Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hey all,

I was thinking of buying a jeep wrangler does anyone here have any experiences with them good/bad? or ever owned one? and what do you think of them?

Cheers
Kev

kevindinho wrote:Hey all,

I was thinking of buying a jeep wrangler does anyone here have any experiences with them good/bad? or ever owned one? and what do you think of them?

Cheers
Kev

Calling HYPE

Calling STRIKA

They blow up, I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot barg pole. Just my opinion.

which model is it that was catching fire randomly?

Good:
Great 4x4 for wheeling, good for summer and quite capable in standard form.
With modification they're a competitive competition truck as well.
can be found for as little as $12k with high kms but look for common wear (eng/trans/susp)
the 4.0l is relatively strong and will usually only fail if cooked!

not so good:
can be thirsty on fuel if you drive it like a sports car!
grinding 2nd gear synchro in older high km examples
oil pressure sensor may fault around 100'km

the best part:
build it up to suit your needs, there is countless products on the market
spares are in abundance and can be found for reasonable dollars...

once again it really depends on what you want from it, if you're a hairdresser or an avid bush basher will determine how far you go with it
be cautious purchasing used modified versions by way of suspension install...

some will go the cheap way of small lift and body lift, spacers etc (illegal)
it costs $$$ to do it right but it's the only way to go unless you like breaking running gear and being stuck on a trail..

also any lift higher than a 2" will require a slip-yoke eliminator (heavy duty drive shaft) as the angle and force has a tendancy to twist and snap the stocker.

do your research and inspect many before handing over your cash... if you need any assistance let me know

i've put a bit of time and money into my TJ wrangler...
5" superflex lift, 35" rock rubber, airlockers, gears, etc, etc, etc

for info and local like minded visit:
http://www.sydneyjeepclub.com/

for mods, parts and experienced advice talk to Dave @
http://wooders.com.au/ (Hornsby)

a few build up pics of mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photohype/ ... 958642867/

some trip pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photohype/ ... 410206855/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photohype/ ... 228266867/

Wattie wrote:which model is it that was catching fire randomly?

US versions of the Cherokee (WJ/ZJ) and particularly the Autos from memory. Electrical fault. Also would cause it to slip gear.

Dizzi wrote:They blow up, I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot barg pole. Just my opinion.

They are a poorer quality made 4wd than most so are cheaper to buy new, but they are one of the most capable 4wd in standard trim you can buy. Once you start modifying them, the diffs become a weak link and they are more expensive to lift than other coil sprung models like Patrols due to the need for slip yoke eliminators. Anything over a two inch lift will also need an engineers certificate to keep it legal and ensure your insurance will still cover you. The new Rubicons are by far the most capable 4wd off the showroom floor you can get and with a set of Longfield chromemolly axles/CVs have a rock solid driveline that is more than strong enough for big tyres. Be carefull checking out Wooder's Garage though as there are a rediculous amount of aftermarket gear for Jeeps and you can spend a fortune on them if you get carried away.

It all depends on what you want to do with it. Do you want to do serious off-roading, just drive on the beach or simply want a convertible to cruise around town and never take offroad? You really need to answer this question before finding out what people think of them and how they will suit your needs.

HYPE, where are you located? I think a KSRC 4wd trip is definitely in order.

pfft...

They're no handbag

One of the Models had problems with the bell housings cracking, even on the replacements
Would have been 99 -2000 Model.
Jeep Grand Cherokee

dont get a diesel cherokee....the engine parts are expensive and a pain to get hold of....they a vm motor and they use the same one in industrial applications.....we are dealers for them and we have big problems trying to get parts for them from italy. actually even from the vm supplier in australia!!!!

Be prepared for lots of maintanance, with a hefty price tage for spares!! I own a KJ (2002) Cherokee myself and work in the trade with loads of exposure to the workshop!! You'll become very close to whoever does your servicing unless you can do a lot of things yourself. Good luck!

Thanks guys! HYPE your a legend! Checked out your photos, man your wrangler is amazing i love the massive wheels on them crushing the security car muahhaa

Uses:
Ok so I was thinking of spending around $15 000 on a 2nd hand jeep wrangler for commuting atm and then when i get some more money ill start upgrading and going off road.

Concerns:
The soft tops leaking and the reliability of the engines. I hear some people being not happy with the build quality but for me as long as the engine runs and doesnt overheat and the A/C and steering/suspension is in good working order its good enough. Don't really want to spend big money on it as yet, besides the usual servicing etc.

Other options:
Get a Rav4 they seem pretty reliable, but the jeep is so much more superior!!
Any other ideas on 2nd hand cars for around $15000 is also appreciated (no turbos/supercharge/v8s)

Hype what do you think of this one? also how much do u spend on rubber and how long do they last you? i'm thinking of 31" like the one linked below.
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... F0985B1459

kevindinho wrote:i love the massive wheels on them crushing the security car muahhaa

kevindinho wrote:Other options: Get a Rav4 they seem pretty reliable, but the jeep is so much more superior!!

I had a Rav4 and it was teeny tiny next to the Jeep........lets just say that if I hadn't actually been out in it the day that photo you mentioned was taken then it might not have been the security car under the wheels!!!

The Rav was great for carrying shopping ...........and thats about it.