nukinfuts29

And she has noooooo clue

Anyway she doesn't like the way the cherokee's ride, and is stuck on wanting something with good gas mileage. She likes the wranglers though, so I'm going to surprise her.

I need some input. Are there any years i should be looking for specifically? It's going to be used, so anything i need to specifically check?

There are a few things i already know:

I want an automatic.

I want a hard top. I will buy the bikini top for her, but in the winters and for the majority of the time i want her to have the hard top.

My budget is ~ $2,500

XxXJ99xX

Well for that much your looking the earlier years for wranglers so Id look for something with a 2.5 but to find an older wrangler with a 2.5 and auto are rare (at least where im from) if you have any rust out in MI check the front and rear of the frame where the leaf shackles bolt to the frame, there a common cracking place for the YJ, But If you get lucky and come across a 97+ TJ with the 2.5 and an auto and its in good condition jump on it if you can find one for cheap because they ride better with the coil sprung suspension instead of leaf. Good luck with your search!

Jmalone9

To stay within budget I'd say your looking at a YJ for sure. At least in the Chicago-land area it's near impossible to find a TJ for less than 5 grand. The only concerns I'd have with a YJ is check the floors for rust, soft top for tears, and make sure it's not lifted with some crazy long shackles. Good Luck and Happy Hunting.

sam24th

For the budget your definitely looking at getting a YJ. Im not a huge fan of the 2.5s to be honest. It seems very under powered. Trust me Ive had a 2.5 auto YJ. In fact I manage to blow the engine on it. It was fine for driving around town but if you wanna get on the freeway atleast here forget it. It topped out at like 55mph. Just my 2cents happy treasure hunting.

nukinfuts29

Yea i really don't think the 2.5 is going to cut it. She wants a 2-3 inch lift and 31's on it if she had a jeep, i know her lol.

I planned on it being a bit older, so YJ is not a problem. Rust is something i always look for, but a bit on the tub won't kill me because i will just bedliner it in that case and put some carpet over it so she can have "pretty".

Great advice guys, keep it coming!

Malik3404

Florida CL bro!!

I saw a couple nice ones lifted, rims, etc in the $3000-4000

nukinfuts29

Yea but i'm not going to go over budget driving to FL and back

Found one near my mom in MO that's a 1997 with the 6cyl, auto, hard top. Has a 2.5 inch lift and 30's. 130k, second owner. $2,900.

going to check it out while im down there

Gee oh Dee

Other than gas mileage, the 4.0 is the way to go. They share so many parts with the XJ.

My wife has a 98 TJ. Gotta love the coil springs all around.

nukinfuts29

I know eventually she will want to really push this thing. She will care about MPG till the first time she gets stuck and wants more, so the 6cyl is better so i don't have to 350 swap right away.

If the Wrongler advances past the ZJ mod wise, i will cry. Cuz we all know the woman comes first.....:sigh:

Gee oh Dee

How's that song go? Sad but true?

Malik3404

understandable, but FL is the home of RUST FREE USED CARS!!!

just a thought...

Gee oh Dee

Til ya get near the ocean.

Southern AZ and NM ftw!!!

nukinfuts29

The only vehicle i ever owned that actually had rust was my 2000 dodge ram, purchased in cape coral fl

Malik3404

says the guy from Milwaukee, WI


NOT true, lived in Ft Lauderdale for 15yrs, 10 mins from the beach! Unless your car was parked on the beach for 10yrs and never washed then your point would be valid!

Dont know ONE person that has ever had a problem with salt water and everyone is 30mins or less from the beach. Im taking from the everglades to the beach, maybe 20 miles

Driving a dirty unkept car in South Florida is a FELONY!!

if it was rusted why'd you buy it? If you let a car set long enough without caring for it what do you expect ANYWHERE? I just know rusted cars in FL is UNCOMMON!!

nukinfuts29

I spent half my life in FL, i know it is uncommon, i was just having fun. I had no clue it was rusted because it was under the carpet.