DAcherocar

Ok so ive always love the wrangler tj but they are quite noticeably more around me in florida and the xj is a much cheaper option to get into for jeeps so i wanna know which is cheaper to own insure for a 17 year old boy maintain and modify what are weak points or both and strong points of both

SteveMongr

Welcome to the forum..

mwilliams0311

Welcome to the forum. Both are great Jeeps, but be advised your asking this question to Cherokee lovers.. haha..

I have personally owned both (2004 Wrangler ****** Edition I bought new and had for 8 years, 96 XJ, and 97 ZJ now)

I LOVED my Wrangler but now that I have had a XJ/ZJ I do not think I will ever buy a TJ again (maybe an old CJ at some point) The Wrangler was nice because it was newer and had less problems as I bought it when I was 18 and out of boot camp. I never had to worry about stuff breaking. This is only because it was newer though, NOT because it was a Wrangler.

Biggest issues in my opinion-

Wrangler- Doors and top off (best part) Zero room or storage though.
Cherokee- STORAGE and SPACE!! I love camping and having people with me. I can take everything I need and people now in the Cherokee. Not the same in a TJ. Could maybe take one person and the rest of the space packed with crap.

You can get the same engines and drivetrain in a TJ/YJ or XJ pretty much, so really it is personal preference as far as body style.

As far as cost, both are about the same to modify, as long as they are older. The newer you get, the more it costs pretty much.

Just my opinion, XJ is a better financial option. My insurance was half on my XJ as opposed to my TJ BTW.

DAcherocar

thats something new i havent heard actually i knew they were easier to roll than the cherokees

DAcherocar

yea insurance and cost to purchase vehicle play a large portion of making decision especially since i plan on joining the airforce in the next year so itll be mildy modified driven around for wheeling with friends for my senior year then probably parked for a bit till i know where ill be stationed and when im out of basic

mwilliams0311

Congrats on the decision and thank you for your decision to serve!! It is a big one! I spent 6 years in the Marines after High School. Best and worst times of your life.. haha..

Anyway, A nice modified Cherokee (XJ/ZJ) I think would be your best bet brother. Just my humble opinion. FYI, you can get the V8 in a ZJ where as XJ/TJ will only get you the six if that matters to you at all. Again, all equally pricey when it comes to modifying.

DAcherocar

i like the zj but i love the xj haha maybe a swap in the far off future but the 6 would be good enough its gonna be my main dd next to my 01 camry with a good little 4cyl but doesnt the v8 get much worse mpg than the 4.0 i havent researched much into it

DAcherocar

also dumb question is it possible to change my name on here not sure how im feeling about it now

mwilliams0311

The I6 4.0's are beasts. Take care of it and it will run forever. MPG is really going to depend on your tire size and gearing choice.

I think your stuck with your name unless you make a different profile..Not 100% sure though

DAcherocar

yea basically plan is 3-4.5 inches of lift 31's and some exterior mods and thats about it in this year and a half ill be really using it

mwilliams0311

Sounds like you have a plan!

DAcherocar

yes sir also ive looked at cherokees alot and i found one in this gorgeous blue i found out its called patriot blue pearl now is that a hard to find color or have i not looked hard enough for that color

mwilliams0311

Depends on where you are. I have seen alot that color back in the mid west and very few here in CA. I like it though!!

DAcherocar

yea ive heard alot of mid westerners with the color seems unpopular here now to scrape up round $4500 haha then ill be into this life for the long haul