Hey guys. I'm in high school, and I'm trying to go to school in Colorado (currently in Virginia). I currently have a 2WD 07 Envoy. Realizing that 4WD is essential there, I've been considering selling it and buying a Cherokee XJ. My dad currently has a 2000 Wrangler TJ that I was considering buying from him if I go to college in CO.

So my options are...
1. Buy the TJ off my dad, build it up to be a DD/weekend warrior (4 inch lift, 33 A/Ts, regear, etc. - nothing too drastic)

2. Sell the Envoy, buy a Cherokee myself. Build that up with anywhere from 4-6 inch lift, 33s-35, regear, etc.. - to be a DD/weekend warrior.

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Just wondering if any of yall that live in CO or go to college there can voice your opinion on how you like your XJ. I definitely want to get a hard top (don't like soft tops) for the TJ, but that made me think -- where would I store it in college when the weather is good for going topless? Any advice, opinions welcomed!

 

If money isn't a consideration, then go for it. XJs are reliable but they will require more maintenance than your current vehicle (especially if you get an older one), which is more money. The lift and tires aren't cheap by any means. If you take it on the trail and break it and it's your DD and you need it to get to class, you're ****ed. The fuel mileage will be about the same with the larger tires. A stock XJ is VERY capable off road as it is. I wheeled my stock XJ in college, it was my DD as well and leaving it stock kept me in check from not doing anything ridiculous. Good tires are more important in the snow than anything else, and depending on where you live, ground clearance is also an issue.

Here's what I would do:
1. Keep your current vehicle, put good tires on it.
2. Sell it and buy an XJ, put good tires on it, worry about screwing with it after college. Assuming you're in the dorms or an apartment with no garage, you won't have anywhere to work on it anyway.

Which school are you planning on attending and major? I can offer more or less help depending.

 

Thanks man! I'm actually hoping to get into University of Colorado at Boulder. I love snowboarding and really like the atmosphere of Denver and Boulder... just has good vibes to me. Whenever I go to CO to snowboard I never want to leave, and the scenery and outdoor things to do are unbeatable. I feel like I wouldn't do anything too extreme to break something really important, but if I did, I would just bike or get a ride to class and work on it when the weather permits.

As for my major, no idea...

 

Figure out your major before you enroll and it will be easier. I had a few friends that are still in school now because they didn't know what they wanted to do...
IIRC there is a bus that takes you from CU to the mountains. You don't even really NEED a car in Boulder, but if you want to leave, it makes it easier. You'll probably be in the dorms for the first year, and you'll need to purchase a parking permit. You'll be parking at willvill and have to ride the bus (or bike, but **** that) from campus to your car. When you turn 21, boulder will turn more fun. If you have any other questions, hit me up.

 

I agree, leave it stock until you're at least out of the dorms. My girlfriend goes to CU Boulder and loves it. It's fun, but not quite my cup of tea.

 

I can't stand being up in boulder. Just feel weird whenever I even pass through that town

 

I'm not a fan of that hippy town either, LOL.

 

if end of the world came boulder would be the first place to go

 

Yeah there's a bus that takes you to the mountains and back for like $2! I wouldn't bring the Jeep the first year, but I'd probably want a car there the rest of the time. And to be honest, if I like it there, I'll probably live there after college, so I'll definitely need a 4WD.

And haha to all the people commenting on Boulder... I've heard some things too but sounds chill to me. Guess I'll make my choice when I tour there in February but I really wunna go there.

 

if you dont need the extra room, get your dad's tj. just as reliable as the xj, same, if not more capable, and the girls will dig a convertible 4x4 in summer.

 

agree plus girls just like wranglers more than an xj. you could have same size lift and tires mods done to an xj and wrangler, i bet 9 out 10 girls would go for the wrangler

 

If there is any place you should go check out before you move their, it's Boulder. Go walk down Pearl Street mall on the weekend....It's its own little world of WTF.

 

Wait till summer when the homeless and other begging yippies are out in full force.

 

Haha I can't wait to see what it's like. These comments are great.

 

if you get a wrangler don't go for a soft top. Driving anywhere on the highway sucks and youll blow alot of money on a system just to hear it over the windows flopping. xj is great for skiing and camping. as for boulder i have some friends that go there and whenever i visit it is awesome. erybody there loves it