So I've done the thing.

Selling my long term build (98 cherokee A basic copable DD) in favor of something that won't require as much work/maintenance to keep on the road.




This 98 XJ hasn't been the most daily drivable jeep for a few years now. It has definitely been fun but really needed something a bit more out of the box capable and accomodating for a family of four.

im curious of others on this forum that have done the same?

 

I can't imagine having anything that new any more, or of spending that much on a vehicle - any vehicle.

Sad to say, I don't think Jeep (or probably anyone else) has built anything in the last 20 years that holds any interest for me. Capable maybe, but at what price (& I don't mean the initial cost of purchase)?

Better road cars? For sure, my WJ & KJ were that, but that's not why we buy Jeeps - is it? It certainly wasn't for me..

 

the thing is, the market around me for these XJs is rather broken in my opinion. I set some standards on the higher side of considerations in all honesty but for the price point I was looking at spending for something rust free (more/less) and stock/unmolested i was getting let down repeatedly.

Having been playing with these xjs for the last 17 years and seeing what the prices have now become is just obsurd to me. I was prepared to spend anywhere between $5-8k on one but again, stock - unmolested and rust free. Now between high vehicle mileage and unreliable seller communication I was burnt out.

You would think I was asking too much and I was a burden on some of these folks for considering driving 3-4 hour trip one way but would like very clear pictures of the unibody in all the problem areas or to atleast have a list of the check engine trouble codes because the light was on the dash. I was coming to making risky overpiced decisions on 190k mile plus 2000-2001 xjs with visibly poor maintenance and unknown running issues.

Now also consider the intended use behind the vehicle itself. Family of four, daily driver and also relatively capable camping or weekend color tour exploring. Eventually I want to run 37s and not have a ton of modifications to work against. The market and versatility/simplicity behind applying this JK to those intended uses is a more reasonable route vs the XJ. The longevity of the drivetrain is proven to be comparable to the XJ. The JK has more leg room and a higher roof line than the XJ.

This doesn't mean I won't have xjs anymore, still working on an 86 cherokee that I'm converting to a 96 year.

 

So I am now weeks into the new to me JK and I am definitely pleased thus far.

Fitting 35" tires on this JK with a small lift previously installed was a non issue. No trimming, no long arm lift, no sye and driveshaft angle shenanigans. The ride is smooth and drama free.

The headroom is no joke considerably better, the only downside i notice is that you feel like your sitting against the door vs the xj seat position.

The 3.8 Engine, auto Trans and stock axle gearing (with corrected speedo adjustment for the larger tires via AEV Procal device) handles the larger tires well enough. ~75mph is right around 1800-1900 rpm. With a bad O2 sensor im averaging 16mpg.

The bolt-on market is flooded but also reasonably cheap in comparison. Front winch/recovery bumper constructed by 3/16 plate only ran me $315 shipped.

I am definitely looking forward to next years summer/fall season with the family

 

The price of XJ's is quite mad, they're now into what I consider "Bentley money" - so I now have 2 vehicles I couldn't afford to buy.

I'm glad the JK's working out for you &, up to a point, I can see the attraction - but they're not for me.