Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum School Me on the 2007-2011 Wrangler...

First off I know it's not a "real" Jeep.
Secondly I know it's got a dog of an engine.

Both of the above seem to be very popular internet opinions mainly by lots of people that have never actually owned one.

I have owned a couple of TJ's and couple of YJ's and quite a few XJ's, all with the bullet proof inline 4.0. However I am looking for something a little more civilized than a TJ for everyday driving and commuting back and forth to the cabin, but something that's a little more trail worthy than the Jeep Patriot I'm currently using at my cabin commuter.

So I'm looking at an early model JK with two doors and a manual transmission. From what I read the 4 speed auto does the little 3.8 no favors, because the 3.8 makes its power a little higher in the RPM range.

I know there are some oil consumption issues on some of the 3.8 motors and I think at least one year had an issue with the rings that was covered by Jeep. but other than that those engines seem to be pretty reliable.

What about the rest of the early JK's? Interior, suspension, etc...

My brother had one and ended up selling it for a newer one. His was an automatic and was way underpowered. As far as everything else it was fine.

I think they went to the much better 3.6 in 2013....if you can find one in your price range, you'd likely be happier with that motor. But, ultimately, just go drive one and see for yourself. Only you'll be able to tell if you'd be happy driving it.

Why knowingly buy something widely known to be underpowered and with other negatives?

I had an 11. They are really great as far as the cool factor goes. But you pretty much nailed it. The engine is a dog. And not just a normal dog. A dog that chews everything and craps in the floor.

New 3.6 motor first year was 2012. Much better motor with 75 more HP and doesn’t have the oil burning problems of the 3.8. Resale will be stronger as well because of this known problem of the 3.8

I found a deal and own a 2012. Go with the 3.6.

With 275 HP, it’s pretty darn capable.

I still have my 2000 TJ. If I were going to buy another Wrangle I would make sure it had the 3.6L in it. My wifes GC came with it and it was a very good engine/transmission combo.

I drove a two door automatic last night with 142k on it and it wasn't bad. Of course that's coming from a guy who drives a Jeep Patriot and a Ford Ranger with the 3.0 motor.

Well... Honestly, I think "under powered" here is a relative term. People will all say the same thing about the 3.0 Ranger, but mine has been fine for what I have needed it for.

I'm 59 years old and I don't street race anyone anymore.

The 3.8 has been know to be pretty reliable for some folks. There's lots of folks on the internet that will tell you horror stories about the earlier 4.0 and the later 3.6 too.

Finding a deal on a later model is difficult. What would you consider a "deal" on a 2012?

Ask myself that question every single time I see a Toyota. 😆

Early 3.6 engines had cylinder head issues, if you buy a '12-'14 be sure to check on the status of the cylinder head fix. I hope to be looking for a '07-'11 4 door Wrangler late this summer, but I plan on a 5.3ls/4L80 swap also.

I had a good friend at work who had a 2008, 4 door with a manual transmission, and he's got 195k with no issues. However it's not going to outrun a mini-van in a drag race either.

gearing is going to he another issue. You for sure want one with the 4:10 and not the 3:21

I've got 2007 JK with 4:10 gears and it's has plenty of power and zip for what all I've used it for. 82K miles, so far. only had to replaced the water pump so far.

The reason it won't is that it's the same engine that Chrysler put into their minivans, but with lower gearing and bigger tires.

Mine used as much oil as gasoline when I dumped it.

My 2011 barely gets driven but if lifted with bigger tires and aftermarket bumpers u will want to regear eventually. When I say barely driven it has 36k miles on it. Drove my 2013 jku everywhere though

Deal being a relative term for sure.

This one had 58k miles, LOTs of upgrades.

Still 20k.

Whatever you choose, I'd recommend looking somewhere other than AL for it. I'm currently looking for a TJ (or possibly a YJ) in the $3500-4000 range. Something to use as a hunting vehicle/toy.......as long as you're ok with a higher-mileage jeep with some minor cosmetic imperfections, you can find decent TJ's in that price range in most places. But, in AL, a 200k mile early TJ ('97-99) is still going to be $7-8000. Now, I don't know if they're getting that much, but that's what folks seem to be set on.

AL seems to be the most expensive place in the entire country to buy a used (private party sale) Jeep.