Jeep Wrangler Instead of a Side by Side?

[ovrszd]

Save that Cherokee for a collector!

It is a very rare one, made after production stopped!

Bruce

Without even Googling it, they made several, several, several millions of those. They are not a collector's item. I can't see anything in the photo that would indicate it was a rare model. But, some people's "gold" is another person's "junk". Make him an offer, you might be able to acquire a "collector".

 

[ovrszd]

Eddie's post about always tinkering on Jeeps is something I've heard before. Is this because people are running tired machines, or are they just plain unreliable?

If it's the latter, are newer models more dependable? I know that I looked at a 1989 CJ this summer that was everything I would like in a toy: straight 6, 5 speed, Dana differentials, solid body and frame, low mileage for the year- then I checked the engine compartment. There was oil everywhere, the air filter was saturated... I dropped the hood and walked away. For some Jeep people though, that would be utopia.

Another question; do they still put in a true Jeep horn, or is it the the same car noise they put on everything else?

Get a later model. Avoid the Renex fuel injection early 4.0Ls. Go for the H.O. 40.L. Anything later than 1990 is very dependable. I wheel a Comanche with 270K miles on it. I only open the hood to change the oil once a year. Also the AX4 Auto Trans is bullet proof. Solid front axle so no suspension issues. Weld the rear end, remove the sway bars, sawzall the fenders so it will fit 33" tires and drive it 'til you are sick of it.

A Jeep or a Sami is soooooooooooooooooo much more cost effective than a UTV that they can't be compared. For what you'll pay for a new 4x4 UTV with all the options you can buy 8 Jeeps (Using the 18K UTV versus 2K Jeep formula).

P.S. They sortta have "Jeep Horns" but not like the stuff built in the 60s.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm sure it's the same with every vehicle that is used off road. They are built to be street legal by the manufacturer, then taken off road and abused to a certain degree. I'm guilty of doing some very stupid things with my jeeps, and I paid the price in repairs. I also found that with that abuse, there was always something that needed fixing. Not just with the jeeps I've owned, but also the off road trucks and a Bronco. I feel that the Mule, and I'm sure all UTV's, are built more for off road use then any vehicle that has to be street legal. I also feel that if you had a Jeep and you just drove it around town, it would probably be very similar in reliability and require similar time wrenching on it as other brands of similar design and age. I feel the advantage of the UTV over any brand or style of street legal vehicle is in it's design from the factory to be used off road. From the basic, simple differences like the air filter design and location, to more complex things like the suspension and engine location.

I'll hafta dispute that Eddie. But, with that said, list the Jeeps you owned, then I might be better educated.

 

[EddieWalker]

Get a later model. Avoid the Renex fuel injection early 4.0Ls. Go for the H.O. 40.L. Anything later than 1990 is very dependable. I wheel a Comanche with 270K miles on it. I only open the hood to change the oil once a year. Also the AX4 Auto Trans is bullet proof. Solid front axle so no suspension issues. Weld the rear end, remove the sway bars, sawzall the fenders so it will fit 33" tires and drive it 'til you are sick of it.

A Jeep or a Sami is soooooooooooooooooo much more cost effective than a UTV that they can't be compared. For what you'll pay for a new 4x4 UTV with all the options you can buy 8 Jeeps (Using the 18K UTV versus 2K Jeep formula).

P.S. They sortta have "Jeep Horns" but not like the stuff built in the 60s.

I paid $8,000 for my brand new Kawasaki Trans Mule 4x4 in 2012. I financed it through the dealership and had a $70 a month payment. I paid it off in 2 years paying more, but just knowing that it was such a small payment every month made the purchase a lot easier.

What Jeep can you get for that amount? Or are you comparing a brand new Jeep to a brand new Mule?

I've owned the following Jeeps. 42 MB, 65 CJ5, 73 CJ5, 78 CJ7, 87 Wrangler, 88 Chrokee, 98 Cherokee

 

[bcp]

Without even Googling it, they made several, several, several millions of those. They are not a collector's item. I can't see anything in the photo that would indicate it was a rare model. But, some people's "gold" is another person's "junk". Make him an offer, you might be able to acquire a "collector".

Bet you can't find a single 2002 Cherokee in the US (not Grand Cherokee.)

Bruce

 

[Raspy]

I looked at a side by side vs something else too. I bought an '87 Samurai and it's been great. Completely reliable and a closed cab for bad weather with a heater. Mine is street legal, and in excellent condition, so I can drive it home on the highway if I want to, but you could forget licensing it if it's off road all the time. Cheap to, they can be had for a few hundred dollars. There are many parts available to make them into anything you want. Probably best for someone that doesn't mind tinkering a bit because of their age, but they are well made.

But they are older and nowhere near as fast as a Razr.

 

[Sodo]

Where do you get decent Samurais for a few hundred dollars? I'd buy one.

One thing about UTVs, they're easy to jump in and out of have great visibility. Usually have grippy hi-flotation tires. I use an ATV, but whenever theres visitors, or riding around with my wife I' wish I had a UTV. A Samurai would be a fine machine too. I'd like a Razr for going fast & far on rough roads.

 

[Raspy]

Where do you get decent Samurais for a few hundred dollars? I'd buy one.

Just keep your eyes open. I bought a very nice one for $350. and gave it to a buddy. Beaters can be had for next to nothing. I paid $2,000. for the one I have now with really low miles and most of that towed behind a motor home. Of course, like Jeeps they can be modified endlessly.

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

I would like a vehicle to use on our 2-3 miles of forest trails. Uses would include hauling firewood tools (chainsaw, gas, oil, ...), sugar bush tapping supplies, winching logs onto trail and giving farm visitors a tour of our forest. A side by side would work but I'm wondering if a used Jeep Wrangler would work.

I'd appreciate opinions especially from those who use / have used a Wrangler in this way.

I have a 2 door JK. I always kid and say that a Jeep is the original side x side. I purchased mine to do exactly what you are asking plus it works as an additional vehicle that I can drive on the highway. The biggest draw back is the 'bed' is not as accessible as on a side x side.

As far as reliability issues, if you buy a POS then you have a POS no matter what it is. Not sure if you are trying to save money or get an all-purpose vehicle. Jeeps are more expensive that side x sides, neither are cheap. I've had my jeep for 6 years and am now seriously in the market for a gator 825i because it is cheaper than wearing out my jeep. I am one of those guys that hang on to things. Six years ago I could not afford to by such a special purpose item like a side x side, now I can. I have my jeep now for its purposes, going to keep it, and soon I'll can add the 825i to my stable.

 

[ovrszd]

I paid $8,000 for my brand new Kawasaki Trans Mule 4x4 in 2012. I financed it through the dealership and had a $70 a month payment. I paid it off in 2 years paying more, but just knowing that it was such a small payment every month made the purchase a lot easier.

What Jeep can you get for that amount? Or are you comparing a brand new Jeep to a brand new Mule?

I've owned the following Jeeps. 42 MB, 65 CJ5, 73 CJ5, 78 CJ7, 87 Wrangler, 88 Chrokee, 98 Cherokee

$8000 will buy you a Jeep you can putz around in the timber with AND drive to work, vacation, grocery store, etc.

$8000 will also buy a Jeep, Sami, etc., that will outlast 2 Mules.

This is a matter of personal preference. My point is only to not confuse it with durability and longevity.

A 42 MB is 70 years old. I'll bet my meager wealth that you will not be able to find a 70 year old mule 60 years from now.