Then again the 350Z has one of the most reliable trans and engines out there... Up there with 4.0 and AW4

 

not sure if you're kidding or not
but I like nissan and I really like 240 300 350 and 370
would love any one of those vehicles as a second toy or DD
I'd have trouble trading in one of those for a jeep too

 

I appreciate the feed back people. Really do. Unthinking bottom line I would be happier with a wj because it will be a dd 70% of the time. I would be taking it trail riding and mudding almost every weekend. Also being used for camping. Basically an expedition rig. I'm from tn so not a rock crawler place. Buddy runs a Cj 73 crawler and a Cherokee dd. He recommended the gc because its comfort with some ample off road capabilities. I like that idea being luxury but able to hit the dirt hard. His xj has 340k miles and no problems. I an just worried about trading down I guess in terms of value

 

My dad has a 2007 G35 with 140k miles, no problems. Has timing chain not belt so that helps a lot too. Same basic engine and trans as the vq35de/5-speed as his 2003 Z.

 

Everyone has a different opinion on what's valuable. No one here should be trying to "sell" you anything, nor do I think it's their intent to do so. It's your choice on what, and how you're willing to invest your money.

Maybe it would be a better idea to perhaps keep your 350Z, save your money, spend this time learning and shopping for the Jeep you're actually going to want. Then when you're ready you'll have the money saved, then you can have both and decide from there which one you're willing to part with.

 

this is all true. the GC also gets horrible gas if it's the V8. and there is a very limited aftermarket
so upgrades are much more expensive. and you'll have a hard time fitting it in tight spots off road
I commend you. I would never be able to give up my 350 for a grand cherokee and some cash

 

x2 on this for sure

wheeling is not for everyone. I cant tell you how many half built jeeps I see on craigslist because someone got half way into it and decided they dont really enjoy it/need it as much as they want. not to mention empty their pockets into it. definitely do research and and find out what upgrades you want. then find out how much it costs and how much you would use it. then make a decision

 

Well considering I am about to enter a law school, saving will be out of the question if I go wj I will be getting the I6. V8 has some reliability issues from what my mechanic tells me. The Z is nice, don't get me wrong, but when you have had no room and 2 seats for almost 8 years now, you just want more room and more utility. I originally looked at trucks, since I live on a farm, but they are friggin expensive even well used. Jeeps are fun. Looking for a DD first and toy second.

 

I appreciate the advice. I am currently ordering a catalog for the models I am looking at from a company. Should give me some idea

 

These should give you a rough idea what to look for....GL with the search.

• http://www.oramagazine.com/pastissue...rticle=finesse
• http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssue...rticle=finesse
• http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssue...rticle=finesse
• http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssue...rticle=finesse
• http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techart...ion/index.html

 

Thanks for the links! If you were going to be DD'ing 70% of the time and off road on weekends, would you still choose the cherokee or would you go for the GC since it has more creature comforts?

 

My Cherokee is 100% my DD and is perfectly comfortable.... It's quieter then my brothers 2003 Acura TL at 70 mph.


If I drive slow I get 17-18 mpg CITY driving, but normally get 16 with a lead foot. If I literally floor it everywhere the absolute worst i can get is 14. I get 20-21 on highway. Did anyone tell you about the exploding gas tanks on the ZJ an WJ and it's inherently weak roof structure and how it has the worst rollover rating that you can get and that it has parts built to fail because of poor engineering and how weak it's transmission is unless it was built in the first 6 months of 1995?

 

I was in the same shoe a while back....

My thoughts on choosing an XJ instead of a WJ (ZJ wasn't on my list)
1)XJ cheaper
2)WJ (4.0) under powered since is slightly heavier
3)WJ cost more to mod (check out the lift kit for WJ)

I would have gone for a V8 WJ if i were to be looking for a cross country rig.

GL with the search.

 

Compairing a 350Z to a XJ/ZJ/TJ is imposible. tottaly different worlds. I would recomend keeping your current car threw school and waiting for a project.. a Jeep is just that. Jeeps are like a woman, they are reliable but take a lot of work along the way...

I had a 91 300ZX and loved it. but moving from that to teh XJ was rough... I now relize I need both to be happy lol

 

Same boat...LOL
Was my dd