Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

Hello, I'm about to buy a TJ. I'm looking at 4 right now, but i have some questions
What can I expect for milage out of the 4 or 6 cyl engine? ( stock jeep susp and tires)
Will the 4 cyl be decent on trails on weekends, keeping in mind that I'm planning on staying close to stock so the trails will be fairly tame.
I dont really know what the gas engines are doing anymore, as I have been playing with a 97 Dodge Cummins for the last couple of years.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thankyou

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

thankyou all for your input, i should ask on a forum with life eh?

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

i'm looking for this info too .i would love to see what everyone recommends .

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

I was told that I should buy a jeep with a 6 cylinder in it.
I was told that gas mileage was worse with the 6 than the 4cyl. but only marginally.

So after hunting for a jeep for about 3 months I opted to look at it a different way.
The best body and frame on a running jeep I could find as these seemed to be the 2 biggest faults with used jeeps. The mechanicals can be fixed.

I ended up with a 4 cylinder 3 speed auto. 1998 TJ.
Cost 4600.00
Mechanicals to date 2487.00
And a lot of time to sort out things the previous owners (2)
had done to it. or the big thing . Had not done to it maintenance wise..
To date I have had to spend a lot on the drive train.. Parts and fluids.
My mechanic said the trany looked like it had never seen a fluid change in it's life. That's 10 years.
As this is a daily driver I can tell you gas milage is not the best
and can only imagine how bad a 6 would be..

Yesterday on the internet I found there was a recall on my truck by the manufacturer in 2006.
that was never done. SO I will pursue that next.
I still have not spent any $$ on detailing this jeep to be me..

Just some ramblings.
Regards

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

I forgot to tell yah I did one other thing before I bought the jeep.
I got the owner to take it to my mechanic to have it checked out prior to finalizing the deal.
It cost me $70.00 AND THE MECHANIC WENT THROUGH IT FROM FRONT TO BACK knowing I was thinking of buying..
It was the best money I ever spent as I had a real good feel for what had to be done and what I was in for if I bought the jeep.
Once I had the list of repairers required I had something to deal over with the owner.
Regards

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

Since my modified 89 xj burnt completely (no chance of repairing) I felt naked without a 4by4. Looking for either a 4 or 6 tj 2000-2005. The 4 a friend had a yj modified and his mileage he said sucked, didn't have guts on the highway and on trails just was short power. So I looked towards a 6 cy (was advised by friends) alot better for offroading, power on highways after modifications. I got a very good deal on a 03 tj std. Have put a Superlift 4" on it, maxxis 33x12.5r15 bighorns,winch,and working on the rear tire carrier.My mileage is somewhat in the range of my xj. If you keep within the stock range of your tj you will find much better fuel mileage.Suggest u go for the 6 cy.
Remember 2 things: New for this year: If your in Quebec you will be paying an extra $35. per year on your license for the jeep depending on the year if its a 6 cy (not for the 4 cy)
Also: If in Quebec before you buy go to this website and have the title checked its well worth the couple of bucks. https://www.rdprm.gouv.qc.ca/rdprmweb/index.asp

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

4Cyl. has no balls, and the 6cylinder is marginally less fuel efficient. Go with a 6 banger, and if you can muscle it, the 5spd. A 4 cylinder auto TJ, feels like a sloth humping a trash can.

Re: Looking at Jeeps, and wondering about engine options
 

OK here's my opinion, I am in the towing and recovery business and I bring at least 1 jeep a month to the scrap yard. I only bring in cherokees or grand cherokees. no one scraps wranglers tj, yj or cj. When I found my 97 tj 4cyl auto I figured the former owner did not go extreme 4x4'in nor did he beat the crap out of it because it was a daily driver. He maintained it regularly at a garage or the dealership and just enjoyed driving it. I paid ..................are you ready for this...............$500.00. As you can imagine it needed some work I replaced the alternator and the wiper motor changed the oil and did a tune-up thats it . my wife loves to drive it and my 2 kids love riding in the back. Does it have guts, no. Is it good on fuel, Yes much better than my 86 olds which I sold for $500.00 at the scrap yard to pay for my jeep. If I want a six banger I can get one anytime and because it was stock everything I do is an improvement. So if your looking for used look to the frame, body and suspension as a motor and tranny are a dime a dozen......Just a thought