thinkin about scoopin one up for 1800$ with 150k just wondering the reliability on these compared to the 4.0l and alsohow much worse they are on gas

 

90% of the ZJ's that are V8 powered on craigslist in the 150k to 200k range have the tranny out.
I would not buy one for that fact alone.

 

where did you obtain this data from?

how large is your sample size?

how many CL markets did you research for this?

did you verify that they were all original transmissions?

did you verify maintenance records?

nice "fact" though

 

but back to the topic:

you have to REALLY check them out when looking to purchase. check the ATF fluid make sure its not all burned up, make sure the engine idles smooth, check anything electrical on it.

also I have seen the quality varies alot of them. I have seen beat up ones needing work for $2000, and I purchased a mint one for $1900 so you have to be patient

all in all I would say they are not as reliable as an XJ

 

I don't have to, just that a large portion of them for sale locally in 150k to 190k mile range have bad trannies.
Had a friend come by last week looking to trade his ZJ 185k miles, and the tranny was toast.
Chrysler from 1970->1990 has never been able to build an long life automatic tranny.
Just start looking at ZJ's on your own local CL that have the V8 and see for yourself.
Myself I will not buy one on a bet even with receipts that its been rebuilt.
Life goes on. Take your own gamble and roll the dice it may never happen but when a large portion of any vehicle make I see for sale on CL has the same issue its not always owner neglect it gets deeper than that.

Good Luck.

 

thats the gamble with any automatic vehicle you buy for under $2000 anyways, not just ZJ's

 

i bought my 96 ZJ 5.2 with 153xxx on it i am now up to 176xxx and it is still kicking butt. I EVEN DROWNED it in a water hole, the motor sucked in a lot of water and it still runs (with a minor knock), which still doesnt usually happen. the transmission was contaminated with water and sat around for 3 weeks, then was flushed and it still shifts fine. im not saying all of them are perfect but im certianly pleased with mine.

 

I think we're a little spoiled with the AW-4. Autos aren't generally all that reliable. try buying an Exploder with over 100k and no tranny issues...

 

My 5.9 has a bigger tranny than the 5.2 and it did go out on me with 148k on it but i was not the original owner and the PO did not take care of it at all but i got it right with that in mind. My 94 5.2 i had was over 200k and still kickin when i sold it with 32 in swampers and i romped it pretty good. I would buy another v8 grand no problem just check it out good and hopefully know what your getting. If bought right then a bad tranny can be taken car of.