I am in the market for a used jeep. Probably a Wrangler in the 95-97 range. There are many on the market here in California, most with high mileage, but they are generally clean. It has to be an auto so my youngest son and wife can drive. I will be leaving it in Oregon where it will see little highway use, mostly gravel roads and some moderate four wheeling. What is the difference between the Yj, Tj etc? Is the 4-banger too underpowered for what I am going to use it for? I know that bigger tires will rob power and that they auto can run hotter. Are there some years and models that I should avoid? Any help would be appreciated.  

First off ... there is no '96 wrangler.  They skipped a year.  

Second, the YJ will come cheaper and thus be easier to find in your price range.  

Third ... the '97 has coil springs instead of leafs (much better on and off road).  There are other advantages.

I would much, much, much rather buy myself a 4-cyl TJ than a 6 cyl YJ.  Power will be an issue, but the TJ will do more stock than the YJ.  You can have much fun without alot of ***

Just my opinion, but I have a '97 4.0 that i've put a whack of miles on.  It's not the most reliable 'truck' out there ... but it is easy to work on (considering i'm a newbie).  

Take your time and get a good deal on a '97 or newer TJ.  You won't regret it!

Pete  

Pete:

Thanks for the info. I am new at this and learned more from your message than I have in doing other research. Thanks again.

Bob H.

BOB,

I HAVE A 94 YJ THAT I LOVE BUT IT'S A ROUGH RIDE NO MATTER WHAT TERRAIN YOU ARE ON. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE TJ'S COIL SPRUNG SUSPENSION. THE TJ IS BY FAR A BETTER JEEP. IF YOU SEARCH HARD ENOUGH YOU CAN EVEN FIND ONE WITH A DANA 44 REAR AXLE. THAT BECAME AN OPTION AGAIN IN 97. NO YJ'S HAD THAT OPTION. THE TJ ALSO HAS A BETTER INTERIOR AND HVAC SYSTEM.  YOU CAN LIFT A TJ RELATIVLEY CHEAPER THAN A YJ AND NOT LOSE AND RIDE. A 1" BODY LIFT AND SOME COIL SPRING SPACERS FROM DAYSTAR CAN GET YOU ON TOP OF 32" TIRES. MIGHT HAVE TO TRIM THE FENDER FLARES A BIT. ALL SAID I'D RATHER HAVE AN 82-86 CJ-7 BECAUSE THEY ARE REALLY TOUGH RIGS. BUT UNLESS YOU LIKE WHITE KNUCKLE HIGHWAY DRIVING YOU'D BE BETTER OFF WITH A TJ. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND A REALLY NICE ONE FOR UNDER $10,000.  OR A 4 CYL. WITH SOFT TOP FOR THE LOW $7'S.  GOOD LUCK. YOU'LL LOVE IT.

Thanks for the response. Sounds like a 97 or newer TJ is the ticket, especially since my youngest son and wife will be driving it as well. Sounds like the difference between the WJ and TJ is significant.  I am assuming that the WJ was discontinued in 95? What is a HVAC system?  Thanks again for the info.

Bob H.

HVAC..... INDUSTRY TERM FOR: HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. WHAT I MEANT WAS THAT TJ'S GOT A BETTER HEATING SYSTEM. A/C SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER TOO. IT'S ALL IN THE SIZE OF THE HEATER AND EVAPORATOR CORE, DUCT PALCEMENT, ETC.  MY YJ HAS A HEATER, SOMEWHERE, THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS SO, BUT DAMN...IT GETS COLD.  ALSO, '95 WAS THE LAST YJ. THE WJ IS THE GRAND CHEROKEE THAT WAS MADE FROM '93 TO '98. CURRENT MODEL OF THAT IS NOW THE ZJ. NOT SURE WHAT THE '05 DESIGNATION IS. DON'T MEAN TO SOUND LIKE A SMART ALECK, JUST LETTIN' YA KNOW.   

Thanks for the info. I think I am on the right track now. Where this jeep will be going it will be important to have a good heater.

Thanks again

Bob H.

The only new designation that i know of is the LJ.  that's the unlimited.  might be 'long jeep' ... but who knows.

Wish you the best in finding a jeep Bob.

This forum isn't fast to respond, but is very 'newbie' friendly.  

Pete  

Pete:

The forum kept me from making a mistake with model selection. I was circling around a really clean, low mileage 94 YJ and about to make an offer. Now my sights are on a 97 or newer which seems better suited to my needs. I really appreciate the response I have rec'd from the forum. The other postings haver been educational as well.

Thanks

Bob

Pete

Just an update. I was able to get a pretty clean 97 wrangler sport with 4.0 and auto, new american mags and pro comp mud and snow tires, a very nice stereo, new soft top, with 62 k on it. I had my mechanic check it out and it got good marks. So far I have dropped in an optima battery, CB, and a class 3 hitch for pulling a drift boat short distances. Now in the market for a winch and that should be it for awhile. I really appreciate all the comments on the forum. Made shopping easier. Thanks again.

Bob H.

Nice!  I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Pete