Opinions on this '97 wrangler?
- Thread starter larrivee7
- Start date
JohnnyO
New member
Ours is a '97 4 banger automatic, probably the cheapest Jeep because it is the least desireable combination. Used car lot was asking $4500, my mechanic found a couple issues so they dropped it to $4200, and they had already had the head rebuilt. Body was clean and original except for some rust on the front fenders, interior was like new. 142k when I bought it, 152k now, still runs fine with no mechanical issues. I did have ALL the fluids changed shortly after I bought it. My mechanic did the transmission and filter, Valvoline Quicky Lube did the axles (at $40 each it's not worth the hassle of doing it myself), and I did everthing else. I drained the T-case and it was half water inside so I did it again a few months later. It is mostly a commuter rig for my daughter and for us to get around in the winter, built for snow and not really for off-roading. I added an Airaid intake not long ago and it holds speed better on the highway now. '97-up have a bigger selection of aftermarket parts, not that it's bad for the earlier models. On-road the 4-banger isn't really any better on gas than the 6 and has less power, off-road the 4-banger will use much less gas.
JohnnyO
New member
Yeah, I would definitely prefer a soft top/half doors. But, it would be a daily driver for me, so the hardtop could be very nice for the winter. And I figure if I'm gonna have to buy a top myself, I'd rather buy a soft one. And good to know about the wheels, but they definitely wouldn't be sticking around too long thoughThanks.
I couldn't find a decent used hardtop locally and new aftermarket units are pricey so a few weeks ago I got Bestop's top-of-the-line sailcloth top. Much quieter than the original. They also make a snap-in headliner that I will get later for the winter, costs about $100. At least the heaters are powerful. :lol:
