Ive had 2...i bought my boys a 93 about 5 years ago...they still share it...its fun n badass...gotta take care of it..freeway drivin sux...but surface streets...theres nothing more fun 2 drive...except a bike
13 years. Excellent purchase. Never any "problems".... Had to change brakes, clutch and have only had emissions issues. Still running strong at 110,000 miles. Great at absorbing impact (went into a guard rail going about 50 when I hydroplaned and barely jostled. Highly recommend. Get a stick.
However, I did have to have the heater repaired several times which is essential for a soft top. No other real issues though.
Owning a jeep is different than a regular car. For instance, jeeps are not fun in high winds. You get blown all over the place. If you go fast enough the wind gets under you like an airplane and lifts you up. It can be kind of scary going over big bridges like the Annapolis Bay Bridge or the Delaware Memorial.
Like others said, freeway driving sucks. They are a fun vehicle and will take you places that others won't. Years ago, I had a Explorer Limited. Heated leather seats and every power option, but it sucked in 4WD. I wanted to drive that piece of shit off a bridge after getting stuck in 4" of snow. Once the weather cleared, I bought a Jeep that I could count on in the elements. Didn't want to compromise on the interior cabin, but also wanted the Jeep capabilities. I ended up getting a Jeep Liberty Limited. It won't win any boulder crawling competitions, but it is more than capable to veer off the pavement and make it's own trail. I didn't want to look like the soccer-moms driving Cherokees. The Liberty has a cross-over of styling elements of the Wrangler and comfort elements of the Cherokee.
If you're looking up to 04, you might as well look up to 06 as those models are largely the same. The newer models, or JKs, debuted in 2007 with the 3.8L engine. The TJs have the straight six 4.0 engine, which is a fantastic engine for reliability. That thing will last 300k miles with regular maintenance. As far as other parts of the vehicle, you will have some electrical issues. There will be rattles. There will be intermittent fixes needed. Make sure the Wrangler doesn't have frame rust, and check the CarFax as a previous undercoating is always helpful in this regard.
I just traded my 06 in for a 2013 (needed a 4 door with a baby on the way), but I would've kept the 06 for a long time if life wasn't about to massively change. It can be a love/hate relationship at times, but as long as you understand that you're making some sacrifices and you're not buying a Ford Edge, you'll be happy. They're a blast to drive, a blast to strip naked, and a blast to customize. They're like adult Legos! Just be sure you know what you're getting into before you buy. They're a genre all to their own.
I was surprised at how well they held their resale value, considering I had done the research and found them to be poorly rated from a reliability perspective.
They are definitely a lot of fun. Refinement isn't expected to be part of the package, so it's hard to knock 'em for the absence.
second one was a '97. absolutely no issues with either except the usual wear 'n tear stuff. hope to always have a wrangler- they are great. good luck and always give the peace sign when you see another jeep!
Bought it used from a friend in 2007 for my kids to use around town while in high school. I hoped it would last until my oldest graduated HS in 2010; the damn thing is still running and no major repairs. Its a running joke that we can't kill this car.
However, I did have to have the heater repaired several times which is essential for a soft top. No other real issues though.
I'm having heater problems for the last 4 years, my mechanic said the repair costs were around $900. Is that your experience?
What kinds of issues? No heat at all, or the blower only works on certain speeds? If the latter, you need to replace the blower motor resistor. 16 bucks, one half hour and a couple scraped knuckles later and the problem is fixed.
4" lift 33" tires
110,000 miles.
Only drive it 3000 miles a year.
I am having electrical problems constantly
Wipers, lights, and dashboard.
It's my toy. Love it.
Should've mentioned this earlier to you, but check out this forum for tons of valuable info. A good resource to have on hand before and during your Wrangler ownership.
However, I did have to have the heater repaired several times which is essential for a soft top. No other real issues though.
I'm having heater problems for the last 4 years, my mechanic said the repair costs were around $900. Is that your experience?
