Well, I'm very close to buying a jeep... getting so close I actually went to the dealer today to keep out a jeep they were going to let me take for a few days. Unfortunately I got hit by a car that tried to make a "right hand" turn from a "middle lane". Now, my trade-in is all bang'ed up. Got to get it fixed, and hopefully I won't be looking at problems trading it in now.
Funny, I had it appraised today by the dealer. Now worried about what's going to happen when I take it in after it's fixed.
Anyway, I'm looking at two different models: Unlimited w/H package, and a Sport. I really like to look of the painted fender wells on the Unlimited, as I'm a little worried about the life of a plastic fender well over time (way get that funky faded look). Any comments/suggestions... Am I overthinking this?
Also, the Sport I'm looking at does not have the 4 wheel disks brakes, nor the securty group. Does anyway consider these as "must haves" with a Jeep?
Overall I like the Unlimited because of the extra space in the back (can haul more stuff from Home Depot... I'm a weekend warrior!). I was a little concerned though about the responsiveness of the Unlimited vs Sport. The Sport seemed little more fun to drive. Anyone else have these things to consider?
Well I don't think I am the best to answer this in anyway.
I can speak for the Sport as I have ordered one and it should be here this week. The Sport does have the Security Group and I am pretty sure you can get the disk brakes added also, they are not standard though. As far as the painted fender you can order those aftermarket.
If you are looking to use this for hauling stuff then you might want to go with the Unlimited as the Sport doesn't have much room to haul big items.
The Sport IS more fun to drive than the Unlimited - one of it's biggest draws. It has a shorter turning radius and so is easier to park. It is also more difficult at high speeds and in the wind, and has VERY limited cargo space and leg room in back.
The fenders on my '98 Sport have faded but otherwise they are in excellent shape. I would be more concerned with scratches on the painted fender wells, but if you aren't going to be bashing it off-road much, it wouldn't matter. There are things that you can do to get the fenders black again, I just haven't bothered. I put that into the "personal choice" category.
The security group is nice but there are aftermarket possibilities that work well also. While I'd rather have it (our '04 Unlimited has the sentry key option but the Sport does not), that wouldn't stop me from ruling out a particular vehicle.
The Unlimited is a MUCH better daily driver - it isn't so skittish and therefore more relaxing to drive. The extra room comes in handy all the time - I still have the back seat in and still have enough room in back for 2 large gym bags and 2 lunch coolers. The Sport's back seat makes a good saddle rack under my stairs.
What's really interesting is that both vehicles came with a couple of options that I wouldn't necessarily have chosen, but now think are "must haves." Back in '98 fog lights weren't standard on the Sport but mine came with them. I now won't buy a car without them. I wanted the auto-dimming mirror, because I thought the temp would be sort of fun to have. I've gotten really used to having it and using it to judge whether it could be icy or not. On the other hand, I don't care for cruise control, while my husband loves it.
I'm very happy with the Unlimited, and would most likely replace the Sport with an Unlimited Rubicon (if I could afford it) to extend the off-roading we do, then keep the Unlimited we have now for our daily driver. However, we're not in any rush to get rid of the Sport.
The two vehicles have different strong points and both are excellent. It becomes a matter of personal choice as to which would be best for your situation.
So is it true... if anyone knows... is the '06 Wrangler dropping the 4.0L engine for the 3.7L? I hope not!... I am going to buy a Wrangler (First one after waiting until I am 48; this year) and don't want to get the 3.7L as it appears that they have had a world of problems with them in Liberty.
that my commute is crazy, I thought I might explain why I do it (for new people, my commute is 150 miles a day and involves about a 6,000 foot elevation loss and gain. I can go from a foot of snow on the ground to temps in the 60s). This morning I thought I might take a walk and drove 2 miles from my house, parked and walked about a mile. On the way back I took a photo of the Unlimited. This should explain why I do it.
Hi, My car broke down yesterday, and I always wanted a jeep. I found a 98 wrangler 4 cylinder with 90,000 miles on it.
I pop the hood- looks pretty nice except, there is rust. Rust on the metal pipes, rust on the head of the bolts holding things together, rust on the pipes going to the brake fluid reserve...
