2.5 Wrangler SE VS 4.0 Wrangler X

[Brokeneck0612]

I am looking for a jeep as a toy and potential 1st vehicle for my son.

2002 jeep wrangler SE 2.5 liter
Manual
65k miles
Good to great condition
Basically Stock.
$10,000

VS

2006 jeep wrangler 4.0
Manual transmission

This is a NO ACCIDENT, Clean Carfax 91K on the 4.0 straight 6 cylinder, 6 Speed 4x4 Jeep X, It is decked out with oversized tires, including the spare, New Top, Winch, Lights , Cold A/C, just serviced and ready to go.

We also have a set of factory Jeep rims for regular every day street driving, save those 35x12.50 tires for

Thoughts? Jeep will be used for toy and daily driver for both me and my son.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

The X should, I think have the 44 rear axle.
The 2.5 SE does not.

The 2.5 SE is an entry level gutless jeep.

The X model was designed for jeep guys to mod and wheel hard. The 4.0 is also gutless but a better torque machine.

The X is a much better Jeep, even stock.

How much is the 2006 X?

I wouldn't buy another TJ with a 2.5. I bought one one and hated it.

My 4.0 engines have gone to over 160k miles without a sweat. The emissions is a divergent story.

 

[Chris]

The 2.5 is gutless. I owned one and I hated it.

 

[TheBoogieman]

The X should, I think have the 44 rear axle.
The 2.5 SE does not.

The X doesn't have one either.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I am looking for a jeep as a toy and potential 1st vehicle for my son.

2002 jeep wrangler SE 2.5 liter
Manual
65k miles
Good to great condition
Basically Stock.
$10,000

VS

2006 jeep wrangler 4.0
Manual transmission

This is a NO ACCIDENT, Clean Carfax 91K on the 4.0 straight 6 cylinder, 6 Speed 4x4 Jeep X, It is decked out with oversized tires, including the spare, New Top, Winch, Lights , Cold A/C, just serviced and ready to go.

We also have a set of factory Jeep rims for regular every day street driving, save those 35x12.50 tires for

Thoughts? Jeep will be used for toy and daily driver for both me and my son.

The 4 cylinder is overpriced. I'm guessing the 4.0 X model is too since you didn't list the price.
p.s. You don't want 35s on a Jeep with a Dana 35 rear axle, especially if it hasn't been regeared.

 

[JMT]

I am looking for a jeep as a toy and potential 1st vehicle for my son.

2002 jeep wrangler SE 2.5 liter
Manual
65k miles
Good to great condition
Basically Stock.
$10,000

VS

2006 jeep wrangler 4.0
Manual transmission

This is a NO ACCIDENT, Clean Carfax 91K on the 4.0 straight 6 cylinder, 6 Speed 4x4 Jeep X, It is decked out with oversized tires, including the spare, New Top, Winch, Lights , Cold A/C, just serviced and ready to go.

We also have a set of factory Jeep rims for regular every day street driving, save those 35x12.50 tires for

Thoughts? Jeep will be used for toy and daily driver for both me and my son.

No idea without price for the 4.0. The only issue I have with the 4.0 is the NSG370 transmission. They are notchy, sometimes difficult to get in 1, 2 and/or R. Difficult piece of Mercedes BS that is difficult for most shops to rebuild and most won’t touch it.

 

[tnjeepguy]

Avoid the 6 speed if possible. Only look at 6 cyn TJ's. Near stock as possible.
May need to look in TN, GA and SC as well. Many around and market softening, maybe.
Lots of advice on here about what to look for in a used TJ. (assume a retired Marine can read !!)

 

[Gilaguy23]

Ive had 2 4 banger jeeps, there not that bad for putting around, jus stay off the freeways. Big tires, even 31's will really put the hurt to the power. Like the guys said 10K is way to much for the one. Dont know if it matters but a modded jeep for a new driver may kill you in insurance costs compared to a stock 4 banger version. Being your in FL Id be real cautious with regards to rusty frames and freshly painted or undercoated ones. Look inside the frame holes where you can. We just moved to KY and 50% of the jeeps for sale are junkyard specials due to frame issues.

 

[Fughuert]

I had a 2.5 5 speed with 31s, didn’t hate it but I got it for $3,000 and it was clean. On the same road the 4.0 on 33s will maintain 80mph uphill where the 2.5 would drop into 60s WOT in 4th gear.

10k buys you an lj. I would not worry about a higher mileage 4.0 for the same money as a low mile 2.5, these engines run forever and are cheap to work on.

I like my 6 speed but I haven’t had to try and source a new one, I have heard of people having nightmares but it can be swapped for a 5 speed if it ever comes to being a problem.

 

[Nashvillwill]

Let the haters hate. My 2.5l is still kicking at 190k mi and still wheeling.

Yeah, she’s slow. I wouldn’t pay $10k for her. But don’t shy away from a 2.5 intended as a cruiser.

 

[Hacker412]

I love my Daughters 2.5 manual. It will hit 80mph on the highway with no issues. Might get beaten by a Prius, but meh, who cares? Don't pay over 7 tops

 

[TheBoogieman]

I paid $1800 for my old 2.5L YJ (no power steering or AC). It was very reliable and great in deep snow. I enjoyed it for 2 years before I made the mistake of driving a 4.0L TJ. Sold it two weeks later for $5,000 (220,000 miles) and never looked back. Bought my first TJ within a month. The addiction spiraled out of control at the point. Six months later my first stock TJ was gone and it has never ended. Being broke hasn't even stopped me.
p.s. I always parked in front of my brother's house to give my Jeeps the illusion of the owner having any money.

 

[bucky]

I love my 05 4.0 6sp. The issue is most people really don’t know how to properly drive a manual. A TJ is the perfect vehicle to learn to shift. Lots of low end torque makes them hard to stall out especially when in low.

 

[tnjeepguy]

I love my 05 4.0 6sp

As always, exceptions to every rule.

A quick look on FB marketplace tells me that Jeeps are overpriced in your area (beach). May have to look inland and
in SC, TN, GA and AL. Boog might help look up in VA !!
Also be aware of rust from salt air and beach riding, be careful.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1693816098001287/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:bfc7772f-cbc4-42e3-bc10-ab7f1b027805

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1198979565579008/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:bfc7772f-cbc4-42e3-bc10-ab7f1b027805

Couple just quick in NC. Like that green color !! D

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:bfc7772f-cbc4-42e3-bc10-ab7f1b027805
Decent LJ ??

 

[The4bangertj]

If the goal is big tires and highway I’d look at the 4.0. I have a 2.5 and I love it. With 33s I can cruise 70-75 until I hit some steep hills. I also get 17-22 mpg. Do I wish I got an lj, absolutely. But for 2,500 dollars you’re not getting an lj that’s drivable and highschool me couldn’t afford an lj but now I won’t sell my 2.5.
So the 2.5 can totally be worth it, not 10k worth it tho.