What kinds of issues? No heat at all, or the blower only works on certain speeds? If the latter, you need to replace the blower motor resistor. 16 bucks, one half hour and a couple scraped knuckles later and the problem is fixed.
Thanks for the tip. My only complaint about my Liberty is the "blower" setting. On "1", it is non-existent. On "2", I need a steady Visine drip. Been that way since day 1 off the lot. Not been a big deal and never bothered to seek remedy (local Jeep dealership sucks for service).
even though I don't really care for them. My son has a '99 Cherokee. Though reliability problems are an issue as others have pointed out, my mechanic friend says they remain popular partly because they are so simple. "Even Stevie Wonder could fix one," he tells me.
What kinds of issues? No heat at all, or the blower only works on certain speeds? If the latter, you need to replace the blower motor resistor. 16 bucks, one half hour and a couple scraped knuckles later and the problem is fixed.
I believe the blower is working fine, all speed settings work and it is pushing air. The temp works as it adjusts the air from cold to 'hot', problem is the hot setting only produces barely warm air which is basically worthless when the outside temp is below 45.
However, I did have to have the heater repaired several times which is essential for a soft top. No other real issues though.
Owning a jeep is different than a regular car. For instance, jeeps are not fun in high winds. You get blown all over the place. If you go fast enough the wind gets under you like an airplane and lifts you up. It can be kind of scary going over big bridges like the Annapolis Bay Bridge or the Delaware Memorial.
I ended up trading it in bc i needed a car with better gas mileage, as I was about to start traveling by car full time for work.
But can't wait to get another Wrangler one day, when life+finances allow me to get one for fun
I just traded my 06 in for a 2013 (needed a 4 door with a baby on the way), but I would've kept the 06 for a long time if life wasn't about to massively change. It can be a love/hate relationship at times, but as long as you understand that you're making some sacrifices and you're not buying a Ford Edge, you'll be happy. They're a blast to drive, a blast to strip naked, and a blast to customize. They're like adult Legos! Just be sure you know what you're getting into before you buy. They're a genre all to their own.
They are definitely a lot of fun. Refinement isn't expected to be part of the package, so it's hard to knock 'em for the absence.
link - ( New Window )
I think that's a Hummer.
Quote:
I'm in NYC, let me know which car uses the finger as the universal greeting and I'm all over it.
I think that's a Hummer.
..and the Prius owners use two fingers.
I'm having heater problems for the last 4 years, my mechanic said the repair costs were around $900. Is that your experience?
Quote:
However, I did have to have the heater repaired several times which is essential for a soft top. No other real issues though.
I'm having heater problems for the last 4 years, my mechanic said the repair costs were around $900. Is that your experience?
What kinds of issues? No heat at all, or the blower only works on certain speeds? If the latter, you need to replace the blower motor resistor. 16 bucks, one half hour and a couple scraped knuckles later and the problem is fixed.
110,000 miles.
Only drive it 3000 miles a year.
I am having electrical problems constantly
Wipers, lights, and dashboard.
It's my toy. Love it.
www.wranglerforum.com
Quote:
In comment 12808657 Reb8thVA said:
Quote:
However, I did have to have the heater repaired several times which is essential for a soft top. No other real issues though.
I'm having heater problems for the last 4 years, my mechanic said the repair costs were around $900. Is that your experience?
What kinds of issues? No heat at all, or the blower only works on certain speeds? If the latter, you need to replace the blower motor resistor. 16 bucks, one half hour and a couple scraped knuckles later and the problem is fixed.
Thanks for the tip. My only complaint about my Liberty is the "blower" setting. On "1", it is non-existent. On "2", I need a steady Visine drip. Been that way since day 1 off the lot. Not been a big deal and never bothered to seek remedy (local Jeep dealership sucks for service).
I believe the blower is working fine, all speed settings work and it is pushing air. The temp works as it adjusts the air from cold to 'hot', problem is the hot setting only produces barely warm air which is basically worthless when the outside temp is below 45.