I like this jeep, it has been well maintained- I have seen the maintenace records, it used to be on the west coast, I'm in Seattle.
My QUESTION: Is this normal? Should I be wary of this rust, or do all jeeps have this going on and it's not a problem?
Thanks in advance for your time! Jeremy Please email jmicfunk@hotmail.com
Nice spot Mtngal, but you need to figure out a way to telecommute a couple of days a week!
And hasn't anyone in here tried smearing peanut butter on their fenders to shine them up? Other folks with plastic cladding have used it with success. Usual disclaimers (don't blame me if a bear eats your fenders :shades: ).
Great info... So what about the difference between the soft tops on the Sport & Unlimited?...
I've heard the Unlimited top is much more difficult to take on/off. Also, wouldn't the soft on the Unlimited be more prone to "flapping" since the top is so much larger?
I'd be very tempted to see what they would offer you for the trade in as is,,,, and compare that to just keeping the insurance check.
jeff
ps,,, Sport vs Unlimited
I have an ulimited and love it, my girlfriend has a Sport and loves it.
you will love whichever jeep you decide to buy!!
weekend warrior ?? I sold a pickup about the time I bought my jeep,,, I've since bought a small trailer. even with the added room in the unlimited, its not that big,,, or as easy to get stuff in as just throwing it on the trailer or in the back of a pickup.
Have you an news to report regarding the knocking sound? Currently my new Jeep is at the dealership because of a rattling/knocking sound. Keep in mind that I have an automatic transmission. The sound occurs during light or heavy acceleration and it is guaranteed around 45-46 mph. During this acceleration the rpms drop during said speed range and followed by a heavy rattling/knocking/ugly sound. It is more than the "marble" sound and even the dealership has recognizes it. The tech that worked on my Jeep said on Wednesday that he could get it act up in other gears too...more than what I have mentioned.... but, then the manager got involved on Friday and all of sudden it is running and sounding "within normal operating range". Hmmmm??? This is not a slight sound as the manual suggests.
Also, yesterday I took a test drive at another dealership with the same make/model to compare. The vehicle test driven had similar acceleration; however, the rmps did not drop until around 50 mph and it was followed by that typical jeep sound, but it lacked the heavy rattle/knocking/ugliness. Right now, the dealership is going to have a "specialist" look at it, but I can tell what the out come is going to be. The have been giving me undertones that this is normal and they can assure me that it will be ok.
Our Sport has a hard top that's never been off, so I don't have much to compare the Unlimited's soft top to. However, I really like the Unlimited's top and have both taken it down and put it up by myself. I don't think there is all that much difference between the two that way (both involve lots of not-so-nice words). Probably the hardest thing is the zippers on the windows, unless it is cold because then the vinyl is stiff and its much harder to get the drip rails out of their keepers.
The one thing that the Unlimited's soft top does give you is the Sunrider mode - you can just open the top over the cab for a big sunroof. It only takes a couple of minutes to do and gives you some of the topless feel without going all the way. I've opened ours while waiting for my other half to get coffee at Starbucks before. There is a strap that comes with the strap package (make SURE you have it before leaving the dealership) that has a hook on it and will keep the roof folded back. There are 2 "accessories" not provided that you should have in your Unlimited if you impulsively open it up: sunscreen and a hat.
Mine doesn't flap under more normal conditions. However, the windows will softly tap against the support bar when it's windy (as opposed to breezy when it doesn't), or when one of the windows is cracked a bit. Its louder when there's snow on the roof blowing off. I think that the short wheel base soft tops would be similar, but I don't have any direct experience. I will say that my Unlimited's top is MUCH quieter than the soft tops they put on the Sports back in '98.
I'm looking at a 03' Rubicon, one question I have is that it does'nt have ABS is that a big deal when it comes to off roading? will it make a Rubicon Express LA lift any more or less expensive? Thanks
You don't want ABS for off-roading because it takes away control from the driver. Also, I dont' believe ABS is available on any Wranger's with the D44 axle. So I'm sure when RE designed their long arm, they didn't even consider ABS.
