Looking to buy a 1996-2000
compression tests should not cost alot (less than $50), and a compression guage is only $20-if you can change spark plugs, you can do a compression test yourself. As to the question about the engines, on the TJ (96 to 2000) your choices are the 4.0 six cylinder and the 2.5 4 cylinder. The four is somewhat better on gas, but is very much underpowered, and you will regret (as most 2.5 owners do) getting one, they are slow and labor carrying around the tj body. The 4.0 is fairly bulletproof, just check carefully the oil (is it very dirty?) and the inside of the valve cover-take the cap off and see if there is residue of gummy oil, or sludge-avoid these cars. If the oil has been changed on a regular basis, and it does not smoke, runs smoothly and the vehicle is clean (body, interior and under the hood) a TJ with a 4.0 can easily go 250,000 miles or more with routine maintenance. I have a 98 with 312,000, it is a stick shift and still has the original engine, trans and clutch-while it has never been a daily driver, I have driven it all over the United States, and would drive it anywhere, these are very easy to get parts for, are easy to work on and are designed for very severe duty.
8/8/2011 9:58:24 AM •
1997 Jeep...
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Answered
on Aug 08, 2011
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