CD Article: 1997 - 2005 Jeep TJ

[CD_Editor]

Used Vehicle Review:

Though the Jeep TJ is designed for serious off-road use, the best used TJ to buy "is one that hasn't been used extensively off-road," advises Chris Chase.  "There aren't any glaring mechanical flaws to look out for," he says, "but leaking radiators were common in early TJs and exhaust manifolds on six-cylinder engines are prone to cracking."    More...

[Craig]

I still miss my 91 YJ Renegade.

*sniff*

Wasn't practical at all, guzzled gas at 14L/100km (back then gas was $0.40/L) and I spun it twice on the highway in situations where it never should have spun, but otherwise, it never let me down in six years, and there is something about a "real" Jeep.

[safristi]

I have the pleasure of using my buds 2000TJ...............has been a blast..yes thirsty..but it's unique look,blend of go anywhere capability and convertability is great.............

  I'M still twisting his arm to enter one of these  Jeep Jamborees.....maybe when he buys it out soon after the lease is finished........NO problems with his and it's close to 100,000KLIKS

[Calvin]

I still miss my 91 YJ Renegade.

*sniff*

Wasn't practical at all, guzzled gas at 14L/100km (back then gas was $0.40/L) and I spun it twice on the highway in situations where it never should have spun, but otherwise, it never let me down in six years, and there is something about a "real" Jeep.

Yeah, the short wheelbase and rwd combo makes it  pretty easy to swap ends.  It seems like you suffer through a winter of white-knuckle driving just to make it to spring.  Then the top goes down and the doors come off and it all seems worth while.  

[Bullet Blue]

If I were to ever own a Jeep, it would be that one. I've always liked it and would definately try to get into some serious off roading or jamborees if I had one.

I hear they're easy to steal though 

[Craig]

Yep, spun it 180 on the onramp to the south 404 from Steeles, driving rather tamely in a light drizzle.  Stayed in the onramp lane, at least.  Got new tires the next week, thought the old were not "technically" done yet.  Spun 360 in snowy conditions on Hwy 10, north of Shelburne when the vehicles in front of me braked.  I braked rather conservatively, did a complete revolution, and still stopped in time to avoid the car in front.  Would have looked cool from an extrenal view.  Still pulled over for a minute to calm my nerves.

My favourite moment in the Renegade was driving down Dickenson raod towards McMaster one winter morning.  Roads had patches of ice, so I was going slowly.  So slowly, I decided 2WD was enough.  Saw some black ice ahead and slowed further.  A little gas and the tail broke free.  I corrected, and the tail swung the other way.  Back and forth went the ass end of the car, me correcting like mad, as I did my best slow-motion Swan Lake impression down a rural road while kids waiting for their school bus stared open-mouthed.  I had no time to grab the 4WD lever.  After 6 or more iterations. I coaxed it the the gravel shoulder where there was some grip, and brought the ballet to a halt.  At that speed, it was more hilarious than scary, but the stupid kids could have gotten out of the way faster to make me feel better.

Oh, and the best part?  Jeep drivers waive at each-other as they pass.  Including the really cute blonde girls with Jeeps.

After I sold the Jeep, I drove my dad's old 89 Volvo 760 Turbo sedan for a while.  I tried waving at fellow Volvo drivers.  NOBODY waived back.  I was not impressed.

[a4_tom]

As far as hardcore off-roaders go, nothing else beaten TJ/YJ. Simple mechanicals and ease of maintenance are also reasons why they held such good residual value.

[stickshift]

Oh, and the best part?  Jeep drivers waive at each-other as they pass.  Including the really cute blonde girls with Jeeps.

The black YJ in the parking spot next to mine at my apartment building is owned by a mad-hot blond gym bunny. Don't know if she waves to other Jeep drivers, but she seems friendly enough.   

[safristi]

   Have ya had her OFF ROAD or TOPLESS yet !!!!!! TJ

[Thinking Out Loud]

Hey everyone - looking at a low km TJ Sport or Rubicon.....many seem to be coming off lease.

Anything I should be looking out for (other than obvious off-road abuse)?  IE, servicing, etc.

Thanks!!!

[Seafoam]

I have the pleasure of using my buds 2000TJ...............has been a blast..yes thirsty..but it's unique look,blend of go anywhere capability and convertability is great.............

  I'M still twisting his arm to enter one of these  Jeep Jamborees.....maybe when he buys it out soon after the lease is finished........NO problems with his and it's close to 100,000KLIKS

Wow saf i understood everything in your post.
Are you okay?