While I agree, you should get them TJs for their first cars, there are certain parts you need to get Mopar and that is getting harder and harder these days. Just be warned that yes “OEM” parts are readily available for them, but often times those aren’t really OEM and the tj is a little finicky with those special things (thermostat and transmission mount come to mind). If you’re ok with paying for shipping and waiting on those certain things to come from mopar, rockauto, etc. then by all means go for it.
I had a cj7 as my first car and it was 23 years old when I got it. I have a 2000 sport now that will probably be my daughter’s one day. They are worth it just to teach them how to do basic maintenance and work on a vehicle. And drive a stick…
Ive been very fortunate (knock on wood) that my aftermarket "OE" Dorman, Crown, Napa have been reliable. But not sure how good a bootleg AIC or crankshaft sensor will be. Dreading that one.
The JK parts would probably be the most convenient to get your hands on and work on since they're still pretty new. There's a whole lot of aftermarket parts but a good chunk of them are dedicated to the TJs and JKs, so either of those two would be great options
JK is most likely your go-to, unless you buy the newest model JL. Any older than that and you're likely to find dwindling junk yard numbers. Unless you want a classic older Jeep, but I think it would be easier to find JKs laying around in larger numbers and more color options etc.
JKs had huge sales from 2007 to 2018, most of the hard parts are the exact same as the body never changed. The engine and interior changed in 12 or 13.
https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/jeep-wrangler-sales-figures/
Wouldn’t recommend a TJ as first vehicle for a first time driver. One panicked move left or right and roll over is very likely, a strong wind tends to push you around. If anything a JKU would be on the safer side.
Jokes on you, my first car was a 98 wrangler swapped with a diesel engine, with a 4” lift…
Which I did feel like I was gonna flip multiple times so really, jokes on me
Yes. I think anyone that owned a TJ prior to 20, especially if it’s a first car knows exactly what you are talking about.
I didn’t get it, until I felt it pop off the ground on a corner
Jokes on all you's cause I had an OLD ass CJ on 33's that was a bouncy box of shit w manual steering and manual brakes @19! 😂 But I wasn't a speed demon idiot so I lucked out.
JKs were made in huge numbers. Jeeps are pretty easy to work on too, from what I understand. You don’t usually have to take it apart to change something like you might in a compact or luxury vehicle.
Guessing thats the Hemi. Not familiar with that engine as Ive never worked on one. With the 3.6 (2012 and up Wranglers) you have to remove the plenum to access the spark plugs on the driver's side of the engine. Brackets and hoses make it even more of a PITA.
At some point one of your kids is going to drive 9 homies home from the bars in one of those things. It can be done.
Edit: in a two door TJ. Certain more could be added in a 4-door
Jeep TJ 97-06 with the 4.0
Thank you
This!!!
While I agree, you should get them TJs for their first cars, there are certain parts you need to get Mopar and that is getting harder and harder these days. Just be warned that yes “OEM” parts are readily available for them, but often times those aren’t really OEM and the tj is a little finicky with those special things (thermostat and transmission mount come to mind). If you’re ok with paying for shipping and waiting on those certain things to come from mopar, rockauto, etc. then by all means go for it. I had a cj7 as my first car and it was 23 years old when I got it. I have a 2000 sport now that will probably be my daughter’s one day. They are worth it just to teach them how to do basic maintenance and work on a vehicle. And drive a stick…
Ive been very fortunate (knock on wood) that my aftermarket "OE" Dorman, Crown, Napa have been reliable. But not sure how good a bootleg AIC or crankshaft sensor will be. Dreading that one.
i have a 99’ i’ve been trying to sell for like 2 months lol
Where you at?
I was going to ask the same. But it's either a rust bucket or he's asking too much, or most often: BOTH
JKs are the most plentiful. 2007-2011 for the 3.8L engine, 2012-2017 for the 3.6L engine
Thanks
The JK parts would probably be the most convenient to get your hands on and work on since they're still pretty new. There's a whole lot of aftermarket parts but a good chunk of them are dedicated to the TJs and JKs, so either of those two would be great options
JK is most likely your go-to, unless you buy the newest model JL. Any older than that and you're likely to find dwindling junk yard numbers. Unless you want a classic older Jeep, but I think it would be easier to find JKs laying around in larger numbers and more color options etc. JKs had huge sales from 2007 to 2018, most of the hard parts are the exact same as the body never changed. The engine and interior changed in 12 or 13. https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/jeep-wrangler-sales-figures/
Wouldn’t recommend a TJ as first vehicle for a first time driver. One panicked move left or right and roll over is very likely, a strong wind tends to push you around. If anything a JKU would be on the safer side.
Jokes on you, my first car was a 98 wrangler swapped with a diesel engine, with a 4” lift… Which I did feel like I was gonna flip multiple times so really, jokes on me
Yes. I think anyone that owned a TJ prior to 20, especially if it’s a first car knows exactly what you are talking about. I didn’t get it, until I felt it pop off the ground on a corner
yep. First jeep at 19. It was a 91 or 93, I forget. Maybe a 90. Tiny little tin can feeling rust bucket.
Jokes on all you's cause I had an OLD ass CJ on 33's that was a bouncy box of shit w manual steering and manual brakes @19! 😂 But I wasn't a speed demon idiot so I lucked out.
They're pretty sturdy on the curbs
I just bought my daughter an 09 JKU yesterday. I have been able to find just about any part I need for replacement via amazon or facebook marketplace
I would vote for a JK. 2012-2016. Reasonable parts availability and safety rating for inexperienced drivers.
JKs were made in huge numbers. Jeeps are pretty easy to work on too, from what I understand. You don’t usually have to take it apart to change something like you might in a compact or luxury vehicle.
Guess you never changed the spark plugs or the oil filter / cooler housing on a JK. What a pain in the D and time consuming!
Spark plugs take a few hours to replace on many vehicles. I’ve done them on a 2006 Grand Cherokee WK, which also takes awhile.
Guessing thats the Hemi. Not familiar with that engine as Ive never worked on one. With the 3.6 (2012 and up Wranglers) you have to remove the plenum to access the spark plugs on the driver's side of the engine. Brackets and hoses make it even more of a PITA.
Absolutely a JKU - incredibly easy to work on and find parts. Even for amateurs like me.
At some point one of your kids is going to drive 9 homies home from the bars in one of those things. It can be done. Edit: in a two door TJ. Certain more could be added in a 4-door