Just to add my own humble opinion to what others have said here, the short
wheelbase of a Wrangler can be a challenge for an unprepared driver.
Short wheelbase vehicles can get sideways in a hurry on slippery surfaces
at speed and once sideways will eagerly roll over when they find the next
little patch of friction. On the other hand, if she's planning to only do
local trips in the winter at less than highway speeds this is less of a
worry.

Since you are looking for a hardtop you clearly aren't planning for her to
go pleasure driving on a fine spring day with the top down and the wind in
her hair, so consider getting her a 4WD Cherokee instead. The longer
wheelbase yields better directional stability in slippery conditions and
better overall driver comfort, especially on long trips. I think that the
Cherokee has better leg and shoulder room, and more comfortable seating.

Find one with the transfer case that can be switched from 2WD to "Fulltime
4WD" for iffy road conditions like heavy rain and "Parttime 4WD" for
truly nasty slippery conditions and for better peace of mind -- for her
and yourself. The rear bench folds down to provide acres of cargo room
for end-of-semester trips home and many came with roof racks. Gas mileage
from either model will be roughly comparable, so fuel economy isn't an
issue here. The fuel-injected 6 cylinder engine is a well worked-out
workhorse that should give you excellent service with reasonable upkeep
like regular fluid and filter changes.

I know that you are looking at newer models, but beware that once that
engine system gets past 100K miles _ancillary_ equipment like the cooling
system and fuel pump has reached its design life and you should expect
overall maintanence costs to rise to about US$1500/year -- if you have
everything done by a shop. On the other hand anything else over 100K is
going to cost you the same amount, too.

I'd watch for square cut-outs in the front plastic of used Cherokees.
This indicates that it was a towed vehicle behind some mammoth camper.
It has seen a lot more road (and road dust) then would seem apparent.

And remember that in a vehicle to vehicle contest, mass is often the
deciding factor and bigger is better.


On Mon, 7 Feb 2005 rutledj@rjrt.com wrote:

> I'm considering buying my daughter a jeep (Wrangler) to use at college
> so she will have something that goes in the snow.
>
> Unfortunately, I have no experience or knowledge about the different
> models, engine sizes, what to look out for, etc.
>
> I'm thinking of something in the 01,02 year range. I want a 6 cylinder
> and hardtop.
>
> Could some of you fill me in on what to look for, what to stay away
> from?
>
> Thanks,
> Rut
>
>

--
"I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
whips....r"
R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.

 

Just to add my own humble opinion to what others have said here, the short
wheelbase of a Wrangler can be a challenge for an unprepared driver.
Short wheelbase vehicles can get sideways in a hurry on slippery surfaces
at speed and once sideways will eagerly roll over when they find the next
little patch of friction. On the other hand, if she's planning to only do
local trips in the winter at less than highway speeds this is less of a
worry.

Since you are looking for a hardtop you clearly aren't planning for her to
go pleasure driving on a fine spring day with the top down and the wind in
her hair, so consider getting her a 4WD Cherokee instead. The longer
wheelbase yields better directional stability in slippery conditions and
better overall driver comfort, especially on long trips. I think that the
Cherokee has better leg and shoulder room, and more comfortable seating.

Find one with the transfer case that can be switched from 2WD to "Fulltime
4WD" for iffy road conditions like heavy rain and "Parttime 4WD" for
truly nasty slippery conditions and for better peace of mind -- for her
and yourself. The rear bench folds down to provide acres of cargo room
for end-of-semester trips home and many came with roof racks. Gas mileage
from either model will be roughly comparable, so fuel economy isn't an
issue here. The fuel-injected 6 cylinder engine is a well worked-out
workhorse that should give you excellent service with reasonable upkeep
like regular fluid and filter changes.

I know that you are looking at newer models, but beware that once that
engine system gets past 100K miles _ancillary_ equipment like the cooling
system and fuel pump has reached its design life and you should expect
overall maintanence costs to rise to about US$1500/year -- if you have
everything done by a shop. On the other hand anything else over 100K is
going to cost you the same amount, too.

I'd watch for square cut-outs in the front plastic of used Cherokees.
This indicates that it was a towed vehicle behind some mammoth camper.
It has seen a lot more road (and road dust) then would seem apparent.

And remember that in a vehicle to vehicle contest, mass is often the
deciding factor and bigger is better.


On Mon, 7 Feb 2005 rutledj@rjrt.com wrote:

> I'm considering buying my daughter a jeep (Wrangler) to use at college
> so she will have something that goes in the snow.
>
> Unfortunately, I have no experience or knowledge about the different
> models, engine sizes, what to look out for, etc.
>
> I'm thinking of something in the 01,02 year range. I want a 6 cylinder
> and hardtop.
>
> Could some of you fill me in on what to look for, what to stay away
> from?
>
> Thanks,
> Rut
>
>

--
"I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
whips....r"
R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.

 

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I may take a closer look at the
Cherokees.

Rut

 

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I may take a closer look at the
Cherokees.

Rut

 

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I may take a closer look at the
Cherokees.

Rut