i'm new to the Jeep scene, looking to buy a CJ-7, not really concerned about which year. I was wondering if someone could give me an idea of what its like to drive a jeep...Do they require a lot of maint besides the routine? Are they over all reliable if taken care of?  

no, they are an expensive pain in the ass to keep them on the road. if you spend 8 grand you might find one in good shape but generally for $2500 you have to go through everything. seals, bearings, ujoints, motor and tranny mounts, etc. if you buy a beater, plan on a lot of tlc.  

CJ's are good vehicles, they do require a lot of tinkering to keep them in good shape. They are all pretty old cars, the last CJ was 1986.

Consider a YJ, 1992 and up are fuel injected, newer and more reliable than an old CJ.

Get a hold of one of your buddies with a half ton pick up, then set up a 4 man tent in the box. Have your friend drive you back and forth to work in the back of the truck in the tent for about 3 weeks, in all kinds of weather, then ask yourself if you still want a CJ. I'm not knocking them, there great little rides, as long as you know what you're getting into. Old Jeeps are like new puppies, you both have differant ideas about the way things should be, and theres always a puddle on the floor you'll end up stepping in. Myself, love'm!!  

my 92 wrangler rides like a tank and performs like one when i go offroading...and chicks love it...WOOT

old Jeeps are like any other old vehicle... the more you spend, the nicer it is.  I think Jeeps hold up mechanically better than most older vehicles, but- being from the rust belt- Jeep bodies do not do well with rust, so as long as it hasnt been abused, a cheap beater will be rusted out, but mechanically sound.  If you plan to drive it year round a hard top is a must have-especially in the winter..  I have never had a Wrangler, but CJ's do not have a good heater..   I have seen "how to's" on swapping in a Chevy truck heater blower motor, which would seem to help out loads.  road noise, and a rough ride are a given, like any older SUV, but when summer rolls around, the top can come off, and you can go about anywhere a quad can go, and ..well.. chicks love them  

owning a jeep is great but! if you answer no to ANY of these questions do not buy one!

1)do you own at least $500 worth of tools? this will only get you started.

2) do you own a welder? you will need it!

3)do you mind if you hands look like you just repaired an old oil rig? jeep owners do not use surgical gloves.(at least in public)

It is true that woman love jeeps, it is also true that men like woman who drive jeeps maybe even more.......

good luck!