This Jeep won't be a daily driver as my DD is my Harley. I will use this Jeep to get myself to camping, hiking and shooting spots out in the desert. It needs to be able to pull a small open trailer for dirt bikes/ATVs.

The most I could see myself modifying is lights, cargo management, towing capability and maybe a small lift and 30" tires. For the places I go now I don't need a lot of ground clearance.

I have looked at XJs but they are asking for $3500-4500 with 180-250k miles.

WJs are around $4600-7000 with 80-120k miles.

Am I crazy for going after a WJ or should I keep looking for XJ or ZJ?

 

The later models are the ones to get. The early model years had engine issues. WJs are plush and comfortable, a lot quieter than an XJ.

 

The only thing i can say bad about a wj is the gas tank hangs down low but they make tank armor for it.The good is they are cheaper then a xj and most are used as people movers so a lot less trail damage or drove hard.And both a zj and wj will ride a lot smoother then a xj with the rear having links and coil springs.I look at the Grand Cherokees more as a luxury version of a xj to me.

 

I can not tell you from any personal experience, but I have heard that the WJ with a 4.0L motor is way underpowered. So if you're towing then the V8 version is what you'll want... just expect to pay a lot more at the gas pump.

 

Yes, even a ZJ with a 4.0 is lacking in power. The extra weight and the 42re transmission really zap the output of the 4. Slow.

 

I had an 04 WJ, loved it. By far the best jeep i've personally owned. Everything about it was great. The 4.0 had plenty of power for me & I hauled a dual axle U-Haul trailer from West Virginia to Buffalo NY without any issues. 2 things that were iffy was, when climbing steep inclines @ 70 mph, with cruise on, she downshifted hard out of OD, and the steering was a bit sloppy (as is was the same with both XJ's & ZJ that I owned)

My next auto I buy will def. be an 04 WJ if I can find one with decent mileage.

 

Anything I should check out on the 2004 WJ when I go and look at it? It's a 4.0 with towing package and just a hair over 100k miles.


If I do get it, what services should I get done on it?

 

All of the services.

 

This would be my first Jeep and my first 4x4 (AWD on the wife's Equinox doesn't really count).

Oil, Tranny, Radiator, Transfer case anything else?

 

Front and rear diffs, maybe the power steering, do have the brake fluid flushed. Most of this stuff can be done at home.

 

My buddy has a newer (06) gc with the 4.7, totally stock.
My 91 Xj with a 4.0ho/5speed when it still was on 31"s with stock gears is faster, and better on fuel and it offroads far better.....


But the gc is nicer for highway driving.


Ill stick to my $300 jeep vs his $13,000 jeep.

 

Check to see if the axle tube seals are leaking. It's a problem with these Jeeps for some ungodly reason. Make sure to take it for a test drive. Do some tight circles to check the tcase and listen for any clunks. Check the cv shafts and driveshafts, basically go over everything. If it has a 10 cd changer, see if it works, check the in dash as well. I'm not sure what options it has, but make sure it all works. Anything that doesn't use as a bargaining chip.

Personally, I love my '04. I bought it to flip, but I liked it so much it's my DD now. Good luck.