. Rubi did not complain one bit. Amazing machine.
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #14 – February 27, 2017, 03:22:16 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 27, 2017, 01:45:03 pmA perfectly stock Wrangler, with good tires, will serve your needs. A stock Jeep Rubricon will take you places you don't want to go.Most manual transmission Subarus can be flat towed. There may be changes in the current year but you really don' want to buy a new vehicle to tow, due to the damage the paint and windshield will suffer, no matter how well you try to protect it.Find a decent 4-5 year old Subu, add a set of skid plates high traction tires.Primitive Racing Subaru Performance Parts - Primitive RacingLarryWhat tires do you recommend for a Subaru? Jim
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #15 – February 27, 2017, 04:02:20 pm Quote from: Jim & Gayle - February 27, 2017, 03:22:16 pmWhat tires do you recommend for a Subaru? Something like this. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?message=singleSize&tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=Geolandar+A%2FT-S&partnum=16HR6GEOATS&autoMake=Subaru&autoYear=2005&autoModel=Forester+2.5+X&autoModClar=It is a SUV/light truck tire and will ride a little harder that the stock tires. In return, the traction is vastly increased and the sidewalls much stronger than a street tire, with its thin, vulnerable sidewalls. Off roading a street tire is risky, the sidewalls can be ripped easily on a sharp rock edge..Larry 1 Likes
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #16 – February 27, 2017, 06:14:09 pm Since we are now on the subject of tires, has anyone ever "siped" theirs for greater traction? I recently learned of this process. Here are a couple of videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGl0itOWiCkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tc3VIDQvh0
Re: Jeep inquiry Reply #17 – April 28, 2017, 03:36:31 pm For all you Jeep fans, a pickup will be here soon:Jeep Wrangler pickup crawling closer to production | Fox News
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