Hey guys, so i have a 2000 xj and my girl really wants a wj. I dont know jack about Grands so what things should i look for when looking at wj's? Any odd quirks i need to look out for? Price range is a max of 5000, maybe 5500. Inline 6 of course.

 

Lol really, no one can help me out?

This is the one we are going to look at tomorrow:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3691204615.html

Any insight?

 

I have a 2004 wj... Wife loves it... Be weary of the 2000-2001 head problems.

 

I recently bought a 2000 WJ 4.0 (NP242 transfer) base model in prestine condition with 125K on it. It came with maintenance records and had been detailed for the sale. No body repairs or collision damage. It cost me $4200 plus tax. I've had NO problems with it until a week ago when the lock-up converter quit locking up. The A/C has a leak somewhere because it worked in July and didn't in late August.

This is a BASE model without tow package, tow hooks, or interior ungrades like leather seats, heated mirrors, or lighted vanity mirrors to name a few. It's perfect for a 68 year old guy who just wants reliable transportation through deep snow. That's what I bought it for. I get a warm feeling when I pass Subaru's with all season tires.

I have noticed a lack of interior storage space for tools and such. There is a little on top of the spare tire and under the rear seat. Nothing under the front seats because of the power units however. Small price to pay. My ZJ didn't either.

I'd buy one with the 242 transfer case. It will be less of a problem than the Quatratrac.

 

Damn i didnt know WJ's had the same problem with the heads that XJ's did. SO id probably be better off trying to find a 99 or 02+ huh?

Also, going by this pic of the 4wd shifter, does this have a 242? It looks like it has 4wd part and full time but i cant tell for sure.

http://images.craigslist.org/3M73m43...8d707a1946.jpg

 

The NV242 is the SelectTrac (Full/Part Time 4WD/4WD-Lo). The changeover from the problematic 0331 head occurred in mid March 2002.

For more WJ info look here - http://www.wjjeeps.com/jmenu.htm

 

Most wj owners will tell you that jeep never put a "great" tranny in any of them.

 

Any JEEP for that matter. The only "bullet proof" automatics were made for big rig diesels. What amazes me is the 42Re was supposedly designed around the old Torqueflite. If so, they didn't get it right! I've DRAG RACED Torqueflites!

 

Takin a look at this one today, what yall think?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/3666572732.html

 

Be wary of the 99-01 model years. Heads are an issue or become so at around 130k.
Ive had one 99 with 200+ and currently a 00 with only 120K and it has a cracked head. Alot depends on previous onwer. The green on looks pretty clean. Really I usually look for a 242 t-case, 6cyl, with a tow package. I pefer the 2004s of all but thats just me and hard to find for under 6000.00.

 

Yeah ive been tryin to avoid those 2 years but most for sale seem to be 00-01. Went and looked at the green one. What a pile of **** lol. Went and looked at a 2000 too. Seems pretty nice. Has 142k miles, v8, all time 4wd(damnit). Goin to look again tomorrow and maybe buy it.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3697901491.html

 

99s seem to be solid wjs. First year of that body style but for some reason whenever I see a 99 wj they are still ticking along strong.

I would stick with the l6 of course.

 

It looks nice, but you should do a search on the 4.7-liter V8. They seem to have more than a few problems related to maintenance. The 4.0L seems like a better better running engine in the long run (plus it's easy to work on).

 

I did a search but couldn't really find anything specific that goes wrong with them. Are they more likely to have problems than an i6? I need this thing to be as reliable as possible for her.

 

For sure.

I wouldn't buy one with the v8 if I were you. From a gas mileage and mechanical stand point.

Not that the l6 is a gas sipper... Lol