Jeep TJ project?

[JMacs]

All right Jeep guys. This might be a chance to convert a Toyota guy, maybe.

We’ve been looking for a car to run around town with, some back roads, occasional interstate travel with. There is someone with a used Jeep for sale. I don’t know anything about the different models, years, what to look for, what to watch out for, … So I’m asking you. With a little bit of money, will it be worth keeping around? Or will it be a money pit and never really be worth it.

1997 Jeep Wrangler. Recently replaced 4-cylinder, rebuilt. 200,000 miles on it before the new motor. It has been flat towed before, comes with the bracket to do it. Automatic transmission is toast. They said $1800 for a new one, installed. Bits of rust here and there. Needs new seats. Soft top is in fair condition.

Will the 4-cylinder even be able to get it up to interstate speeds (in Colorado)? If I have to replace the transmission anyway, is it hard to convert it to a manual? If I want to upgrade to the 4.0, is that hard?

It could be an interesting project, and it could hang around my neck like an anchor.

 

[billiebob]

Buy he best you can find, not a project. Especially not a project if you have questions.

The 4 cylinder is a fabulous around town vehicle. On trails many say it is better than the 4.0L. But do not expect 4 angry squirrels to be enjoyable on the Interstate. It is rated to tow 1000# and that is fine off road or IN town but you are far better to buy a 4.0L if you want to tow or add anything to the roof and go 60mph.

Jeeps in great shape seem expensive but that is because they hold their value and when you sell you'll love that fact. Buy the best you can find without issues, and without rust. Anything 20 years old and rusty should be a no go..... jeep or not.

The one you describe should be a $1K dream for a high school kid.

Follow thi one....

34k-Mile 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport 5-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a 34k-Mile 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport 5-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #82,298.

bringatrailer.com

TJs worth buying sell around $20K.

 

[Tex68w]

4-banger is not what you want for interstate speeds with anything larger than the stock size rubber which were like 29's lol.

 

[JMacs]

Seems like Jeeps are selling for either $6,000 or $20,000 + when I look around. And unless it has a decent potential to do what I want within reason to fix up, I am not sure I am up for the “mechanics dream”.

Thanks for talking me off the ledge. It’s fun to dream about projects. I”ll put this one on the list of when I get my unlimited source of income and a big garage to work on my dreams in.