XJ as Daily Driver?
05-10-2019, 07:24 AM
#17
CF Veteran
05-10-2019, 08:35 AM
#18
Senior Member
Of those you listed, I'd say 4Runner first, but since they are hard to find in good shape, the XJ would be good. Sometimes it's nice to have a PU, but those ranger regular cabs can be cramped inside too.
Another vehicle you might add to your list is a first gen Grand Cherokee ZJ. IMO they're a better DD than an XJ just b/c quieter inside, really nice ergonomics, they drive a little better IMO. I think the ZJ has the best cockpit of any of the Jeeps. I just like you ya sit in them. They're not that large. I've driven a ZJ 4.0 up past 300k miles with no major problems, very dependable. Or even better, a WJ G/C with a V8. The WJs were even better than the ZJ's in many ways (almost all ways), and I've seen them under $2k.
But not taking anything away from XJ's. What makes them neat is how simple and basic they are. Visibility out the expansive glass area is great for off-road. They don't break down much, easy to fix when they do (so are the ZJ's). Here's a neat ZJ:
https://www.quadratec.com/c/build-up...nd-one-concept
Another vehicle you might add to your list is a first gen Grand Cherokee ZJ. IMO they're a better DD than an XJ just b/c quieter inside, really nice ergonomics, they drive a little better IMO. I think the ZJ has the best cockpit of any of the Jeeps. I just like you ya sit in them. They're not that large. I've driven a ZJ 4.0 up past 300k miles with no major problems, very dependable. Or even better, a WJ G/C with a V8. The WJs were even better than the ZJ's in many ways (almost all ways), and I've seen them under $2k.
But not taking anything away from XJ's. What makes them neat is how simple and basic they are. Visibility out the expansive glass area is great for off-road. They don't break down much, easy to fix when they do (so are the ZJ's). Here's a neat ZJ:
https://www.quadratec.com/c/build-up...nd-one-concept
Last edited by Jeepwalker; 05-10-2019 at 08:46 AM.
05-10-2019, 08:58 AM
#19
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Honestly, I would consider a ZJ, as those are also dirt cheap around our area, except that I've had a pretty bad track record with those and their electrical issues. As resistance is directly proportional to temperature, for some reason it likes to mess with the electricals when the motor on those heats up. One of my friends had a ZJ with this problem, as well as seeing/working on many others that did as well. However, a large handful of my friends own XJs and haven't had a single problem (biggest one seems to be leaf springs and U-joints)
05-10-2019, 08:59 AM
#20
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
A stock XJ should get 18 all day and all night. If yours is stock and it doesn't, something is wrong. Lead foot? Out of tune? Dunno, but something isn't right.
mpost3r, a Cherokee has been my DD for quite a few years now. A 94 until it had a computer problem that nobody could solve, then a 97 until a Suburban pulled out in front of me @ 55 mph. That had me not driving for about 8 months (fractured right kneecap) so I haven't yet got another one on the road. I bought a 98 with a blown engine and plan to put my 97s engine into it as my DD. I also just bought a 96 to have as an extra, as I have some boy coming into driving age.
So, yes, I think it's a very capable DD.
That Ranger? In 2 feet of snow? I'll take the XJ any day, without hesitation, unless I need to haul cargo.
I also happen to know a great forum where your questions are welcome and there's a whole lot of experience available to you.
mpost3r, a Cherokee has been my DD for quite a few years now. A 94 until it had a computer problem that nobody could solve, then a 97 until a Suburban pulled out in front of me @ 55 mph. That had me not driving for about 8 months (fractured right kneecap) so I haven't yet got another one on the road. I bought a 98 with a blown engine and plan to put my 97s engine into it as my DD. I also just bought a 96 to have as an extra, as I have some boy coming into driving age.
So, yes, I think it's a very capable DD.
That Ranger? In 2 feet of snow? I'll take the XJ any day, without hesitation, unless I need to haul cargo.
I also happen to know a great forum where your questions are welcome and there's a whole lot of experience available to you.
