Jeep Wrangler TJ opinions for a DD?

[Zacm829]

Tossing around the idea of selling my e46 m3 and getting into a TJ for a reduced insurance premium and less maintenance costs. I would be using the jeep as a DD and am mostly interested in a 4.0l version with 5 speed. Anyone have experience dailying and maintaining one of these? Shopping for one with a 3in lift and 33s. Light off-road duty occasionally.

The recent e46 m3 video may be swaying my decision to sell...

Thanks in advance.

[agent]

It didn't look like you were in any imminent danger of plummeting off the BRP last weekend... just don't drive it near cliffs in Arizona. Problem solved.

[alB5]

1. Keep the E46.
2. Don't drive like a waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles that doesn't understand the basics of oversteer and understeer. (During the skidding: "Durrrr let me turn the wheel more")
3. Don't crash it.
4.?????
5. Profit

[agent]

PM me if you want me to put you in touch with Lee. He said he'd help you out however he could. His current one is a TJ ( the white Rubicon) and he's owned quite a few Jeeps.

[Zacm829]

The video isnt actually affecting my decision, I figured it would be mentioned with the subject of an M3. The main driving force for the vehicle change is the cost of long term maintence on an 11 year old s54. Not to mention my not so steller driving record pushing my premiums over $300 a month for all the vehicles.

Thanks Chris, I know they are generally pretty solid trucks just looking if anyone can sway me from that choice.

[agent]

I bought some BMW stuff off a guy today who's fixing up a TJ to sell. Find a buyer for your M3 (here?) and road trip it on over!

[Zacm829]

I bought some BMW stuff off a guy today who's fixing up a TJ to sell. Find a buyer for your M3 (here?) and road trip it on over!

Ha, thats for the offer. Kinda looking local and I need to tidy up the M before I list it. I would like to have the Jeep pulling the bike and also the e30t and the Dragon this October.

[Zacm829]

Anyone owned a TJ with some input?

[e30serg]

How many miles are you driving each day? I used to daily my old CJ and don't think it made a good DD. Jeeps are soooo different than regular passenger cars. Noisier, bumpier. I know the CJ is a lot rougher than a newer TJ, but still. The gas mileage will suck. Have you driven one? Is there anywhere to rent one and take for a long drive?

[Zacm829]

I have driven one for a limited amount of time years ago, but it would be nice to get an extended test drive.

As far as a DD I think it would suit my needs, 30 mile round trip to work either 3 or 4 days a week. I also have the bike and e30 that I would rotate in. I'm not looking for comforts really, I want something that I'm not upset if it gets a scratch or afraid to park at the grocery store.

Thanks for the imput though. Might look into renting one!

[z31maniac]

If you're trying to save money, why not buy an appliance.

Going from an E46 M3 to a Wrangler is going to feel like going back to 50s are as comfort and amenities.

[chadthestampede]

Not sure about a TJ in particular but a friend had a JK that we rode around in for about two weeks when we were visiting him. My impressions were: very bumpy, stiff, and loud. Mileage isn't great either. I can only imagine a TJ is more all of those things.

[Danny]

Xj

[Zacm829]

Xj just does not do it for me. I'm not worried about ride refinement I want more of a utilitarian vechile anyway to can haul a bike, boat, jetski. We all know a jeep with be more reliable an cheaper to maintain than an S54 E46.

Looking for a 4.0l 5 speed.

[Komzorz]

XJ owner here. TJ's are great Jeeps, can't go wrong with the 4.0 and either transmission.

With the right suspension setup (i.e. not the cheap ones), they can be downright comfortable, but don't expect to be carving corners in one. Obviously you're never going to match the NVH of something like a BMW.

I can tell you that the 4.0 with 33's and the aerodynamics of a brick, your gas mileage will be in the low teens. If that's acceptable for you, then TJs are reliable and dead simple to work on. Maintenance items are also very inexpensive and parts have truck-like robustness.

I would not use a TJ as a towing vehicle for anything heavier than a motorcycle, as the weight of a trailer + car will exceed the weight of the Jeep, and that can lead to some seriously not fun times. If you're looking for something that can tow a car on a trailer, I recommend a ZJ or WJ Grand Cherokee.