I purchased a new 1997 Jeep Wrangler in 1996. I never thought she would be my last vehicle. But as the new vehicles kept coming out year after year, I kept holding on to my aging Jeep. The new vehicles coming out were horrible. They still are really horrible, ugly, flimsy, over engineered, junk. So, I just keep holding on to my aging Wrangler. I love the old Wrangler more every year. Now, I do not even look at what comes out as new models. We have grown old together and I love it. She is my love, my life, my dream come true. She now has 395,000 miles, and climbing, on the odometer. Every time we go out for a ride or go off road, it is just as fun and new as the first time we did it back in 1996. She is my partner through the decades. Every little scratch, nick, and fadded area has a story I know well. Nobody has ever been allowed to service, upgrade, and repair her. Only I have worked on her. It hurts that she could never reciprocate the deep love I have for her. Should we ever be involved in a crash that would damage her suverely, I would have my devastated girl taken to my house where I would lovingly begin the process of getting her running and driving again. Every year I sand, prime, and paint the undercarriage in black to avoid rust. It is a labour of love stretching back to 1996.
The TJ was, indeed, the last traditional Jeep. At least the German designed (JK)and Italian designed (JL) Jeeps still have solid live axles, for now. Didn't Italy and Germany have some sort of an alliance long ago? I think the legacy Jeep played a part in doing something to their alliance back in 1941.
Maybe this guy was born when I got my TJ in 2003? Nice to see some of the younger generation have an appreciation not abiding with their "cohort" and going for something that's REAL and not faux.
I road test cars at work all day after I work on them, and I really do feel the safety features that were put in to assist drivers only made them more complacent drivers. I've seen people at my dealership crash into other cars because they were only concerned about what they saw in their backup camera. Newest car I ever owned was an '06 Mustang GT, then took a step back to an efficient and more spartan car, a 2000 Honda Insight. I now drive an '01 Wrangler and while I'm still learning it, it's actually quite simple and I love that. I also love knowing my chances of being stranded are low, as I had gotten stuck places in my last two cars due to things like snow.
Hey man, absolutely agree. Recently drove a Chrysler minivan and found myself relying on the backup camera and totally forgetting to do things like actually looking to see if there wad cross traffic behind me
TJs are meant to be modified. I knew someone with a Toyota rear axle to replace the dead Dana 35. The more modifications you put on a TJ, the more it becomes a true Jeep. After all, a true Jeep is built, not bought.
Indrid Cold Well obviously we all modify our vehicles with different lift brands and bigger tires of sorts, but you are completely missing the point. Read the arguments the kid in the video is making and the argument of the comment, here, first before opening your mouth. It helps to listen, and understand. He’s saying that “Real jeeps were TJs and all wranglers before,” and the comment here was that he was using rubicon wheels (possibly axles). Point being, it’s like saying “Well it’s American, if it’s like this” but instead is made from and of other countries (this is just an example of most goods like iPhones). You get me? Or do you need more explanation for this argument?
You are right on the over complicated new cars. In some case some new stuff is nice. Yet the Jeep Wrangler TJ will not let you down ever. The Jeep Wrangler TJ in my opinion is uniquely and unarguably the BEST Automobile EVER MADE IN HISTORY.
I started out on a WWII Willys, then a couple CJ's, a YJ now a JK, skipped the TJ, not on purpose just didn't happen. They are all Jeeps, my JK Rubicon 2 door, standard is the most capable of all I have owned. Your not singing a new song, that's been said about almost every model change to date. I still have a CJ, YJ, and JK and just drove my YJ this morning. Keep it up, I like to see a young person passionate about Jeeps, because; Jeep, there's only ONE!
Not clapping the JK at all, as there are four 2012-2018 model unlimited Jeeps in my family, but I think the TJ is the last of the true Jeeps. I love having the top down all summer, in the rain, dust, mud, and whatever comes my way. This absolutely ruins a Jeep Jk’s electronics, especially the clock spring and radio. All that needs done to life-proof a Jeep TJ is vinyl seat covers, carpet delete, and a marine-grade waterproof radio. Plus, in my opinion a Jeep with an automatic transmission ruins 45% of the fun at minimum.
this video amused the crap out of me lol i found it while googling because im planning on getting rid of my JK unlimited and getting two older wranglers because of all these reasons!
I just bought a Jeep Wrangler TJ 2004 about 3 months ago I love it where other vehicles were getting stuck I didn't even other Jeeps we're getting stuck mine is stock pretty much I have 31 in tires on it that's it no differential lockers which I would like to add so I can get the most out of it I've climbed some pretty serious stuff in it
Just to clear something up, because many people are asking. This is not a Rubicon. The previous owner applied those stickers, and while I don't condone the use of fake stickers ever, I haven't had time to remove them yet.
