Used Wrangler, Sweat Spot Year and Model

[dasadab]

Hi Folks,
I was thinking of buying a clean used Wranger--under $10,00 budget--as a vehicle to tow behind my truck camper and for just general purpose about town driving when I don't feel like driving my 3/4 ton truck in town. I live in L.A., and Craigslist is full of Wranglers of all years and prices. I would also enjoying having a Wrangler fix up project to create a more capable off road use Wrangler--but nothing too extreme of expensive. I don't know anything about models and engine options, etc.

Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[kojackJKU]

find the newest you can for 10g. I am guessing a 2003-2005 for around that.

 

[loudbay]

Current owner of an LJ (mine) and a JKUR (hers). Have owned XJ, YJ, LR Disco I, RRC, FJ80, FJ60, FJ40, 2nd Gen Montero, 3rd Gen 4Runner.

For your budget, you can shop around and get into an enthusiast owned and well maintained TJ/LJ. For just a couple grand more, you could find a JK. TJ's are small, nimble and probably ideal for towing. The LJ will be as 'collectable' and 'depreciation resistant' as newer cars get, (rubicon or not). That being said, the JK is better in basically every way. I view the JKs as almost disposable there are so many out there; it would be difficult to replace my LJ with a similar vehicle at the price I paid a year ago.

Don't discount a final year Cherokee. You'll have to work hard to find a perfect one, but they are great trucks also.

Edi: Im in CO also, and could be convinced to meet for a drink if you'd like to check out the two I mentioned.

 

[dasadab]

Thanks so much. Unfortunately, I am in SoCal with frequent visits to Colo. I much appreciate the offer.

 

[polizei1]

No reason to not save a bit more and get a JK. Newer, better, and much more off-road modifications are available. You can start small now and build it up over time.

 

[tarditi]

Be cautious of the 3.8L engine in the earlier JKs - there are a few known issues and make sure you go in eyes wide open.

All said, my 2004 TJ Rubicon was a great vehicle - I sold it due to the sports car bug running rampant through my veins (I have since given up the "need for speed" however. ). I would think an LJ to be a great option, if you can find a good example.

 

[Mitch502]

I personally would be looking for a decent TJ/LJ and be able to make small repairs/upgrades with the remaining money. Or buy a very nice, never modded, never off road TJ/LJ and build over time.

I6 is an awesome engine.

 

[pittsburgh]

In the past 20 years I ve had CJ's, TJ's, YJ, a Samurai, and now I currently have a TJ Unlimited (LJ). My favorite daily driver/offroad was probably my YJ with a 4-banger, 5-speed, 4:88's, a BDS 3.5 kit, and 33x10.5's it was simple, reliable(not enough power/torque to break on rocks) and got 20 MPGs as long as I didn't drive over 65 MPH. Straight up offroad the Samurai was PIMP, as for daily driving my TJ(LJ) is great for getting cases of beer and groceries and is the winner for snow commuting.Not sure I would want to pull the TJ/LJ behind a camper (just something I ve never experienced. I would probably look for a 4-banger TJ put some 31's, rock rails, a winch and a tow bar on it and leave it stock height and stock gearing unless you want to take it on difficult trails.

 

[ACFaulk]

my personal opinion if your really wanting a wrangler then go for a 97 or newer. This should not be a problem with a 10K budget. read up on jeep wiki on whats changed from year to year. 97 introduced coil over suspension vs leaf springs. Ride is much better. I'd also only go for a 6cylinder. That's the 4.0liter engine. that engine as been around for ever. Easy to work on if you want to. The 6 cylinder will give you enough power to get out of the way when needed etc. You probably wont care about what axles it has but if you ever wanted to lift it then shop for a Dana 44 rear axle. If that's not your thing then no worries. 97 - 06 was the TJ after that introduced the JK. For 10K I think I would stick with the TJ.

 

[Mass_Mopar]

In the past 20 years I ve had CJ's, TJ's, YJ, a Samurai, and now I currently have a TJ Unlimited (LJ). My favorite daily driver/offroad was probably my YJ with a 4-banger, 5-speed, 4:88's, a BDS 3.5 kit, and 33x10.5's it was simple, reliable(not enough power/torque to break on rocks) and got 20 MPGs as long as I didn't drive over 65 MPH. Straight up offroad the Samurai was PIMP, as for daily driving my TJ(LJ) is great for getting cases of beer and groceries and is the winner for snow commuting.Not sure I would want to pull the TJ/LJ behind a camper (just something I ve never experienced. I would probably look for a 4-banger TJ put some 31's, rock rails, a winch and a tow bar on it and leave it stock height and stock gearing unless you want to take it on difficult trails.

I second considering a samurai. I don't have any experience owning one but I met a couple who tow one, apparently it's light enough it doesn't need brakes..

 

[SilicaRich]

Definitely would recommend finding a TJ/LJ like everyone else. Might be a little difficult finding an LJ in that price range that hasn't been rode hard with dents and rust and have super high miles (the milage isn't really that big of an issue), but every now and then you can find a diamond in the rubble. LJ is really just super convenient with the extra space it offers over the TJ, take it from a current TJ owner:elkgrin: But...if space isn't an issue, the TJ is an otherwise great choice too. Be wary of certain year models though and their issues. 2000-01 there was a manifold issue (pretty hard to find one though that hasn't been resolved), 2005 there was the 6-speed shift fork issue, and 2005-06 there was an OPDA issue. OPDA issue is easily preventable with a $110 Crown or Dorman replacement to prevent a complete engine overhaul.

 

[MTSN]

TJ/LJ is the best suggestion, but it will be tough to find a really nice one for under $10k. I looked at CL here in Denver, and the only ones that looked remotely decent for $10k had over 150k on them. Hopefully prices are better out there otherwise I'd look at an XJ or ZJ for cheap fun wheeling.

 

[jscusmcvet]

I would opt for either a 2003 - 04 TJ Rubicon, or sport. Great years on both vehicles... find one that has not been modded. Plan on getting seat risers for her.

 

[dasadab]

Thanks a lot for the super helpful information. I really appreciate it.

 

[Mitch502]

https://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/5514576316.html

These can be caught at decent prices. If you up your price to $15K, you can get a Rubicon easily and have everything factory you'd ever need.