I DD a 95 XJ. I've had 3 XJs prior to this one. As for mileage I still only get about 14 on average. Even straight highway mileage I'll maybe get 16 or so. I've done everything I can think of to get it up to what my other XJs have done. Smoke tested to look for vacuum leaks, replaced the cracked exhaust manifold, replaced injectors, OEM O2 sensors, MAP sensor, temp sensor, IAT sensor, the list goes on. I checked Fuelly.com and the 95 model year shows 14mpg average as well so maybe it was a computer programing thing with the 95s? Hell if I know.
05-10-2019, 09:39 AM
#22
Senior Member
A stock XJ should get 18 all day and all night. If yours is stock and it doesn't, something is wrong. Lead foot? Out of tune? Dunno, but something isn't right.
mpost3r, a Cherokee has been my DD for quite a few years now. A 94 until it had a computer problem that nobody could solve, then a 97 until a Suburban pulled out in front of me @ 55 mph. That had me not driving for about 8 months (fractured right kneecap) so I haven't yet got another one on the road. I bought a 98 with a blown engine and plan to put my 97s engine into it as my DD. I also just bought a 96 to have as an extra, as I have some boy coming into driving age.
So, yes, I think it's a very capable DD.
That Ranger? In 2 feet of snow? I'll take the XJ any day, without hesitation, unless I need to haul cargo.
I also happen to know a great forum where your questions are welcome and there's a whole lot of experience available to you.
mpost3r, a Cherokee has been my DD for quite a few years now. A 94 until it had a computer problem that nobody could solve, then a 97 until a Suburban pulled out in front of me @ 55 mph. That had me not driving for about 8 months (fractured right kneecap) so I haven't yet got another one on the road. I bought a 98 with a blown engine and plan to put my 97s engine into it as my DD. I also just bought a 96 to have as an extra, as I have some boy coming into driving age.
So, yes, I think it's a very capable DD.
That Ranger? In 2 feet of snow? I'll take the XJ any day, without hesitation, unless I need to haul cargo.
I also happen to know a great forum where your questions are welcome and there's a whole lot of experience available to you.
05-10-2019, 02:55 PM
#23
Senior Member
I am 25 years old and have only ever driven XJ's since 16, two to be exact.
My first one was a 94 2WD (Boo) with the 4.0, auto. I drove that thing and honestly didn't take care of it at all (stupid). I kid you not it ran hot probably at least 50 times in one Summer alone. The E fan accidently got wired up and was spinning in reverse. Finally figured it out after replacing the radiator LOL. It someone hoe never cracked the head or even blew the head gasket. Drove for 2 more years and finally parked it with 272,XXX miles on it. It was still running but it was just so beat.
Another reason I parked it was I picked up an 89 XJ 4.0 4×4 auto with 78,XXX miles on it for free about 3.5 yeard ago. It needed a fuel pump. And the entire cooling system replaced. The old man had let it sit empty gor years so it was and is still dirty in the cooling system. Currently running a chemical flush. Also needed a cracked exhaust manifold fixed. It had a bent rod and lifter out which I discovered doing a valve cover gasket job. So I ended up doing a head gasket job which is pretty easy to do. I drove the sucker for months on 5 cylinders and just thought it was an old slow jeep going up hills hahaha.
Basic point is these jeeps are awesome and look cool even on stock suspension with the right tires and rims. I like the look of 3 or 4 stock jeep rims alot myself. I am currntly looking for a set of gamblers.
You will most likely run into small problems with these but the parts are descently cheap or available at junkyards. And people here are very willing to help you find out what is wrong. These things will keep going even when they need work. Just don't drive one bone dry of oil, trans fluid, and try not to let one run hot if you can help it but even that often will not kill them but still don't do it hahaha.....
My first one was a 94 2WD (Boo) with the 4.0, auto. I drove that thing and honestly didn't take care of it at all (stupid). I kid you not it ran hot probably at least 50 times in one Summer alone. The E fan accidently got wired up and was spinning in reverse. Finally figured it out after replacing the radiator LOL. It someone hoe never cracked the head or even blew the head gasket. Drove for 2 more years and finally parked it with 272,XXX miles on it. It was still running but it was just so beat.
