Jerry Morton

Whats up fellas I know this post may have gone around way too many times but just bare with me. Im wanting to by a Jeep for some mild offroading with my wife and kids but also want to drive daily. I was thinking an WJ but i like the reliability factor that the 4.0 I6 has but ive been told and read that its kind of under powered for the weight of the WJ offroad. Therefore ive been looking at an XJ because theyre substantially lighter. But cant decide so what is yalls input on this? Also gonna be on a budget for awhile and will have to do upgrades as I go.

5-Speed

My vote is for an XJ. I have owned 4 XJs and 1 WJ. The WJ was super clean with no issues yet I sold it within 4 months of owning it. It was a lot more comfortable and quiet then the XJ but I still like the XJs better. The gas mileage is a plus too.

Martlor13

The wj has more comfort features and is roomier. But I prefer the xj overall. I also like the look more. But just plain dd the wj is nice.

4WD4EVER

I would recommend an XJ if budget is the biggest factor. All other things being equal, the WJ, due to more electronics and luxury-type features, will cost more to own than an XJ when it (the WJ) fails.

Jerry Morton

Awesome thanks fellas, is there a certain year of the XJ I should avoid?

EZEARL

IMHO? FOR ME most desirable 1st. Least 4th.
1st '98 or '99
2nd '95 or older
3rd '96 change over yr (have one and LUV it)
4th '00 or '01

The first three are close but I'm still undecided if I'd want either of #4.

nujeepguy

he said,,,is there a certain year of the XJ I should avoid?

need clarification!

Rogue4x4

Clarified:

They ALL good, son.

LMAO

FWIW

Renix jeeps are often overlooked because of age. Follow cruisers tips, tho, and it's all gravy.

HO era are great too, up to 95. 96 was the transition year to OBD2, and has had issues due to the crossover, but nothing major that can't be overcome with a little diligence.

97-99 are considered the prime years, as it was a polished package.

00-01 is fine too, but had head issues, and updated emissions crap.

Don't discount any XJ. Just know what you're getting into. Due diligence on your part goes a long way.

94zj318

Agree with everyone else. The WJ is a little bit less "rugged", more luxurious, and more comfortable, and the "lower-end" (Laredo) has more standard features than a "lower-end" XJ (SE or Sport) (power everything, better stereo, CD player, "cushier" seats, overhead console, etc.).

andrewmp6

I like both but as a daily driver i rather have the wj they ride smoother.The wj id take a v8 over the 4.0 its heavy and the mpg difference is 1mpg,But if you get a wj stay away from the 99-mid 02 years 4.0 they had the cracking head on em.

bad_idea

I have a 90 XJ. LOVE IT! It takes me back to my teenage years of driving a 79 Camaro. It is simple to work on, just like the Camaro was. It is very utilitarian, power nothing. BUT, it has many issues due to being 27 years old.

Me personally, I wouldn't want a WJ because they are too complicated to deal with. Lot going on there. Same can be said about the newer XJs. Of course, the newer one should be more reliable and you shouldn't have to take it apart as much as the worn out older one.

00t444e

Keep in mind WJs use the Chrysler automatic which is known for its problems, while the XJ uses the AW4 which is a much better transmission. I had a 02 WJ and it started having transmisson issues with only 120,000 miles on it with stock size tires and no lift, my current XJ has 240,000 on the factory AW4 and it still works great. Other than that the WJ was a nice vehicle and rode better than the XJ due to it having coils in the rear instead of leafs, I still prefer leaf springs in the rear over coils though.

94zj318

Hmmm, never knew of the 42RE having issues... the WJ V8's use the 45RFE (1999 and early 2000 models) or 545RFE (late 2000 onwards), and I know THEY have issues (not to mention excessive noise... I know because my old 2005 4.7L WK had the 545RFE and it was super noisy and had a lot of vibration).

The real issue is the Liberty KJ where they installed the problematic 42RLE in 3.7L-equipped models. Not sure about the Mercedes-built transmissions (W5A580) that they put in the WK's with the 3.7L and HEMI engines.

investinwaffles

I have direct experience with several 42RE's and they are utter garbage. My dad's ZJ was 99.9% a pavement pounder its entire life. He went through 4 or so transmissions in 400k miles, and they would start slipping way before he replaced them

IMO, they are garbage and I would avoid them like the plague (compared to the AW4 for example, which is fantastic in comparison)

thatXJguy

My vote is XJ.