Well, the lease for the Ion is slowly coming to an end. I was thinking about getting a used Jeep.. But I know nothing about them. Since a few people on here know lots about them, I figured I ask some general questions. What are some problems to look for when shopping around? I'll be looking at 2002-2004 models probably. What's the difference between YJ and TJ? Are they just trim levels? What's the mpg like on a jeep? I know it's probably not that great.. Just looking for some basic info.




Red 2005 Saturn Ion-3 Coupe

All those 2 letter codes is what jeep has always used to identify body styles. Wranglers where known a CJ's way before they where called Wranglers. I know CJ is a wrangler, I think TJ is a Cherokee. Pretty much all new Cherokees have V8's so if you wan't gas milage, you might wan't to stay away from them. I know the older 4 liter streight sixes they used to put in jeeps, have recieved a lot of praise and are suppoed to be really reliable, plus theres an aftermarket for them. There are a lot of jeep owners that are just fanatic about the things, you can probably find a site like this thats just for jeeps, and they should be able to tell you anything you need to know and more.

lone_wolf wrote:Well, the lease for the Ion is slowly coming to an end. I was thinking about getting a used Jeep.. But I know nothing about them. Since a few people on here know lots about them, I figured I ask some general questions. What are some problems to look for when shopping around? I'll be looking at 2002-2004 models probably. What's the difference between YJ and TJ? Are they just trim levels? What's the mpg like on a jeep? I know it's probably not that great.. Just looking for some basic info.

The two letters like Weebel said are to distinguish body styles of the Jeeps. Here is a quick little breakdown.

CJ - The classic short wheels base, made from a long time ago until 1986.
YJ - Short wheel base Wranglers made from 1987-1995. Best way to tell is to look for square headlights
TJ - Short wheel base Wrangler made from 1997-2006. Round headlights.
LJ - Wrangler but have a longer wheel base from 2003-2006 I believe.
JK - 2006-present Wranglers.
XJ - Cherokees made from 1984-2001
MJ - Commanches made from 1986-1992 (similiar to Cherokees but in truck form)
ZJ - 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee
WJ - 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee
WK - 2005 - present Grand Cherokee
XK - 2005 - present Commander
KJ - Jeep Liberty
MK - Jeep Patriot

I personally own a 2004 Wrangler (TJ). There are different trim levels depending on which kind of Jeep you are looking into. Some can range from appearance packages all the way to different gear ratios, axle options, lockers, transfer case, etc.

Gas mileage sucks on the Jeep. Bone stock they aren't too bad. I have a 19 gallon tank and when I was stock would be able to atleast get over 300 miles per tank.

If you have ideas on off-roading, I would really suggest jumping on a used 2003-2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The prices on them used have dropped into a very affordable range even with low mileage. They come with a 4:1 range transfer case, 4.10 gears, front and rear air lockers and front and rear Dana 44 axles. They also come factory with some nice Goodyear MT/R's.

Have a good one,
Justin

i love jeeps, i really miss my TJ.




Member of J-body of Michigan.

Justin Cox wrote:
The two letters like Weebel said are to distinguish body styles of the Jeeps. Here is a quick little breakdown.
CJ - The classic short wheels base, made from a long time ago until 1986.
YJ - Short wheel base Wranglers made from 1987-1995. Best way to tell is to look for square headlights
TJ - Short wheel base Wrangler made from 1997-2006. Round headlights.
LJ - Wrangler but have a longer wheel base from 2003-2006 I believe.
JK - 2006-present Wranglers.
XJ - Cherokees made from 1984-2001
MJ - Commanches made from 1986-1992 (similiar to Cherokees but in truck form)
ZJ - 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee
WJ - 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee
WK - 2005 - present Grand Cherokee
XK - 2005 - present Commander
KJ - Jeep Liberty
MK - Jeep Patriot

what. no compass

Justin Cox wrote:
If you have ideas on off-roading, I would really suggest jumping on a used 2003-2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The prices on them used have dropped into a very affordable range even with low mileage. They come with a 4:1 range transfer case, 4.10 gears, front and rear air lockers and front and rear Dana 44 axles. They also come factory with some nice Goodyear MT/R's.

that's definitely a good choice.








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