Wassup y'all?  I'm planning to buy a Jeep but don't know which model and edition to get.  I don't want to spend a lot of $$$ but just good enough for playing around with.  I am a firetruck mechanic so I do plan to do some or maybe extreme upgrades.  Anyone have any suggestions please let me know.  I'm confuse about the Models (SE, X, Sport, Sahara, etc.) and edition (Columbia, Willy, Renegade, Golden Eagle, etc.)  Thanks!  

honestly u need at leasts a sport. make sure whatever it is has a 4.0. All the sahara and columbia are just better on the insides believe me u can get by with a sport.  

here is what I've seen, its a little different than when I went shopping last

se - basic 4 banger (even the rear seat is optional)
X - basic 6 cylinder
sport - slightly better, has rear D44 options
sahara - all decked out
rubicon - all decked out, dual locker in 44s, 4:1 low

I dont know any of the editions

go fullsize!

cheap, fun, rarley see them on trails(or street) extreamly druable, even stock

You can't beat a good used TJ Sport as a starting point or platform to build a Jeep the way you want. 4.0 and limited options that keeps the price from getting unreal. Why get a Jeep with one of the special editions when you going to change everything anyways? Start with the basic and build from there.  

for all the up-grades you will end up doing,getting a rubicon is the best model if you have the money,they fit 31's stock, with a rubicon all you need to add is armor,lift,tires, the little stuff.you wont have to regear,already have lockers,and a better transfer case.if thats out of your range,the x,sport and saraha all had the option of the dana 44 rear.go for that with a manual,i have an auto,and i always have to watch water crossings because mopar thought it was good enough to mount the breather tube on the bellhousing.but good luck with what ever you choose  

Thanks!  Lots of info.  I found a 1994 Jeep Wrangler Renegade so is this a good project?   

NO,stay away from the sqaure headlights,if you can afford it get a 97 or newer just make sure it has a 44 in the rear and a 6cyl and not a 35 in the rear unless your planning on upgrading the axles.  

Just after I bought my 06 Wrangler X, they came out with the limited edition of the 65th anniv that is a super deal.  It is based on the X but it has the Dana 44 and 30x9.5" tires and a ton of extra good stuff.  The price is really great for all the extras they put on the thing.  Too bad I did not wait two more months to buy...  

What is wrong with the square headlights?  Some people say get the old Jeeps because they are lighter.  

Nothing wrong with the Square headlight Wranglers. Heat and air are minimal at best, but it sounds like creature comforts are not a concern here. 96 and older Wranglers still have the leaf-spring suspension, while the 97 and up are 4 wheel coil springs, which means a better ride.  

If money is a problem then buy a used jeep in good shape. The money your save aposed to a new jeep will give you enought money for upgrades. Do not forget the grand cherokee and the cherokee. Both are very capable offroad and you can get lifts and just about everything else for them. Get a limited if you can, they have a few better options and are far better drivers on the street as well.Plus plenty of room for for famillys etc.  

Doesn't anyone support the CJ's anymore?  Yeah, they're a bit more work and all, but no one has them anymore.  Not to mention they are getting more and more expensive.  Nastalgia Baby!!!  If you want to be different buy a CJ (Pre '87) and since you're a mechanic build it. 

Real Jeeps are Built, Not Bought

Dude i have a 99 xj with a 4 inch, some 33s, a ford 8.8 rear,
and a detroit. I have gone wheeling with some rubis that can knock my jeep on its ass  

I've got a stock 84 xj that I want to 33's under how much cutting did you have to do to get the 33's under yours?  I only ask because everyone has told me to clear a 33 i need atleast 5 inches of lift