Yeah, I really like the functionality of the unlimited, but the Sport seems a little more fun to drive. Given that I'm gonna be pretty much doing inner-city driving, it sounds like the Unlimited may be the best bet. Also, the fact that you're towing with the Unlimited I understand you get more capacity (3,500 vs 2,000).
Another question... I'm curious how much different the soft top is to manage on the Unlimited. Initially, I heard that the Unlimited is much more complicated to manage... is that true?
Thanks in advance for making me feel better about buying my 1st Jeep... I'm really thinking I'm gonna be hooked!
P.S. regarding my wreched trade-in. It looks like I may be in luck. Fortunately, I went to CarMax the day before the accident, and got my car appraised. The insurance Co. told me to take it back to CarMax after I get it fixed for another appraisal. If I indeed sale it after I get it fixed, the insurance Co will cut me a check for the difference on the two apprasials... they referred to it as "3rd Party Dimunition of Value". I'm hoping that works out.
Hi Y'all! I've got a quick question I was hoping to get some help with...I've got a 01 Sahara and I recently noticed the thread (seam) above the zipper on my side window is almost completely unraveled At this point the window is only being held up by the zelcro!! I'm so bummed! What's my best option to get this fixed?? Should I look into getting a new soft top or can it be rethreaded?? Does anyone know how much that would cost...and last but not least how to I keep this from happening again???? Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!! diana
It should be easy to re-sew the seam with an industrial quality sewing machine. Any upholstery shop (marine, RV, auto, furniture) should be able to do it for a few bucks.
I've heard people say they leave their doors unlocked when the soft top is on. That they would rather have a thief open the door to steal things than slice the top.
just curious; how many of you leave your doors unlocked?
I don't think the Unlimited's soft top is difficult to manage. I found the hardest part was the zippers on the windows, and I think that would be the same regardless of top. I'm not very big and I can both put it up and take it down by myself, though I did find I couldn't lift the top from the side very well (not big enough to have any leverage). Instead I stood behind it and just pushed it up to get it started up.
I usually lock the doors from force of habit whenever I'm in a parking lot of some type, never at night at home. I would hope that a thief would notice that the top has zippers and just unzip it to get in, but then thiefs don't usually think like that, do they? I never leave anything of value in mine no matter if I lock it or not.
I have a nice 1990 wrangler, but it is being eaten by rust cause i live in the northeast, I can fix most of it, but my biggest concern is the "crossmember" across the center under the transmission, its almost falling off, and i cant find what its actual name is or for that matter how much it is any where on the net.
'Transmission crossmember' is the correct description, though it's often called the transmission skidplate. The nice thing about it is that it's a totally bolt-on part. It's not the hardest thing in the world to fabricate, in fact you can buy or make one out of flat plate and raise the transmission to get more ground clearance.
I'd check eBay or your local junk yards before trying the dealer.
I own a 2000 sahara jeep. Why is it a "sahara" and not a "wrangler" ? What makes it so special to be a sahara ? What do I have that a wrangler does not? Or what does a wrangler have that I do not ?
Hello.....Do a search in your local area via the internet, faxes, have the dealer check other dealers for a swap its done all the time. Also check on ebay its how i purchased my 05 rubi for $5K below sticker and the dealer also had 7 others wranglers they would do the same deal on if i did not like the color or options. The one you want is out on a dealers lot somewhere it just might not be as convienient as it once was but keep looking the incentives are great right now.......
if your a home depot weekend warrior go with the unlimited. I too carry stuff from HD and took out the back seat of my unlimited and it was like a mini pickup back there, lol. Even with the seat left in i had plenty of room to carry my wife/child and all our tent/camping/fishing gear, cooler etc. and an extra inch of leg room for back seat passengers. A good friend of mine has a wrangler sport and has to take out the back seat to carry just about anything. Also, the unlimited has extra insulation in the engine compartment which is nice added feature and the ride is way smoother IMO and better handling at highway speeds. The unlimited soft top comes standard with the sunrider feature which i use most of the time.....
it is just a trim level, like SE (basic), Sport, and Rubicon.
There is now a Sahara package, but it based on the movie Sahara and is not really a trim level per se, just an option package.
2000 Sahara's had painted flares, trim along the bottom of the rockers, different interior seat styling/fabrics, and a few other things that make it stand out a bit.
