1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0
Summary:
I'm sold!
Faults:
Rear differential started making noise. -> Upon opening found out that spider gear pressure plate had split in two! Propably due to material defect? Easy and cheap to repair.
General Comments:
Not the most comfortable car around, but one of the most fun to drive. Although the spring suspension makes a world of difference, when compared to previous model's (YJ) leaf suspension.
For winter a hard-top is a must, as well as a soft-top for the summer. Without both, you will either suffer the winter, or loose out on all the fun on summer.
Does reasonable well off the road, even as standard. But awesome with modifications that are widely available.
Cabin has plenty of room for two+luggage, but only with back seat taken out. Wouldn't recommend it as a family car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th September, 2005
13th May 2006, 03:29
Now a year later commenting my own review:
Had to sell it, as I moved out of Finland, but I still miss my little Jeep. No problems with the car except the one mentioned. Finally had 135000km on it, when I sold it.
Someone here complained about the brakes being too aggressive in wet weather, and this I agree. Very bad design! But you learn to live with it, but applying break twice just after "take off". It only does the hard breaking once or twice, after that its back to normal. Funny how Chrysler engineers couldn't get this right. I've had tens of cars, even russian design, and none of them had problems with breaks!
But other than that, it was absolutely reliable car.
I'd buy another one, but I now need a car better suited on the highway. The Wrangler is not the choice for daily long highway drives.