Another reason I parked it was I picked up an 89 XJ 4.0 4×4 auto with 78,XXX miles on it for free about 3.5 yeard ago. It needed a fuel pump. And the entire cooling system replaced. The old man had let it sit empty gor years so it was and is still dirty in the cooling system. Currently running a chemical flush. Also needed a cracked exhaust manifold fixed. It had a bent rod and lifter out which I discovered doing a valve cover gasket job. So I ended up doing a head gasket job which is pretty easy to do. I drove the sucker for months on 5 cylinders and just thought it was an old slow jeep going up hills hahaha.
Basic point is these jeeps are awesome and look cool even on stock suspension with the right tires and rims. I like the look of 3 or 4 stock jeep rims alot myself. I am currntly looking for a set of gamblers.
You will most likely run into small problems with these but the parts are descently cheap or available at junkyards. And people here are very willing to help you find out what is wrong. These things will keep going even when they need work. Just don't drive one bone dry of oil, trans fluid, and try not to let one run hot if you can help it but even that often will not kill them but still don't do it hahaha.....
Last edited by Chick-N-Picker; 05-10-2019 at 03:01 PM.
05-10-2019, 03:59 PM
#24
Assume you're not driving that 200 miles every day ???! Where are you going, Western in Gunnison? (better have a block heater)
Anyway, I'm retired and don't commute, but our XJ is a "drive it when we need it" sort of thing which means every day in the winter to start in the cold and drive through whatever snow 1/4 mile to the barn to feed the horses. In Full Time 4wd it just goes through however deep the snow is up to a couple feet so far without any complaints. We also drive it 60 miles one way to town a couple times a month for shopping in the winter and spring when our stupid FWD 30 mpg car can't go anywhere.
We get up to 22 mpg on the highway, but hardly half that on gravel roads. You have to get it into overdrive to get the mpg up.
The only real problem we have had is overheating on some hot days in the summer. The electric fan seems to not work sometimes. I had to tape up the connector, but I should just get a new fan because the problem seems to be on the fan pigtail side and not the chassis side.
Anyway, I'm retired and don't commute, but our XJ is a "drive it when we need it" sort of thing which means every day in the winter to start in the cold and drive through whatever snow 1/4 mile to the barn to feed the horses. In Full Time 4wd it just goes through however deep the snow is up to a couple feet so far without any complaints. We also drive it 60 miles one way to town a couple times a month for shopping in the winter and spring when our stupid FWD 30 mpg car can't go anywhere.
We get up to 22 mpg on the highway, but hardly half that on gravel roads. You have to get it into overdrive to get the mpg up.
The only real problem we have had is overheating on some hot days in the summer. The electric fan seems to not work sometimes. I had to tape up the connector, but I should just get a new fan because the problem seems to be on the fan pigtail side and not the chassis side.
05-11-2019, 08:01 AM
#25
Old fart with a wrench
Good advice!
I'm interested in your tyre wear. I'm about to replace a set of 4 Grabber AT2 which have done smack on 50k miles with no rotations. They've actually worn more at the front maybe because I have a 242 and generally drive in 4FT. How many miles do you get from the Coopers? If it's more than 50k (road miles) I'm very interested!
I'm interested in your tyre wear. I'm about to replace a set of 4 Grabber AT2 which have done smack on 50k miles with no rotations. They've actually worn more at the front maybe because I have a 242 and generally drive in 4FT. How many miles do you get from the Coopers? If it's more than 50k (road miles) I'm very interested!
If you're interested in strictly winter tires, Firestone Winterforce are a good tire, although the rubber is soft and they don't like dry pavement for long.
Last edited by dave1123; 05-11-2019 at 08:16 AM.
05-11-2019, 12:34 PM
#26
::CF Administrator::
Hi all,
I'm new to all of this; I'm an E36 guy. While I'm not new to automobiles (or even Jeeps, at that), I'm new to the XJ enthusiast scene. I've put a bunch of work into friends' XJs, and, in fact, my friend just got one too.
I'm a graduating senior in high school and committed to a university which is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, about 200 miles away from me. Snowfall is usually 2 to 3 feet from November-April. I'm looking for a deat-reliable, dirt-cheap daily driver that I can bring down to college and whip around all their mountain passes and trails, all while getting good gas mileage. I was originally just gonna get a Suburban, but 10mpg wasn't too enticing for me (I'm on a tight budget but won't cheap out, if that makes sense).
