chief turbo

Hey guys, this is going to be long

bought my 2001 XJ last year with 115,000 miles on it..I love it to death, it needed alot of work but it runs like a champ with that 242 6 cyl and that is why I bought it in the first place. I drove it to Texas from Canada here through one of the biggest snow storms we've had in years, drove it around Texas everyday for 3 months, then drove it back home and knock on wood she has been good to me. I never thought to sell it! it's like its part of me now!

anyways I do landscaping side jobs and would like to have a pickup bed (trailer on the xj is not an option, I don't have space for it)..I would love an MJ, but here's the thing..one they only sit two people and tightly at that, two; lets face it Jeeps get **** gas mileage for their size, and three; they are impossible to find rust free and 4x4. I figure I might as well get a full size truck since gas will be about the same, it will fit more stuff, and I'll be able to tow my 72 Pontiac to the drag strip with it as well.

I want to stay with Jeep for reliability, but for the mileage they get and their space capabilities I'm leaning towards selling the XJ, not getting an MJ, and getting a full size pickup truck...

help me decide fellas! the tires on my XJ are getting worn and if I buy new ones they're gonna be 33's which will require a lift, so I'd like some help on this decision before I throw more money at it. Should I get an MJ or a bigger truck?

HCCAFan

Sounds like you need a truck.

salad

It does sound like you need a truck.

Why sell the XJ again? They can do quite a lot big trucks can't.

Turbo X_J

Don't expect a 3/4 or 1-ton truck to achieve the fuel economy numbers of a Prius. Car hauler (wait I thought you didn't have the "space" for a trailer) pulled by a 1/2 ton pickup = suicide.

87xj2

Keep the xj and do a chop top ,add roof rack?

emptypockets

Uh, hello?

rmoore1031

Certain parts for MJs are a pain to find and can be pricey when you do find them. You might be better off with a common full size truck.

PocketsEmpty

I just creamed in my pants a little.

OP, follow your heart. And don't let a woman decide for you!

kirknd4spd

MJs are great little trucks, I like mine. It can seat 3 people, or two fat people. At stock height, with 235/75-15 tires, I've gotten 23 mpg on the highway (mine has the 4.0 and AX-15).
I've had plenty of fullsize trucks, none of them got close to that mileage (anywhere from 8 mpg to 18 mpg out of my fullsizes), so if you want gas mileage you probably don't really want a fullsize truck. But the MJ is very limited to how much weight it can haul, I've never tried putting a whole lot of weight in mine, but I know it won't haul anywhere near what a little 1/2 ton truck can.

And how do you not have room for a trailer, but you're gonna tow your car to the track on a trailer if you get a fullsize? Doesn't make sense to me.

Tamadrummer

I'm assuming you won't get too much for the xj, so keep it and get a full size truck? Except the rare factor of a sweet 4x4 mj will out do having a full size pick up. So many people have 'em

andrewmp6

Sounds like you need a true work truck to me,I would look at 94-98 f250 and f350 diesel the gas ones are great but suck in mileage.The 7.3 powerstroke is one of the best diesel engines made and towing you can still get about 16mpg out of one.Vs about 9mpg the same truck 460 would get.Or if you like dodge trucks the 12 valve cummins are nice but kinda pricey around me.On gm only the duramax is worth getting the early 6.2/6.5 detroit diesel was ok but lacked power.

2WDUnderachiever

YES.
This is the answer...

chief turbo

I don't have the space or money to own 3 vehicles

My brother has a car trailer, I borrow it when I need it. Hes not close enough though for it to be practical to grab the trailer to do work on a daily basis. As for mileage, the Jeep is terrible on gas no two ways about it. I drive a 2500 HD sierra extended cab long bed gas at work towing a full size trailer with 2 tractors on it and empty with no trailer. The thing gets the same if not better mileage than my xj and can actually haul and move stuff too

I was looking at those but they're old and if daily driving one, if things go wrong parts might be a huge pain..they are awesome looking trucks though!

That's my logic too.

Don't get me wrong, I love my XJ and don't want to sell it but making money is a big deal for me. I am 24 and I'd like to make as much cash as I can while I can.

2WDUnderachiever

Then find one in good shape!

chief turbo

I have...they go for about $10,000 in good shape where I am