What to expect for a new '90 Wrangler YJ owner.

[Shawn McElroy]

I am wanting to get a new car, and would like to get a new jeep wrangler. The current one I am looking at is a '90 Wrangler YJ. I have never owned a jeep before so I was curious what to expect coming from owning mostly small pickups and small cars. I have also had a 76 super beetle as well which I loved. If I can find one that's an automatic that would be better. Im also curious about how the average maintenance cost is compared to other cars. Or how difficult they are to work on compared to others during this year range. Any input or information is appreciated, Thanks. Here are 2 locally that I am looking at.

1987 Jeep Wrangler 4x4

Cars for Sale: 1990 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 in Carmichael, CA 95608: Convertible Details - 347048079 - AutoTrader.com

 

[TerryMason]

I believe that 91 was the first year of fuel injection for Wranglers, and I'd suggest that you start looking there. The carbs on the CJs and YJs were pretty bad. If you do stick with an auto don't get a 4 banger - the are great with a manual transmission, but are dogs with an auto.

As to overall maintenance, I think they are easier to work on than most anything, simply because there isn't much to them. As to maintenance cost - it doesn't cost too much to keep them on the road (although they aren't good on gas), but I think most Jeep owners spend more on their Jeeps just because there are so may upgrade an mod options.

 

[superj]

Seeing as you are in California, I would be wary of the carb'd models also, very expensive to keep it so it passes the smog requirements out there.

I have an 87 and it is not one bit stock and it needs to be that way to run properly, from what I have read. Mine was not stock when I got it so I cannot help on the stock set up but I have read horrible and expensive stories about trying to get them to pass smog in various area of the country

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

That '87 has a lot of floor rot, and the front seats are likely shot. It may come down to whether you want stick or auto.

Look below for bad seals between the engine/transmission, and transmission/transfer case. Also remove the oil fill plug and shine a light inside the valve cover to look for excessive carbon and sludge build-up.

 

[Shawn McElroy]

Thats good to know about the carbed model being hard to get smogged. maybe i will try and find some 91 and newer. looks like there are a few around here somewhat.

So any of the 4cylinder automatics I should steer away from? What about the newer ones '91 and up? Same idea?

 

[Gennybro]

I would steer away from the 4 cylinder, auto or manual unless you mainly want it for trail rideing. Trails are great with a 4 banger but on the highway it's a dog. That was my experience with my 91 yj with the 4 cylinder, but then again I was running 33x12.5 tires on it,which would really drag it down on the highway. But on the trails it was great no problems