derfernerf

Well, I first want to start by saying...

I might be the first person to join without actually owning a Jeep. I drive a little rice burner Mazda, and winter just rolled around here in Michigan which has got me thinking (and dreaming). My dad owned a Wrangler a few years ago, and been hooked on Jeeps since. He went to the Jeep Jamboree with it and everything. Even though he considered XJ's "fake jeeps", in the back of my mind, I've always loved them. Sooo....

My car sucks in the snow. So I want to pick something up 4x4, first thing that came to mind is a Chreokee (XJ). But I have some questions, first is gas mileage. If I end up getting a XJ, my plans would be 3/3.5 inch lift on 31's, but how bad would that kill my MPG's? I drive 20 miles one way to work and school, hence why I bought the Jap-trap.

Second is Insurance. Mine is outrageous, for whatever reason. I'm paying $145 for PLPD (just went down from $165). Theres a few reasons why I'm assuming it's so high. 1) I'm a new driver (18). 2) It's a "sporty" car (although its 4 door) 3) It's a "Newer car (2003). But I don't have any accidents/tickets, Would an older jeep (1997-2000) save me on insurance?

Ideally, I'd like to save on insurance, but obviously I'll be paying more in gas. So at most I'd like to "break even" as to what I'm doing now, but it would be nice to save a little bit.

Thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated! Been drooling in the "builds" section of the forum for a few days now

no rdplz

Welcome to CF! Now get out there and find yourself a XJ! To answer your questions, I've got a 99 with a 3" lift and 31's and I get about 15-16 city and 19-21 hwy. Biggest thing with a XJ is to NOT drive it like you stole it. Drive like a grandpa and your gas will go much farther. Insurance will be close, maybe a little less for a 97-01 XJ. Most of that is based on you being young and it being a 4x4. If you go older, say 91-96, you should a drop in insurance, but you won't lose the H.O. 4.0. If you're really serious about an XJ, I'd recommend looking at either 95-96 models, or 98-99 models. These are gonna be your best XJ's as far as engines, reliability, interior, etc. Big things to watch for are rust (it's a unibody so rust destroys these things) and how well the maintenance was kept up with. If it's been treated well, it'll last you forever.

Gee oh Dee

No one but your insurance company can tell you what the rate difference will be. Best thing you can do is grab the VIN off a Jeep you would consider buying and get the insurance company to give you a quote.

And no matter what year, the XJs were great trucks. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any year XJ given it was well taken care of.

Welcome!

no rdplz

^^ I agree with the insurance company part - just trying to give a ball park for a young driver.

As for the years, all XJ's are great, but some years are better than others (2.8 GM vs 4.0; closed cooling system vs open; RENIX vs H.O. 4.0; 97-99 heads vs 00-01 heads; etc).

hitalonit

Welcome to the addiction

derfernerf

Sweet! Thanks for the responses. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, I know what to look for When buying a car. I actually snagged my car for a REALLY good deal because there was an exhaust leak. Some simple work and a few hundred bucks later I had a nice car! But the engine being the big reason to buy an XJ, change the oil, and she keeps on going!

MPG seem's pretty good! I'm getting about 30 right now so that's not too much of a drop. I'd also like to get a 5 speed which will help a little bit with that.

I've been looking around recently, but just haven't found a great deal. I check craigslist/cars/etc every few days for the deals, so it's only a matter of time

black2kxj

Welcome from another MI guy. Just keep looking there out there. There was one in BC about a week ago for 3900 one owner family vehicle bone stock.

ol"blue

X2 on all the above...

91 limited owner

Welcome from Wisconsin.