So far, I've boiled down my options to:
1. Ford Ranger 4.0 4x4
2. XJ 4.0 4x4
3. 4Runner(if price allows)
My budget is around 2 grand tops, and I'm not afraid to do a little wrenching myself. XJs in this area are dime a dozen all year long, but Rangers and 4Runners are very difficult to find in 4wd and not in horrible condition for under 2 grand. So here's my question: Who here dailies an XJ, and so far, how many miles, how many issues, what size tires, and what gas mileage do you get? And most of all, would you recommend one for my college daily? I'm also gonna ask my friend who's now gonna daily his on his thoughts. My XJ build will be a cheap reliable build, so I'll probably put 31x10.5r15 *aggressive* highway terrains, such as Cooper discoverers, or honestly whatever I can get my hands on. I'm aiming for at least 18mpg, which I've heard is pretty easy. Automatic or manual, doesn't really matter. I would *prefer* a manual because that's one less thing to go wrong, and I'd like to replace the clutch.
Thoughts?
Thanks a lot!
I'm new to all of this; I'm an E36 guy. While I'm not new to automobiles (or even Jeeps, at that), I'm new to the XJ enthusiast scene. I've put a bunch of work into friends' XJs, and, in fact, my friend just got one too.
I'm a graduating senior in high school and committed to a university which is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, about 200 miles away from me. Snowfall is usually 2 to 3 feet from November-April. I'm looking for a deat-reliable, dirt-cheap daily driver that I can bring down to college and whip around all their mountain passes and trails, all while getting good gas mileage. I was originally just gonna get a Suburban, but 10mpg wasn't too enticing for me (I'm on a tight budget but won't cheap out, if that makes sense).
So far, I've boiled down my options to:
1. Ford Ranger 4.0 4x4
2. XJ 4.0 4x4
3. 4Runner(if price allows)
My budget is around 2 grand tops, and I'm not afraid to do a little wrenching myself. XJs in this area are dime a dozen all year long, but Rangers and 4Runners are very difficult to find in 4wd and not in horrible condition for under 2 grand. So here's my question: Who here dailies an XJ, and so far, how many miles, how many issues, what size tires, and what gas mileage do you get? And most of all, would you recommend one for my college daily? I'm also gonna ask my friend who's now gonna daily his on his thoughts. My XJ build will be a cheap reliable build, so I'll probably put 31x10.5r15 *aggressive* highway terrains, such as Cooper discoverers, or honestly whatever I can get my hands on. I'm aiming for at least 18mpg, which I've heard is pretty easy. Automatic or manual, doesn't really matter. I would *prefer* a manual because that's one less thing to go wrong, and I'd like to replace the clutch.
Thoughts?
Thanks a lot!
BTW, are you going to CMC? I lived in Aspen for a year and a half, then later lived in Denver area for 17 years....
05-11-2019, 07:36 PM
#27
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oh yeah I'm not driving that 200 miles every day haha, but I'll be driving it around to Blue Mesa and Crested Butte (yes! I am going to Western HAHA). I'll be able to count with my fingers the amount of times I'd do that 200 mile commute in one year. I'm more concerned about Monarch Pass and just being dead reliable for my outdoorsy personality type.
05-11-2019, 10:48 PM
#28
::CF Administrator::
oh yeah I'm not driving that 200 miles every day haha, but I'll be driving it around to Blue Mesa and Crested Butte (yes! I am going to Western HAHA). I'll be able to count with my fingers the amount of times I'd do that 200 mile commute in one year. I'm more concerned about Monarch Pass and just being dead reliable for my outdoorsy personality type.
In all seriousness, once you buy one, take care of all the basics, and you'll have a highly reliable vehicle
05-12-2019, 10:53 AM
#29
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Hmm. I'm quite intrigued by all your information. On the topic of a block heater, since I will be in Gunnison, should I look into that? have any pointers?
Thanks
Thanks
05-12-2019, 11:28 AM
#30
Old fart with a wrench
Although the XJ is pretty nimble, you may need a set of tire chains for those mountain passes.