Advice wanted about Jeep Wrangler TJ.

[Joey83]

First of all, sorry if this is in the wrong forum section.

I recently found a low mileage 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport for sale locally to me that I'm looking at buying (I live way up north in Europe)

It has the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, the 5 speed manual and has done just under 62600 miles.

I need to know if it is a reliable car, what to look for when test driving it, if parts are hard to find (or if they can be bought in the US and shipped overseas), if they are hard to work on or not for someone with limited mechanical knowledge and so on, can any TJ owner help me?

It won't be a daily driver, more of a weekend cruiser and used for mostly forest trails a few times each summer.

I'd appreciate any advice/feedback I can get here.

Thanks!

 

[socal66]

The great thing about Jeeps is they have pretty active on-line forums for every model including the TJ.

Here is a FAQ from the TJ forum on what to look for when buying a used TJ:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/what-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-used-wrangler-tj.375/

 

[Joey83]

@Joaquin Suave funny a G-Wagon (even a rusty beatup POS) is out of my budget, the Jeep is just within (it's for sale for almost $15000), I did find an identical Wrangler with the 4.0 and 11000 more miles, but that's for sale at $30199

 

[Anak]

If I understand correctly the 2.5L is has a lot in common with the 4.0L, just 2 cylinders shorter. Meaning your accessory drive (alternator, PS, water pump, etc.) is common to both engines. This means those parts will be easier to source.

If you do get it, be careful about getting the right oil for the transmission. In the US it is becoming difficult to find gear oil in the auto parts stores that is compatible with synchros. Consequently many folks wipe out their synchros because they purchase the oil they can find, but that oil is only suited for differentials. I order Redline MTL or MT-90 for my manual transmission.

The TJ has a good reputation as a reliable Jeep. I expect them to outlast the JKs.

For myself the biggest drawback to a TJ is the high probability that I would not be able to see out the windshield because it would always be fogged up on account of moisture. I have gone the XJ route because they seal up better. But mine is also a daily driver, so that may not be as much of an issue in this instance.

 

[Joey83]

This is the Jeep in question, it looks ok to me.

 

[Smileyshaun]

When it comes to doing modifications to the suspension 2” is about the max you want to do with the stock arms . Due to their very short design when you lift it you will quickly get into a choppy ride and limited travel with weird driving characteristics. Your better bet is highline fender , small trimming and keeping your tire and wheel combo as light as possible to help with the 4cyl . There are a couple things you can do to help with power but mostly just keep it maintained and realize you will be taking the slow lane . Happy trails !!

 

[Dilldog]

TJs are great, I loved my 99 (base model X, 4.0L, 5 speed, 2" lift, 31s, and no rear sway bar with a front disconnect). They are easy to work on and honestly quite reliable. A good friend of mine also had a TJ (01?) and he had the 2.5L, it was also solid, but quite under powered. I think the only thing I didnt like about my TJ (and my buddy had the same complaints) was fuel millage.
Honestly what I tell people is Jeeps in general ( at least the solid axles ones) kinda suck to drive on the road, most other cars do everything better than them on the road. But if you take it off road and use it for its intended purpose, then it's all worth it.
If I were to look for a rig to use as a serious exploration machine, it would 100% be another base model TJ.