James Turney uhh not basically the same thing, the rubicon package on the TJ came with D44 axles, upgraded transfer case, air lockers and lower axle gearing. All of which are a substantial upgrade over the X or Sport .
The main reason I wanted a TJ was because my friends JK Hardrock Rubicon felt too fancy with backup camera and heated seats. I found my 2001 Sahara with 54k miles and that was before the stupid prices, best $8k I ever spent
Jeep is getting further and further away from being Jeep with all these 4 door limos. Do you know what they call a million 4 door Jeep Wrangler limos at a salvage yard about to be crushed into a Campbell soup can? A good start!
This will now be my log on a hunt to buy the perfect TJ or YJ before November 2020 March 8, 2020: Just did a ton of research on YJs and TJs over the past few days and I have started the hunt on Craigslist I’m looking to buy a TJ but a YJ will do if the price is right. I found a pretty nice 2002 TJ for 6.5k but my dad said I should wait for a better one if I could find this one on my first day looking. I’d like to get my Jeep before the end of the summer 2020 so I can drive it for a couple months before I get my license. Plan on hunting more this week. Updates to come.
Bought a 2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport 4.0L hardtop w/ 5-speed standard transmission off the showroom floor in Oct. 2003. Still used as a daily driver + its received few mods to increase capability: M62 supercharger for AMC 4.0L six cylinder, Ford 8.8 rear axle, front & rear lockers, 3" lift w/ SYE kit, NP231 refit w/ 6 gear planetary, 25% wider chain & 2wd Low range, 12k lb winch, Wix 51773 oil filter (+1 qt more oil now). *_What a blast to own!_*
I inherited my 98 TJ from my late uncle via from my dad. My Jeep has grown on me since researching Jeep Wrangler TJs. It's only a 4 liter 2.5 engine so it's not fast. But it's fun to drive. I want to clean it up some more and get All terrain tires. But yes, it's a simple vehicle.
I'm still lovin' my 1993 YJ Sahara 4.0l automatic (Frankie). It's almost mint, with a 4.5" lift and military springs, 3.73 ratio. It's a gas wenching Fords and Chevys out of the ditch when it snows! My wife's 95 2.5l with a 4 speed auto AW4, 4.10 ratio (not stock trans, but from a XJ, named The Frog) is still on the road, too! That one is going to need some frame repair after his winter, though. Keep on Jeepin'! (save the squares)
Got my 2001 three years ago with 24k miles on odometer. It has icy cold AC and the heat is exactly as you described. I’ve got the half doors and vinyl zippered windows. I like it much better than the 4 cylinder ‘93 YJ I had briefly back in the day.
2004 TJ owner here, mine is rock solid, not getting rid of it anytime soon. Agreed, new cars are computers on wheels, ever had your computer crash? and I can parallel park thanks dont need my vehicle to do it for me.
I had my Jeep TJ since 2004. It's the last of the AMC Jeeps. After 16 years, It's still going without any major issues. Last year, I considered selling my beloved Jeep. I can't bring myself to sell my old reliable friend. Saying goodbye to my Beloved Jeep Wrangler TJ is like saying goodbye to an old loyal dog. I just can't do it.
I loved the video, I have a 97 TJ and I love it so much, just had a 4" lift and 32" tires put on it and new soft top and its Black too. It's the best car in the world (for me) and I have those exact same pants as well and they are awesome too!! (that's in response to all the criticism of those pants which are one of my favorites to wear)
Great to hear about your TJ, it's an awesome truck... Plenty of power and torque, it can go anywhere on and off-road and it is a timeless design. Thanks for the comment about the pants. I don't know why people have to bring these amazing pants into the discussion.. haha.
I agree with you, though TJs did have the option for A/C at the time. It just depends on which one you get as to whether the original owner put in the extra money for it. 👍
Great video. I do have one issue though. The Rubicon decal is not in the correct spot on that TJ. So is it badged up? A true Rubicon has the badging below the ridge on the hood, yours is above it.