As Paul said, the Sahara was the more expensive trim package at that time. In '98 when I bought the Sport, the Sahara had the sound bar standard, where it was an option on the Sport (that was later changed). Each year they changed the configuration a bit as which model got what. I didn't like the supposedly upgraded fabric of the Sahara, which is why I bought a Sport with lots of options. Back in '98 the Wrangler had 3 models - the basic SE that had the 4 cylinder engine, the Sport with the I6 engine, and the Sahara with the painted fenders and other upgrades. They added the X model (I6 engine but more basic) later (2002? don't remember) and have now done away with the Sahara name for the upgraded model.
I leave mine unlocked - regardless of whether in a parkade, lot, or wherever. I make sure to leave everything opened and empty so they can see there is nothing of value. Locking seems pointless given they can smash the window / cut the windows / unzip the windows / punch out the locks, etc. Really, if they want in, they'll get there :mad: ... I'd rather they do as little damage in the process as possible.
My 95 Wrangler Rio Grande has developed somewhat of an electrical gremlin lately. Hopefully somebody here can help me diagnose as I am electrically stupid.
Here's the problem. Sometimes when I turn on the lights, my driver side marker light (the one in the wheel flare) will not light up. The left turn signal on the dash lights up and stays lit to alert me that there is some problem. When I turn on the left turn signal (with the lights on) nothing happens. My right turn signal works fine. If I turn the headlights off, then the turn signal will work, sometimes. I have replaced the bulb with no success.
The most frustrating part is that this happens sometimes, not all the time.
Anybody out there have a clue as to what could be the problem.
in that flare. Also you may want to clean out the bulb contact areas and put them back in there with dielectric grease to help keep dirt and moisture out of there.
I've seen cases where one bad bulb on a Jeep can cause wierd stuff like that.
New bulbs are a cheap and easy fix. Hopefully that is all that it is.
Hi, Good forum. I have read almost all posts during last couple ofmonths. I am almost all set to buy my wrangler X in a few days. I have few questions: 1. Full metal doors or half doors? I was thinking half doors might give a good feeling. The dealerships in my area ( south florida ) do not have half doors. Which one is better? Living in florida my driving will mostly be on city roads/highway. 2. 3.73 axle ratio or 3.07 ? 3. I am just going for the basic X package with AC. Anything special or important I need to take care of? TIA. South Florida Guy.
I have always said that even if I had a soft top, which I don't, I would still want full metal doors to avoid fooling with the zippered windows. I think I still feel that way, espcecially after riding with my bud at work who has the half doors. It just seems like too much of a pain to zip and unzip the window all the time.
I think you should get the 3.73 gears. Sounds like you will not be off roading, but you still might want some bigger tires for looks. Even if you just go with 31" tires (the biggest you can use without a lift), I think you will be much happier with the 3.73 gearing.
Thanks Tom, I knew you would respond and I am glad you did. As you guessed, I will not be off roading much but I still want to get a wrangler as florida has sun all year and Jeep in my opinion is a better choice then some expensive convertible. I will get the full metal doors with 3.73 gears. I am not worried about paying 300-400 bucks extra to a dealership but instead whether I will be happy with a Jeep or not. Looking at all you guys, I don't see any reason why I will not be. My friends are saying I am crazy to buy such primitive product for city and highway driving but I guess I still wanna do it. I am trying to convince myself.
go with the 3.73 rear end, if you ever go with larger tires you would not be happy with the 3.07. I've 33 inch tires and 3.73 is OK, but not the optimum gearing for 33 or larger.
jeff
tops down for now, but rain is predicted for tomorrow
Comments
Funny, I had it appraised today by the dealer. Now worried about what's going to happen when I take it in after it's fixed.
Anyway, I'm looking at two different models: Unlimited w/H package, and a Sport. I really like to look of the painted fender wells on the Unlimited, as I'm a little worried about the life of a plastic fender well over time (way get that funky faded look). Any comments/suggestions... Am I overthinking this?
Also, the Sport I'm looking at does not have the 4 wheel disks brakes, nor the securty group. Does anyway consider these as "must haves" with a Jeep?
