New Jeep please help

Im about to pruchase a jeep wrangler. im 16 and this will be my second car. im paying for it myself, so my budget is tight. whats the best jeep i can find (year) for between 1-3000 dollars? what mileage should i expect on it? and 4 cylinder or 6? i drive to school every day plus alot on the weekends. thanks alot, any help is appreciated.

I spent 4K and got a 94 Wrangler sahara 5 speed 6cyld as extra car. I love it and it is awesome. It had 143K which has not been an issue - runs very well and absolutelty no rust on it. thats the big thing to look for- rust.

heya, i'm going to be a8 in january. i bought my 1990 yj 2 1/2 years ago from a local guy. he had it posted for $2500, but since it needed clutch work i got it for $2000. i love it to death, and because of it, and it's destinctive characteristics and sound, i've become known as "jeep jon" in the small town of marine city, michigan. best of luck hunting. lemme know if you have like msn/aol, we'll chat. later -jon-

You are probably looking between and 88-93 for that price range. If you buy a 6 cylinder, try to get one that is fuel injected instead of carburetor (carb'd jeeps always have prob's with them). Get one obviously with a good body, but make sure to crawl under it and check the frame for rust/holes/missing parts -- get a bad frame and you're looking into alot of work fixing it up. Check the back parts around the leaf spring shackles as this is the main area that rusts out first and easiest to see. 4 Cylinders are an ok purchase but if you have dreams of putting huge tires on it later then it wont do for you. Make sure the 4 wheel drive works.

Also, if you just plan on driving it to school and work or whatever and not serious about offroading then you'd probably be better off with a 4 cyl to save on gas. Good luck

4 cyl = low on power, but the 2.5L is pretty bulletproof. Definitely check for rust, that will be your major problem. Be sure, as Appleton said, that the 4wd works. Everything else can be worked on.

Go for it! You'll love your Jeep.

if you're tight on money. dont get a jeep. gas'll kill ya.

JEEP = Just Empty Every Pocket

JEEP = Just Each & Every Penny

I had an '89 Jeep Cherokee Laredo w/power windows, power locks, cruise control, power/comfort transmission switch, excellent 4 wheel drive, like new interior, minimal body damage, and an engine that still had great compression and sound with 160,000 miles(when I got it), etc., etc., etc... And I got it for $3,250. Unfortunately no modifications were on it for me to start with. Great Jeeps are out there. Keep looking! I now have a 2005 jeep wrangler rubicon, but it took me 2 years saving money and living in free military quarters to afford it. I wish would have never sold the Cherokee. Cherokee's are great beginner 4x4's. They're easy to maintain and modify (pick up a chilton and you'll never have to pay a mechanic) and there are some excellent deals out there. If you're a within a couple hours of a military base search the papers, get online, and even try repo auctions. You'll find one. And I bet you'll love Jeeps forever.

Oh! and the rollover risk in a cherokee is a lot better than in a wrangler/CJ...a big consideration in your first Jeep.