If you could choose your year again?
- Thread starter Ryan_Aus
- Start date
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
I learned something new, as I had no idea about what was available in Australia. This is certainly the best advice for OP
Slightly off topic curiosity. While in the (Can) Navy, I made a number of trips which included many port visits from Japan to Australia. It was amazing to see all the variants in each country. North America is definitely not like the rest of the world. Double cabs (4 doors) and diesels in smaller trucks were plentiful way before we set our eyes on one back in the 80's although I think Toyota may have had a short run of diesels. I'm wondering if TJ's were sold in any other countries and what drivetrain variants they came in other than RHD.
carni5c8
New Member
I also am curious about the Renegade package. I’ve got a few stickers on the side of my 2004 TJ I recently acquired and one of them is Renegade. The VIN just indicates Sport and I’ve had little success finding more information with Google.
Blue Skies and Happy Trails!
Blue Skies and Happy Trails!
For normal daily driving I like where that front plate is located on that not-Renegade Sport. Off-roading it will go bye bye and you will leave a trace 
^^ This.
Every model year of every vehicle has issues and every model vehicle has what enthusiasts debate as the "best" year.
There is nothing unique to any model year of the TJ that cannot be fixed. There are no inherent ticking time bombs that guarantee that your life will suck if you buy that particular model year TJ.
My general rule is to buy the best example I can find of the vehicle that I want. A corollary is to "only buy complete cars." I learned the second rule from a guy who became a multi-millionaire supplying "C" and "D" paper (aka loans) to used car dealers. He learned it as a used car dealer who bought at auction on Tuesday and had the cars reconditioned and on his lots by Friday. Don't even think that you can find that missing trim piece, or emissions system bracket, etc. You won't find it on the day you need it and when (if) you locate one it will cost more than you ever imagined. As my friend says, "Time is money; money is money; people who don't pay attention have neither."
My advise is to catalog the alleged defects for each model year TJ, know in advance what it takes to fix those things, and factor that cost into any purchase offer. Also, don't fall in love with someone else's modifications. They may actually reduce the value of the jeep.
To answer the original query, I do not regret the purchase of my '06 LJ Rubicon even one little bit and would not hesitate to purchase another '06 TJ in the same or similar condition.
I just want to add, don't choose a 2005-2006 if given the choice. They are complete pieces of shit, riddled with issues, and should be avoided at all costs 
I just want to add, don't choose a 2005-2006 if given the choice. They are complete pieces of shit, riddled with issues, and should be avoided at all costs
Pretty much like JK's and JL's of any year. CJ's too.
As for YJ's, they really should be avoided at all costs. Huey Lewis got it wrong, its not hip to be square.
Pretty much like JK's and JL's of any year. CJ's too.
As for YJ's, they really should be avoided at all costs. Huey Lewis got it wrong, its not hip to be square.
I think that maybe if I convince people to avoid 05-06 models at all costs, the prices of them will fall dramatically, in which case I can just scoop up another one (or two) just to have around
You know, because that damn OPDA is just the end of the world
This is life, according to the internet.
Is the sky fallingI think that maybe if I convince people to avoid 05-06 models at all costs, the prices of them will fall dramatically, in which case I can just scoop up another one (or two) just to have around
You know, because that damn OPDA is just the end of the world
This is life, according to the internet.
I would probably go with another 05-06, especially a manual. The NSG370 isn't the fastest shifting transmission, but it has great ratios and three useful gears in the freeway. The OPDA takes $100 and 30 minutes to replace, and the manuals are rarely affected by the PCM issues.
I would definitely consider an auto 05-06 too, but budget for a new PCM.
I would definitely consider an auto 05-06 too, but budget for a new PCM.
Kerrypet
New Member
If I could magically keep everything as-is but change the year I would change my 2004 with its 42RLE to a 1997 to 2002 with the 32RH I'd do it.
Rubicon John
TJ Enthusiast
If you can find a stock version of any year, that is a great starting point, as you know what you are getting.
L0jik
TJ Enthusiast
Sport is the entry level for the JK/JLs but it was actually sort of the higher or middle trim for the TJs. The entry level for the TJs was the 'SE' trim which had a 4 cyl engine. After the SE came the 'X' and then the Sport was the highest trim for the first few years. As the production run went on and more trims like the Sahara, Rubicon, and also special additions became available, the Sport became a middle of the road trim.
But in my opinion the Sport decal for the early TJs is one of the coolest.
carni5c8
New Member
For normal daily driving I like where that front plate is located on that not-Renegade Sport. Off-roading it will go bye bye and you will leave a trace
Thanks for the advice! I moved to a state that doesn't require a front plate, so it's already gone. I never really understood the purpose behind requiring front plates anyhow...
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