Abu Dhabi Off-Road Club Forums

Hey guys,

as some of you may already know, I am planing my moving back to AD and looking already for a Jeep wrangler in the net.

It will be a Jeep Wranger, thats clear, but I am not sure about one of the last TJ's (2006-2007) or a JK (2007-2008)

Found out hat a TJ 2005 with low milage is around 50k and a JK with low milage is around 65K.
I know how ist the TJ in the sand, but what about the JK? Is it still a "desert rat"?? What about the Unlimited? Go's well with the desert, even with long wheel base??

Due to the warranty, which is still on almost all the Jk's, and the small price difference between them, I would go for a JK.


Opinions wellcome!!!

Greetz

Tobias

I am not sure how to write this without offending anyone or getting criticism for my opinion so I try to be openminded.

I would say it depends on what kind of usage you are looking for and the size of your wallet. JK is a more comfortable car if you want to drive more often and maybe use it for more than a toy. At the other side is that all modifications to a JK is more expensive than for a TJ. I know there are some guys / girls that have modified their JKs heavily and they do look awesome but as far as I know it digs a hole in your pocket

TJ you say you are aware of how they are in the sand. I assume you also know how they are on the road. I have driven quite many cars in my life but none as uncomfortable and lousy as the TJ BUT it is all worth it when you get to the sand as we know 8)

I dont see the point in an "Unlimited" as the benefits of the Jeep (SWB) is lost and all the negative parts are still there (noisy etc etc).

But at last I would like to say that it is all up to you since you will be the one paying - I just tried to give you my humble opinion based on my experiences.

I might as well say sorry to all those that have other opinions directly

Thanks Viking

This are the opinions I am looking for! Straight and honest!
I can live with the TJ on-road. Comfort is something else, but as yo said, therefore the weekend will be even better!!

How is the JK in the sand and is it realistic to get a JK low milage for 65k AED?

Greetz

Tobias

Personally I'd decide for the inline 6 4.0 high-output engine that ran all the way back from the YJ, also on XJ (Cherokee) and was an excellent engine, as proven by the production and use from 1987 to 2006: a beautiful and reliable engine.

In 2007 Wrangler switched to a 3.8L V6, and the JK was born. I haven't driven teh JK engine enough to comment, but I wasn't impressed too much.

Viking wrote: TJ you say you are aware of how they are in the sand. I assume you also know how they are on the road. I have driven quite many cars in my life but none as uncomfortable and lousy as the TJ BUT it is all worth it when you get to the sand as we know 8)

:

:cheers:

@PR: Thanks, the I6 4,0 Liter engin is indeed a well designed and reliable source of power!! Would like to get some opinions from one who drove both wranglers!

@wasifahmed: Please no Jeep vs. Toyota!! We all love the sand, dosn't matter which horse we are riding!!
Viking has a right point. The Wrangler is designed 80% for mud & sand and only 20% for the road. This you have to be aware, if you choose a TJ!! Thanks for the warning, but I thought this keeps me away from the wrangler.

I wouldn't dream of suggesting an FJ to you

I would go with a JK although i dont like the stock engine that much. A sport JK with some littel mods will be fun to drive.

usually i would stay away from old designs/looks of cars, JK been since 2007, i guess its the way to go. beside they are very close in price as per your post above.

EXTREME wrote:I would go with a JK although i dont like the stock engine that much. A sport JK with some littel mods will be fun to drive.

usually i would stay away from old designs/looks of cars, JK been since 2007, i guess its the way to go. beside they are very close in price as per your post above.

Hi Extrem
Thanks for your opinion. As more as I read and check in the internet, as more logic it gets for me that the JK is the better choose! The pice is very close and to sell a TJ in few years will be quit difficuld.

Who know hoe the Jk is in the sand comparing to the TJ?

The JKs I have tried are mostly stock and they are fine but not as TJ. I know a few that use 4L to get the power out of it. There has also been a few weird problems with JKs that suddenly just dies and refuse to start. At least at a few occasions they travel home on the back of a recovery truck.

I still think that TJ in the sand is more fun but as you say there are more things to this than just the fun part. Lifecycle cost (buying and selling) and comfort to and from the fun.

And Wasifahmed - I dont know how you slipped into this discussion since the question was which Jeep 8) and nothing else.

Viking wrote:....There has also been a few weird problems with JKs that suddenly just dies and refuse to start. At least at a few occasions they travel home on the back of a recovery truck.
.

AKA "its a Jeep thing"

BTW Viking I'm just minding my own business here reading up on these fab machines thats all.

I drive a JK and will tell u how it drives on the sand. Stock, without mods, it does not perform as well as a TJ. After mods, it performs on the same level as a TJ.

Mind u the JK is heavy compared to the TJ. I did many modifications to my JK, and as Viking said, it does leave a big hole in your pocket. But man, my JK now performs same if not better than a TJ.

Now, suppose you opt for the TJ, u will use it for a limited period and when selling it, it will also leave a hole in your pocket

Go for the JK 8)

Tobias, for me no doubt, you need a TJ for the serious stuff The JK is for people like me who need the comfort and stay away from the extreme trips

Mike

out of a score of 10, here is what i would grade both models after trying them

05/06 TJ

comfort: 3/10
Fuel Efficiency: 4/10
power VS weight ratio: 9/10
off road performance : 6/10 stock & 9/10 modified
off-road manoeuvrability: 9/10
off-road stability: 6/10 & 8/10 modified
safety: 6/10
maintenance cost: 5/10
re-sell value: 7/10

over-all grade: 6.1/10 stock & 6.7/10 modified

comfort: 6/10
Fuel Efficiency: 5/10
power VS weight ratio: 7/10
off road performance : 7/10 stock & 8/10 modified
off-road manoeuvrability: 8/10
off-road stability: 8/10 & 9/10 modified
safety: 7/10
maintenance cost: 4/10
re-sell value: 6/10

over-all grade: 6.4/10 stock & 6.7 modified

the above information is based on my own experience and feedback from other members

in summery:
TJ: the choice if you have another car for daily use
JK: the choice if you want to use the car for daily driving as well

as for the warranty, you can also find a TJ with the extended warranty package. any 05/06 TJ sold from western motors or trading enterprises has a warranty package from Chrysler in association with gulf warranties as long as the car has never missed a service in the dealer.

i hope the above information was useful

mike0967 wrote: The JK is for people like me who need the comfort and stay away from the extreme trips

Mike

:nono: looool