I hada TJ sport in 1999, planning on buying one again soon if i find one in good shape, I dont want all the bells and whistles that just cost too much to fix
Congratulations bro thats is a good looking jeep and i agree with you simplicity is a good think i have a 93 jeep grand Cherokee zj with the same engine as your wrangler and those are very reliable. Maybe jeep best engine ever built and thats very true people buying expensive trucks that are not good at the trail
The TJ actually started being controlled by computer chips and probably if you really want the more analog version, the YJ is going to be your best bet. However, they have aged much more roughly, their suspension system isn't the best, and IMO there are a few other setbacks. The TJ was a really fair (fair as in fair to both sides) balance between computers controlling stuff and general practicality. However, things that the computers do control often limit the capabilities of the TJ. Things such as certain sensors on the engine, the engine control module being super picky and super specific. You can't just swap out an engine with any straight 6. You need THAT specific straight-6's PCM to replace the entire wiring harness with it. Year to year they would change and be incompatible. You can't really supe-up the straight 6 either, because that PCM is so strict in how it controls the engine that you often won't generate more power with more powerful engine modifications. The PCM will just reduce their effectiveness. The long and short of it is: The computer chips on the TJ are really super restrictive for letting you get away with.. well ANYTHING basically, BUT on the other side they are robust if you just want a stock engine and are super resiliant. In short, they'll run forever, but you'll never be able to get more out of them than the very-dated-stock output you get already. That's why you'll often find big engine swaps in YJs or CJs because (among other things) they lack this PCM and sensor system that TJs use. Overall, though, I love my TJ.
A true Jeeper loves all the wranglers.. They all added to the heritage and are the reason for its icon status. I love my CJ7 my TJ 4.0L my JK 3.6L and I like the new JL and the new JLT... They all add to our aventrure story and will continue to keep Jeep as the official king of the off-road trail! !! 😍
100%. I have a 2006 Sport with 46k miles on it. Has never seen a winter and I am always fixing things. I had a daily 97 corolla that had 274k miles before the gas tank brackets rusted out and the tank was resting on the exhaust piping. So i went out and bought a 2012 Civic SI. That thing is an absolute blast to drive.
TJs are still close to the old CJs with modern features as airbags, some have ABS. Now the seating position is not the best etc.etc. but the ONE thing that spoils the fun is the slack in the steering. Unacceptable.
@@americanchallenger Thanks for pointing that out. I own a 2004 TJ Rubicon and I know the previous owner and he kept it in top shape and clean underside. Since I have owned it over 5 years now I have learned from Jeep forums and youtube videos all the unsuspecting TJ buyers that have gotten Jeeps with rotted out frames without knowing so. The main problem is that there is no drain holes on the bottom of the frame. There are holes on front & rear sides and top of frame that let water, mud, sand, road salt, etc. enter but not drain. I did discover that my frame was in good shape (I live in S.W. Colorado) but frame did have some mud and rocks inside. I discovered on youtube that kinda was a jeep mfg. engineering flaw. Drain holes should have been on the rear before the axle and front before the skid plate. Mine has minor flake rust where wet mud stayed. I am in the process of correcting this. (as soon as this cold weather is over) (1)Drilling a hole fr. & rear. 5/8'' hole(2) Flushing the inside with high pressure water until all clean and let dry completely. (3) Coating the frame interior with Eastwood interior frame coating. Good info. "How to clean your Jeep Wrangler TJ frame" Thread starterWade Start dateJan 14, 2017 (from Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum) I hope that this information is help to any or soon to be TJ owners. Also I agree....The Wrangler TJ is the Last Real Jeep Made.
Love my TJ, awesome Jeep, however I don’t think that we should bash the newer jeeps, because in reality even the base model JL comes with the same creature comforts / features as the TJ, wranglers in general are just awesome :)
I KNOW, HA! Straps on the doors? You mean the strip of fabric hanging like a ribbon? Lol I love my Jeep and am learning to do everything mechanical on it myself. 🤗 My mother says she hates it. TOO BAD! Wanted it since I was 8, bought it when I was 35. Now I’m 52. I’m never selling it. 👍🏻
Amen, I own an 06 LJ, for those who don't know what that means its just a longer version of the TJ hence the L, also came with dana 44 rear, discbrakes all around and a very smooth 6 spd manual. I love my jeep and almost everyoune elses unless they don't wave back... I searched for 3 months to find mine and will hopefully have it forever. I love everything about it except the gas mileage, which isn't a big problem considering i have a work vehicle. Bring back simplicity, if it was only carbureted then it would be a gr8 post apocalyptic vehicle to trample over zombies, hipsters, and others who say they are allergic to some kind of thing that no one would dare to say they were 40 years ago. And the snowflakes can't forget about the snowflakes, you know who you are.. and yes no snowflake is alike or are they?..
I would too. I had plenty of money to buy any jeep. After 40 hours of research, I went with a 2003 Rubicon. For starters, I'm 6'5" and the new JLs don't have enough headroom . . . Then, there's all the plastic . . . and low quality electronics . . . and then I wouldn't really want take a $40K jeep offroad (and have as much as I would a $15K jeep). You'd have to throw in a bumper to bumper unlimited warranty so that when things break on the trail I'll have a budget to fix it.
I'd take it, but then I'd sell it and buy one of these or an even older one. I'd also put some of the money I got into my other projects and bank the rest.
