Doug answers:

Nothing unusual or different about buying a used wrangler. Crawl under and look for signs that it has been used hard offroad – scraping or scarring on skid plates, control arms, axles, etc. Be sure to use all modes and ranges on the transfer case – take it to a dirt lot or sandlot and engage 2 HI (normal driving), 4 HI (never on pavement, sort surfaces like sand, snow, ice only) Neutral (Yes, make sure that works correctly too), and 4 LO (again, never on pavement, soft and rough surfaces only). Other than that make sure all gears work correctly, listen for any sounds from the engine, transmission, and axles while driving. Check all 6 universal joints – nobody ever checks them, they should be replaced every 3 years or so. Check the engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, brake system and hydraulic clutch for leaks. Make sure the clutch engages and releases smoothly and normally. Look down the body to make sure it’s fairly straight. Make sure all 4 tires are, if not the same, at least very close in size and tread type.

Hard tops are quieter and more weather proof, as well as more secure, but nothing is really secure and Jeeps with hardtops can be broken into as easily as any other vehicle. NEVER leave anything in it. Period, end of story, then you’ll never loose anything.

Doug answers:

Http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/1024201044.html

Try craigslist, there are tons in your area

Doug answers:

Around 20 grand! No more than that.

Doug answers:

No more than 5000 dollars.

Doug answers:

You can find one with just under 100K miles for around $10-12,000ish. Depending on how high of quality you want it. If it’s going to be a toy, you can find a modded one for about $10K and talk em down to about $9K. On the other hand, your looking at about $12K for a good quality, no hassle daily driver.

Doug answers:

Wrangler owners are generally American.

That’s such a great statment, that I need to second that!

JEEP = Freedom

Doug answers:

Put razors under door handles.

Doug answers:

I never lock mine. Just don’t leave anything valuable in it.

Doug answers:

I’d recommend Pioneer. I’ve got a friend that owns a stereo shop and the pioneers have surpassed Alpine in quality.

There are kits available to allow a DIN unit to fit in and American opening. There are also kits to adapt to the factory wiring too.

To me Sony suck….they are just a name. Blaupunkt (blue dot) is not what they use to be. JVC….Good TVs bad stereos.

Do you guys have or want Sat radio, MP3 player, I-POD. These are all things to consider. You can buy stuff on line, but you really need to go play with it to see if you like it.

Doug answers:

It all depends on the year. What is your budget?

Mileage – about 17mpg. Can be higher or lower depending on driving style. Remember – it’s a brick.

I have a wrangler that I used for everyday commute. Soft Top – Usually doesn’t leak – but noisy. Hardtop is a little better. Insulation is so/so, but the heater feels nuclear powered, so you’re usually ok.

Performance is good with the 4.0l inline 6. Stay away from the 4.2l.

Jeeps are great. I love ‘em. But if you’ve never driven or ridden in one, go rent one for a day and drive it around before you buy one. A quick lap around the block isn’t going to show you all the quirks. Some people who love the idea of a jeep, hate the actual driving of one.

A car recommendation would depend on intended use.

Doug answers:

It’s very common for the TPS to fail. Their cheap and easy to fix.

Mine went bad when my Jeep was only 2 years old. I got a replacement one for around $40.

Doug answers:

If you intend do some serious off roading it’s just about best there is. If you intend to use it as your primary day to day transportation it’s just about the worst there is. Poor handling, uncomfortable ride, lousy performance, poor gas mileage, poor crash test results, and probably the most unreliable cars on the road.

Doug answers:

Yes! The Jeep Wrangler is much better than the 4Runner. The transmission is excellent! I can assure you that it won’t have much problems. Both the Wrangler and the 4Runner are almost equally reliable but the Wrangler has much more off road capabilities. The 4Runner is just another good SUV made by Toyota, and it can go off road. But the Jeep Wrangler is an off-roading legend! The Wrangler dominates the outback, and has done so since WWII.

You can buy another boring and bland SUV, or you can buy a legend. I can go on and on about the benefits of a Wrangler, but you have to drive it to experience it. The Wrangler is an adventure car, a party car, and a daily driver. You can have fun on the way to work, or you can go yawning the whole way there.

Would you rather drive with a smile in your face and joy in your heart? Or do you want to drive with rage and boredom? A 4Runner driver is a miserable person, they drive with impatience as they tailgate everyone while holding a latte and talking with someone they don’t like with their bluetooth, a stressful nuisance.

Doug answers:

If it has a 4cyl – NO

If it has a 6 cyl – 4.0 – YES

My family has owned countless Jeeps over the past two decades. No joke, we go about 300k on the 6 and about 200k with the 4.

Jeeps are fun and reliable. ’95 is a good year. Inspect the under-side for damage and check bolts that hold major parts to see if it has been abused.

Doug answers:

Do you live with snow or mud? Go off road?.

If so you might consider the Jeep but be aware they are not known for being very reliable.

A small car would be more practical unless your taking it off road.