Overall I like the Unlimited because of the extra space in the back (can haul more stuff from Home Depot... I'm a weekend warrior!). I was a little concerned though about the responsiveness of the Unlimited vs Sport. The Sport seemed little more fun to drive. Anyone else have these things to consider?
I can speak for the Sport as I have ordered one and it should be here this week. The Sport does have the Security Group and I am pretty sure you can get the disk brakes added also, they are not standard though. As far as the painted fender you can order those aftermarket.
If you are looking to use this for hauling stuff then you might want to go with the Unlimited as the Sport doesn't have much room to haul big items.
Hope this helps some
Laura
The fenders on my '98 Sport have faded but otherwise they are in excellent shape. I would be more concerned with scratches on the painted fender wells, but if you aren't going to be bashing it off-road much, it wouldn't matter. There are things that you can do to get the fenders black again, I just haven't bothered. I put that into the "personal choice" category.
The security group is nice but there are aftermarket possibilities that work well also. While I'd rather have it (our '04 Unlimited has the sentry key option but the Sport does not), that wouldn't stop me from ruling out a particular vehicle.
The Unlimited is a MUCH better daily driver - it isn't so skittish and therefore more relaxing to drive. The extra room comes in handy all the time - I still have the back seat in and still have enough room in back for 2 large gym bags and 2 lunch coolers. The Sport's back seat makes a good saddle rack under my stairs.
What's really interesting is that both vehicles came with a couple of options that I wouldn't necessarily have chosen, but now think are "must haves." Back in '98 fog lights weren't standard on the Sport but mine came with them. I now won't buy a car without them. I wanted the auto-dimming mirror, because I thought the temp would be sort of fun to have. I've gotten really used to having it and using it to judge whether it could be icy or not. On the other hand, I don't care for cruise control, while my husband loves it.
I'm very happy with the Unlimited, and would most likely replace the Sport with an Unlimited Rubicon (if I could afford it) to extend the off-roading we do, then keep the Unlimited we have now for our daily driver. However, we're not in any rush to get rid of the Sport.
The two vehicles have different strong points and both are excellent. It becomes a matter of personal choice as to which would be best for your situation.
Thanks!
Chuck
My car broke down yesterday, and I always wanted a jeep. I found a 98 wrangler 4 cylinder with 90,000 miles on it.
I pop the hood- looks pretty nice except, there is rust. Rust on the metal pipes, rust on the head of the bolts holding things together, rust on the pipes going to the brake fluid reserve...
I like this jeep, it has been well maintained- I have seen the maintenace records, it used to be on the west coast, I'm in Seattle.
My QUESTION:
Is this normal? Should I be wary of this rust, or do all jeeps have this going on and it's not a problem?
Thanks in advance for your time!
Jeremy
Please email jmicfunk@hotmail.com
And hasn't anyone in here tried smearing peanut butter on their fenders to shine them up? Other folks with plastic cladding have used it with success. Usual disclaimers (don't blame me if a bear eats your fenders :shades: ).
Steve, Host
Rust on the brake lines is only ever a problem if you want to make serious use of the brakes.
If the price is right, buy it, but make the overhaul of the braking system your highest priority.
I've heard the Unlimited top is much more difficult to take on/off. Also, wouldn't the soft on the Unlimited be more prone to "flapping" since the top is so much larger?
I had a toyota. No rust anywhere.
I like this jeep a lot. Man they are fun to drive!
jeff
ps,,, Sport vs Unlimited
I have an ulimited and love it, my girlfriend has a Sport and loves it.
you will love whichever jeep you decide to buy!!
weekend warrior ?? I sold a pickup about the time I bought my jeep,,, I've since bought a small trailer. even with the added room in the unlimited, its not that big,,, or as easy to get stuff in as just throwing it on the trailer or in the back of a pickup.
Also, yesterday I took a test drive at another dealership with the same make/model to compare. The vehicle test driven had similar acceleration; however, the rmps did not drop until around 50 mph and it was followed by that typical jeep sound, but it lacked the heavy rattle/knocking/ugliness. Right now, the dealership is going to have a "specialist" look at it, but I can tell what the out come is going to be. The have been giving me undertones that this is normal and they can assure me that it will be ok.