@@americanchallengerActually I think yours is a X not a Sport. I have the 07’ JK X model and it has manual everything like yours. Basically a carbon copy of the TJ X but a bit more mature with more muscle. That’s why the JK X is special.
I love my TJ and i also love the simplicity of it, with that being said, I don't know that I would agree that the JK or JL isn't a "real" jeep. They have kept the same basic principle here (solid axles, low range transfer case, short wheel base) and the newer models are every bit as capable off road. In my opinion FCA has done a decent job keeping the heritage alive here. Granted the new electronic systems will inevitably cause problems that need fixed later, however i don't see that being much different than the addition of fuel injection, computer controlled engines, ABS and, airbags in the YJ and then later the TJ. There were people that hated all the new tech saying that these weren't "REAL JEEPS" compared to the previous AMC CJs, but they turned out to be a net positive in most jeep enthusiasts minds. I think this is where the LJ is going, yes they are adding technology that may seem to take away from the rugged stripped down nature of the wrangler but this is necessary to keep wranglers relevant and selling so that we still have that option of a go anywhere do anything 4x4 in the second hand market for years to come. At any rate, keep the videos coming you're a fan of the wrangler you must have a good head on your shoulders!
That's right. Yeah i respect fiat/chrysler for at least giving customers products that are somewhat exciting ie. Demon, gladiator, wrangler. But thats just sheet metal. Beneath the surface these cars drive like minivans for the most part. The fun of the TJ is that it kind of beats you up a bit.
@@americanchallenger I hear ya, mine was my daily for about 2 years until very recently, and i still drive regularly. There is a certain charm to how bare bones it is.
"If you're anything like me, you're probably very odd... Additionally,..." What a way to start a video. This guy fucks. 10/10 favorite jeep video. Keep it going man!
Bought my 97 tj in Aug of 1996. Original owner. Best damn purchase I've ever made. And yes I beat the crap out of it .. about to out 05 f250 superduty tons in it.
owned a Willys YJ TJ and JKU, the Willys owners manual was all technical like how to adjust your valves, the early wranglers were also technical as YJ owners manual tells you how to change your plugs, oil an diff fluids, didnt read the TJ manual as drivetrain same as YJ, unfortunately the JK owners manual is inch thick on how to operate the radio - wish I was kidding but I am not ... thats the point this video is making
Very many. These include: Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Volvo, Land Rover, Toyota, BMW, and more -- I intern at an auto shop so I see lots of new cars and some of the problems they have. Yes, some of these are very good cars initially but over time the computer systems that control these cars degrade just as older household computers slow down and crash as they age. This jeep, although relatively modern has much less technology than brand new cars, meaning fewer things to break. By the time this wrangler was sold, jeep had been putting out vehicles with similar powertrains for 30 years so all of the problems were worked out. If a new vehicle is under warranty problems are no big deal, but as soon as the warranty ends the cost of fixing these issues can grow quickly.
agree i am italian howner of a wrangler tj 1999 2,5L is second one i got , the first one drive me for 370 000 km ,,,, and it was as a new engine ,,,, now i both another one , same 1999 , 2,5 L ,,total same the first ,,,, I was too sorrow without tj ,, i really feel it as the last real jeep product
@americanchallenger Great video! I get your point. But you’d be surprised how close to a TJ the 07’ JK X is in its simplicity and design. Manual windows and locks, rugged TJ interior (albeit bigger and more grown up) and the 3.8L is rock solid and reliable. I know because that’s what I own. This all ended in 2012 when Jeep replaced it with an oil burning 3.6L and refreshed the interior with a soft soccer mom interior that Mercedes Benz thought would give it more luxury. In short, if you if you have a 07-11 JK X you have the last true Jeep.
CJ 7 a86 mod the last one Chevy built , was the best Jeep I have owned , now I’m in my second Jk ,, my biggest regret was selling the CJ 7 but Jeep always ....
Well made video dude Yur like a young Doug demuro! Lol! Completely agree with you on the importance of old raw vehicles. I have a 95 yj and it is even more down to earth. I love some of the new hi tech vehicles these days, but I know I will keep my Jeep forever as it gives me the same refreshing simplicity you described so well. Keep up the vids bro
Settle down junior, you want real tough simple and classic you better get on RU-vid and have a look at CJ's, your Jeep will be long gone before my "82 CJ7 retires, and like they say" if it don't go, chrome it "
I agree. In terms of simplicity, the CJ's are hard to beat. The point of this video is that in my opinion, the Tj's mark the end of an era of simplicity.
I can’t believe I watched this entire video all the way to the abrupt ending which actually left me feeling like it was cut off in the middle of what should have been.
