27th Feb 2003, 19:30

I bought my six cylinder Wrangler new in 1987. Everyone advised me I was making a mistake. 115,000 miles later, I just replaced the original clutch. I did the water pump at 80,000 miles when it started to leak. I replaced the timing chain at 100,000 as I do on all my cars. My Wrangler runs smoother today than the day it was new. The cheapest car to maintain that I have ever owned.

Rick.

29th May 2003, 16:57

I have a 1998 sport wrangler and have 77,000 miles on it now. I have only had to replace the 'regular maintenance parts' For example: redo brakes at 65,000 miles, serpentine belt at 75,000 miles, radiator flush at 75,000 miles.

I have changed oil every 3,000 miles and have been very happy with it. The only problem I encountered was the exhaust manifold cracked. I welded it closed, but it was stubborn and cracked way behind where I could not weld. Turns out the replacement factory 'upgraded' version that has a thicker metal wall, costs over $500. Installation would put it up over $1,200. I did some research and found I could get a stainless steel replacement exhaust manifold from 'Gibson' that passed emissions and allowed me to use the factory oxygen sensor. This only cost $475 and was Stainless! I also bought the Gibson muffler and had it all installed for $1,068! I was SOOOO impressed with the performance and sound! This sounded like I had a baby V-8. I get comments all the time. This does NOT sound anything like those dorks who have muffler caps on their Hondas! I feel for the upgrade and the fix all in one price was money well spent. check out central 4 wheel drive. These guys know jeeps inside and out.

I guess I have been luckier than some of the other guys I have read about. I wish you luck and hope this info I have left will help others.

27th Nov 2003, 18:53

98 Ranger, yea I do the normal oil changes and stuff, its been offroad, but nothing serious.

Same basic problems as others listed above. Problems with the dash electronics, I can't seem to keep the gages working, the exhaust manifold breaks as a "norm" - $1000 per pop to have someone else fix it - $400 for me with a lot of time spent to do it. Alignments are pointless, won't stay.

Love jeeps, love the redesigned interior, hate the problems with this one.

9th Jan 2004, 13:27

I have a 97 Wrangler with an exhaust leak. I removed the header pipe to fix myself ($500 for a new one). I could not weld the entire crack because it was between the tubes covered by the collector. This looked like a new header was the only answer (also recommended by the dealer). Then it my brain started working, why not weld from the collector all the way up to where the tubes come together and back down the other side, the exhaust will not be able to escape. At first I thought there might be a heat expansion problem, but no. I did just that; it fixed the problem 50,000 since then no leak.

1st Jul 2008, 18:42

I bought my '98 Wrangler SE used about 5 years ago. At the time it had 68,000 highway miles on it. I've done some light offroading, not always driven it the best (I was 15.5 when I got it, what can I say?), run into more things then I'd like to admit (and then someone backed into me a week ago and never said anything, hit and runs make me happy when they smash up my front end), haven't been able to afford the oil changes I'd like to have (college student budget...), and the thing still has never given out on me.

I don't know what you're doing, but I've done everything wrong and it keeps going and going.

31st Jul 2008, 07:03

I bought my 98 Wrangler in 05 and have been very pleased. I wheel it hard and baby it when it needs it. The rear axle (Dana 35) is junk to start with and will eventually crap out. I just replaced mine with a Ford 8.8 that has a limited slip and disc brakes. The original Jeep drum brakes always gave me issues so I look forward to the rear discs. I also changed out the steering gear box with a new one because it was leaking. This Wrangler has the 2.5l motor and has the infamous exhaust header manifold leak. Other than routine maintenance, these are the only issues I've had with it. I'm at 130,000+ miles and plan on keeping it forever.

9th Dec 2008, 18:33

1998 Jeep Wrangler - Nothing but junk.

I have a old 1985 Toyota 4x4 with 155,000 miles on it. It is more dependable than that junk Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep only has 45,000 miles on it and the radiator, water pump, key ignition, brakes, motor, tranny, have to be replaced real soon.

I see why the Japanese can stay in business, and the American car dealers are going broke, yea.. Buy a Toyota, don't buy a Jeep and lose your mind and all your hard earned money.

12th Jan 2009, 03:11

Wow! I can't believe some of the issues people have had with their Jeeps! I LOVE MY JEEP! 254,000 miles and still going. I've done the regular maintenance stuff, and replaced things due to wear and tear (brakes, water pump, serpentine belt), but my 1997 Wrangler keeps on going. The only issues I have had have been factory recalls like the O2 sensors, and exhaust manifold. I plan to keep this one indefinitely, and get a new Jeep at 300K miles.

19th Jan 2009, 10:24

I have a 98 Jeep Wrangler, the brakes have all been changed, but I have a leak in the back brakes. Can you give me some advice?

4th Mar 2009, 20:51

Went through the worst snow ever in Spokane Wa. 3 feet in 1 day. Best thing I ever had!!!

20th Jan 2010, 15:57

My 98 Jeep Wrangler is in the shop again, this will make three times I have paid to get the instrument panel to work. Seems the government would get involved due to no mileage is getting recorded. They still have it going on two weeks, and my attorney seems to think there is nothing we can do. This is not right or American. I will never buy another Chrysler product unless someone can make this right.

22nd Jan 2010, 07:31

15:57 - You would think that Chrysler would have addressed this problem, but we are talking about Chrysler. Add to that the fact that your Jeep is 12 years old. Even though this has probably been an ongoing issue, I will be surprised if the manufacturer does anything to rectify it.

Don't get me wrong, I think Wranglers are great vehicles - I just think that Chrysler is a less than great company.

Just my opinion.