Any suggestions out there? - John
The one thing that the Unlimited's soft top does give you is the Sunrider mode - you can just open the top over the cab for a big sunroof. It only takes a couple of minutes to do and gives you some of the topless feel without going all the way. I've opened ours while waiting for my other half to get coffee at Starbucks before. There is a strap that comes with the strap package (make SURE you have it before leaving the dealership) that has a hook on it and will keep the roof folded back. There are 2 "accessories" not provided that you should have in your Unlimited if you impulsively open it up: sunscreen and a hat.
Mine doesn't flap under more normal conditions. However, the windows will softly tap against the support bar when it's windy (as opposed to breezy when it doesn't), or when one of the windows is cracked a bit. Its louder when there's snow on the roof blowing off. I think that the short wheel base soft tops would be similar, but I don't have any direct experience. I will say that my Unlimited's top is MUCH quieter than the soft tops they put on the Sports back in '98.
tidester, host
ABS is currently available as an option on the Sport with the D44.
Another question... I'm curious how much different the soft top is to manage on the Unlimited. Initially, I heard that the Unlimited is much more complicated to manage... is that true?
Thanks in advance for making me feel better about buying my 1st Jeep... I'm really thinking I'm gonna be hooked!
P.S. regarding my wreched trade-in. It looks like I may be in luck. Fortunately, I went to CarMax the day before the accident, and got my car appraised. The insurance Co. told me to take it back to CarMax after I get it fixed for another appraisal. If I indeed sale it after I get it fixed, the insurance Co will cut me a check for the difference on the two apprasials... they referred to it as "3rd Party Dimunition of Value". I'm hoping that works out.
I've got a quick question I was hoping to get some help with...I've got a 01 Sahara and I recently noticed the thread (seam) above the zipper on my side window is almost completely unraveled At this point the window is only being held up by the zelcro!! I'm so bummed!
What's my best option to get this fixed?? Should I look into getting a new soft top or can it be rethreaded?? Does anyone know how much that would cost...and last but not least how to I keep this from happening again????
Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!
diana
just curious; how many of you leave your doors unlocked?
jeff
I usually lock the doors from force of habit whenever I'm in a parking lot of some type, never at night at home. I would hope that a thief would notice that the top has zippers and just unzip it to get in, but then thiefs don't usually think like that, do they? I never leave anything of value in mine no matter if I lock it or not.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
-Cronus :confuse:
I'd check eBay or your local junk yards before trying the dealer.
There is now a Sahara package, but it based on the movie Sahara and is not really a trim level per se, just an option package.
2000 Sahara's had painted flares, trim along the bottom of the rockers, different interior seat styling/fabrics, and a few other things that make it stand out a bit.
-Paul
My 95 Wrangler Rio Grande has developed somewhat of an electrical gremlin lately. Hopefully somebody here can help me diagnose as I am electrically stupid.
Here's the problem. Sometimes when I turn on the lights, my driver side marker light (the one in the wheel flare) will not light up. The left turn signal on the dash lights up and stays lit to alert me that there is some problem. When I turn on the left turn signal (with the lights on) nothing happens. My right turn signal works fine. If I turn the headlights off, then the turn signal will work, sometimes. I have replaced the bulb with no success.
The most frustrating part is that this happens sometimes, not all the time.
Anybody out there have a clue as to what could be the problem.
Thank you in advance for any help you may give.
David
I've seen cases where one bad bulb on a Jeep can cause wierd stuff like that.
New bulbs are a cheap and easy fix. Hopefully that is all that it is.
-Paul
Thanks,
1. Full metal doors or half doors? I was thinking half doors might give a good feeling. The dealerships in my area ( south florida ) do not have half doors. Which one is better? Living in florida my driving will mostly be on city roads/highway.
2. 3.73 axle ratio or 3.07 ?
3. I am just going for the basic X package with AC. Anything special or important I need to take care of?
TIA.
South Florida Guy.
I think you should get the 3.73 gears. Sounds like you will not be off roading, but you still might want some bigger tires for looks. Even if you just go with 31" tires (the biggest you can use without a lift), I think you will be much happier with the 3.73 gearing.
Good luck.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
jeff
tops down for now, but rain is predicted for tomorrow