New topic. Thoughts on the 3.8L with 6spd manual tranny.
I know this engine is referred to by some as the mini van motor as it was used in their mini vans. And is somewhat under powered but a solid engine.

How is this model with the six speed manual tranny.

Looking for thoughts on this Jeep.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old rugged cross,

IMO it will absolutely be under powered on any highway with hills. The little 120 hp 4 cylinder isn't a horrible engine but simply inadequate for a 3,200# Wrangler of that era.

In 1997 I test drove a new Wrangler with the 4 cylinder and 5-speed and it was sluggish getting up to speed. I took it on the Interstate and recall running it wide open about 75-80 mph across a bridge and soon had to down shift to 4th up the hill. It wasn't long until it had slowed down to 60 mph and I had to down shift to 3rd, still wide open. I was alone and it would have been even worse with a passenger or two in it.

I understand ridewv. I had a late 70's toyota pick up with the 20R motor and a 5spd. Great little bugger but not much power

This would be a rig to drive on the beach and a grocery store and post office runner

As long as you just drive it around town, 50mph and under roads, the beach, it'll be fine. Other than being noisy as well as riding and handling like crap. LOL but that's their charm.

Is that the Briggs & Stratton engine version?

Older Jeep? I’d approach & buy with extreme caution.

There’s not a single Wrangler I’d ever waste my time with.

quote:

This would be a rig to drive on the beach and a grocery store and post office runner

Provided the frame isn't rusted out, it should be OK for that. Beaches are flat.

The four/automatic pairing is unusual. I don't think I've ever seen one. The fours always had sticks.

My buddy had one of those with a stick. He ended up selling it because it was underpowered. I'd imagine that the automatic would be worse.

This reminded me of the base engine in the Camaro and Firebird (82-84): the 2.5 four known as the "Iron Duke", at the time making maybe 80-85 hp. Zero to 60 was "eventually." This engine found its way into numerous GM vehicles all the way to the early 90s.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
This reminded me of the base engine in the Camaro and Firebird (82-84): the 2.5 four known as the "Iron Duke", at the time making maybe 80-85 hp. Zero to 60 was "eventually." This engine found its way into numerous GM vehicles all the way to the early 90s.

Yeah, I drove a couple of those but never owned one. Anemic was the word!

I did have a 91 Mustang convertible with the 2.3L and an automatic. That car couldn't get out of its own way.

Like was said above, once you get on a highway or above 50mph, you will get frustrated. My 04’ with 6cyl and 5 speed is underpowered at highway speeds. Mine is the X model, I think it is more the gearing than the engines. It is a fun run around vehicle, but not a road trip machine. Off-road, it will do everything I could ask of it, but getting there is slow and steady.

Take it for a test drive and drive it as fast as you can, you will know quickly if you can overlook the top end or not. But remember it is not a highway cruiser.

Can’t speak for 4cyl reliability. See how long it was offered in the model years, and look at Jeep forums for a reliability average. I believe you will see they are reliable, but underpowered.

Happy New Year!

I had a 2004 SE with a 5-speed. You could go 55 mph, or have AC, but not both

As a grocery getter convertible, it was fun.

I wouldn’t plan on putting big ass tires on it.

I own a 99 SE with a 4cyl and a 5 speed. It's got 146k on it now (I've had it since mid 2011). I mainly use it for banging around the woods and plowing my driveway in the winter.

Yup, it's under powered, gets like 9 mpg on the highway and takes a month to get to 65, but it's very reliable and always starts. Outside the normal maintenance stuff, I've never done anything else to it.

It's by far the longest I've owned a vehicle. My wife always wants me to sell it and buy a different one, but I just can't seem to let it go.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the thoughts. It does not have AC. It looks to be in really good condition. Owner has had for 20 Years. Says it is the best rig they have ever owned. So there is that

Check the floorboards for rusting and fred flintstone holes.

Being under powered is most likely what makes it reliable.
That has been my experience.
It’s when horses get added that stuff starts to break, usually.
YMMV

quote:

Originally posted by hudr:
Being under powered is most likely what makes it reliable.
That has been my experience.
It’s when horses get added that stuff starts to break, usually.
YMMV

I'm sure there's truth to this on a couple of levels. First, the thing doesn't produce enough torque to break itself. Second, the owners know it's gutless so they're not inclined to actually do anything with it that's extreme enough to tax the components.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

This would be a rig to drive on the beach and a grocery store and post office runner

Provided the frame isn't rusted out, it should be OK for that. Beaches are flat.

The four/automatic pairing is unusual. I don't think I've ever seen one. The fours always had sticks.

Second the comments on getting under it and inspecting it for rust! Better still, have a trusted mechanic put it up on a lift and really look it over. If the guy selling it is a straight shooter, and the mechanic's report comes in A-OK, it is most likely a good deal. I can't imagine that he wants all that much for it.

I have a 2000 Wrangler Sport with a six cylinder and AT. That combination seems to be bulletproof. I love it. Never have driven a four.

I did have to have the frame welded up due to driving on salty winter roads. About what you would expect from a 25 year old car.