New to the Jeep scene got some Questions

[Dx18704]

Hey my name is matt, I am new to the jeep scene. I currently do not own a jeep but I was wondering if some of the people here have the knowledge to answer my questions. OK here it goes:
1. I here that jeeps are "high maintence" and brake down a lot is this true.

2. I was also wondering what are the good models and years and what ones to stay away from.

3. When i go to look at a jeep what are some things that i should check out like flaws and such.

4. How long do jeeps usually last for (mileage)

5. And last but not least some good sites and if there are anymore active jeep message boards

Thankz a lot to whoever actually takes the time and answers my questions. Sorry about all the questions just like knowing my knowledge on something before i get it

Later
M@

[JDPascal]

Lotsa good questions here. I don't have a lot of time right now but I'll give it a crack for ya.....

Originally Posted by Dx18704

Hey my name is matt, I am new to the jeep scene. I currently do not own a jeep but I was wondering if some of the people here have the knowledge to answer my questions. OK here it goes:

1. I here that jeeps are "high maintence" and brake down a lot is this true.

Any 4 wheel drive vehicle is a high maintenance vehicle and all vehicles break down from time to time. That said, even with the quirks that I've had to deal with on my JGC, it is one of the best vehicles I've ever had.

They are also one of the easiest to work on and fun to fix up with custom pieces to make them even more practical than they already are.


2. I was also wondering what are the good models and years and what ones to stay away from.

Depends on what you want to do with them.....If you want to tinker, any of the older models are great. The improvements since 92 make the newer ones more desireable IMHO...

For more serious off-road capability, go with the cherokee or YJ types. If you need more comfort on the highway and around town to go with the off-road stuff, the Grand Cherokee is the way to go.


3. When i go to look at a jeep what are some things that i should check out like flaws and such.

Front end loosness, cooling systems on the older cherokees, front disc brakes on some models, viscous couplers in the 93-95 JGC's quadra trac are some of the more common questions that show up here on the board.

4. How long do jeeps usually last for (mileage)

That's kinda like asking "how long is a string?". There are lots of jeeps that have 2-3 hundred K on them and still going strong.

5. And last but not least some good sites and if there are anymore active jeep message boards

Now thats a loaded question. This being the best automotive site on the net, it must be the best jeep site too........ Ya there are others and each one has its own focus. If you do a google search on "Jeep forums", you will come up with more than a few but none with the same as this one.

Thankz a lot to whoever actually takes the time and answers my questions. Sorry about all the questions just like knowing my knowledge on something before i get it

Later
M@

Hope this was of some help. Others will have their views. Hope they will post what they think too.

JD

[myjeepsux420]

[quote=myjeepsux420]Things to look for on Jeeps: Checking the balljoints on these vehicle is different than most other vehicle. If you just check for play (up and down) at the tire it will appear the balljoints are good. Need to jack up the vehicle on the axle and use a pry bar to lift up and down on the drive axle before it enters the hub on each tire, if it moves up and down you'll need to replace the balljoints. Expensive =$650-800 depending on who does the work. Check the U-joints going into the front hubs, if they are discolored or rusty they need to be replaced, the heat causes rust and discoloration. Also: engines with higher mileage 150k and up might have some blowby, check the air filter to see if there is any oil on it, if not then the engine is likely in good shape. Jeep wrangler 87-91 have a ba-10 transmission and they suck bad! 92 and up have an ax-5 or ax-15 transmission plus a fuel injected engine, much better. 2001 and up Wranglers have a NV3550 transmission, even better than the ax-15. Make sure to check for rust under the carpets and look up under the jeep for any rust. Some of the Newer wranglers had a recall for engine fires, make sure to check all vehicle history. Jeeps are great. I have 145K on my wrangler and it runs like a charm