I knew a girl back then that had this exact jeep with a hard top. It was slower than molasses and had no power at all. I wouldn't buy it because it would be incredibly hard to resell.

^^^^^^^^^^^
When ORC test drives it, he will be able to determine if it has adequate power to meet his requirements for trips to the beach, grocery shopping, etc.

Early 2000s could have different 4-cyl drivetrain.

IIRC, up to 2002, it would be GM 2.5L "Iron Duke", 3-speed auto, 4.11 gears, D30 front, D35 rear.

2003 and up, it would be Jeep 2.4L DOHC, 4-speed auto, 4.11 gears, D30 front, D35 rear.

quote:

IIRC, up to 2002, it would be GM 2.5L "Iron Duke" ...

AMC four, the 4.0 minus two cylinders. Unfortunately, it doesn't share its parent's reputation for torque and durability. I assumed this to be the engine in the OP.

quote:

2003 and up, it would be Jeep 2.4L DOHC ...

Usually found in cars like the Dodge Stratus, even the base model of the Caravan, I've seen a few of these in the Wrangler. One even had a "chipped" engine computer, probably to get more power out of it. It lacks the low-end torque desirable for a low-speed beach crawler.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,

I had either a 98 or 00 with the 4 banger and stick. I tossed oversized tires on it along with a small lift. The thing was absolutely underpowered on the highway, but I so long as your ok with running at higher RPM's it will hold it's own on the highway.

Btt with new topic on different Wrangler model. Thanks guys.

OK, the 3.8 and 6-speed stick is a lot better than the four/auto in the OP. It is still not a powerhouse, but is much better than any four, and lacks the Pentastar's issues. Same notation on the rust.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
OK, the 3.8 and 6-speed stick is a lot better than the four/auto in the OP. It is still not a powerhouse, but is much better than any four, and lacks the Pentastar's issues. Same notation on the rust.

Thank you egregore.

Get the 4cyl, drive it until it blows and pop in a 5.3 LS Truck engine from the junk yard, those things run forever....

I know nothing about the V6 and 6 speed manual so can't comment about that one.

Is this late 2000s one in the same kind of "well cared for" condition as the 4 cylinder you were considering previously?

John, similar I would say. It is this one. Thinking I might see if one of our Mesa members would be willing to take a look. Spent a few years in Ill. when first sold then Ca. and AZ.

https://www.autotrustaz.com/in...v-1j4aa2d1xal165256/

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
John, similar I would say. It is this one. Thinking I might see if one of our Mesa members would be willing to take a look. Spent a few years in Ill. when first sold then Ca. and AZ.

https://www.autotrustaz.com/in...v-1j4aa2d1xal165256/

You'll have to address the TPMS on that one, but FROM THE PHOTOS, I wouldn't worry about rust.

Better than the 2.5 4 cyl but jeepers around here try to avoid the 3.8 as it's kind of a dog motor that was used briefly. They look for Wranglers with either a Pentastar 3.6 or the older 4.0 I6.
Compared to the newer 3.6, the 3.8 has more problems, makes less power and torque as well as lower MPG. Google "Chrysler 3.8 V6 common problems".

Nevertheless I would far prefer a 3.8 over the little 2.5.