Are TJs safe?
- Thread starter chrispal19
- Start date
800 lb. Gorilla in the room , are you buying the Jeep , or are they ?
I'm going to be blunt with you, only because I am old and can 
Any vehicle is only as safe as the driver!
Don't driver like an idiot
A TJ isn't a fast curve taking vehicle
Keeping it close to stock makes it safer
Don't drive like an idiot
Any vehicle is only as safe as the driver!
Don't driver like an idiot
A TJ isn't a fast curve taking vehicle
Keeping it close to stock makes it safer
Don't drive like an idiot
I've made many accidents over the last 35 years on the Fire Department. Starting with the TJ in my opinion the Jeep Wrangler offers excellent protection to the occupants in the case of an accident . As long as you are properly seat belted in the roll bar system does a great job protecting the occupants . In it's stock form it's probably the safest , but a properly set up lifted TJ handles quiet well . Starting in 2012 , a stock JK Wrangler handles a little more like a sports car with it's wider stance and higher hp engine . We had the TJ and the JK at the same time and decided to sell the JK and keep the TJ due to it being easier to work on and better for the tighter trails .
Honestly a TJ is not the best vehicle for a 17 year old. Best for a second or third vehicle. Get a dependable Honda or Toy or Sub and wait until out of school for a Jeep. They are easy to work on and fun to drive, but plenty of time for that later. D
When I was in high school I wanted a CJ3B, but never happened. Got my first CJ 30 years later and have had at least one (CJ, TJ, JK) since.
Patience, the Honda Pilot is much better for a while.
When I was in high school I wanted a CJ3B, but never happened. Got my first CJ 30 years later and have had at least one (CJ, TJ, JK) since.
Patience, the Honda Pilot is much better for a while.
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It's all relative. Is it safer than a 1955 CJ5? Sure. Is it safer than a new 2025 Toyota Corolla? Not likely. It's as safe as it was required to be in 1997 (with maybe a few safety changes throughout it's lifecycle). As others have mentioned, a lot comes down to the operator and staying within the limits of a certain vehicle.
However, if you're having to work at it to convince your parents, which I'm guessing in this case are paying for it, then it may be best to just wait until you have your own adult money to get one. Odds are, this will become a project. I'm all for getting something fun that you can learn on and work on. But a reliable and economical vehicle to get you started in life cannot be understated. It's a very expensive world these days and you want to start in the most advantageous position possible. It's also unlikely that your parents care what a bunch of random TJ fans online say about safety! lol
And for what it's worth, I once got rid of an H3 (don't knock it, it was a awesome vehicle and super capable) that I loved to get a Honda Civic to be able to afford to get married and start a new life with my wife. So I do have a bit of experience in sacrificing things that we want for the long game! lol
Your adult money will come (as long as you make good decisions) and you can enjoy the things you want.
However, if you're having to work at it to convince your parents, which I'm guessing in this case are paying for it, then it may be best to just wait until you have your own adult money to get one. Odds are, this will become a project. I'm all for getting something fun that you can learn on and work on. But a reliable and economical vehicle to get you started in life cannot be understated. It's a very expensive world these days and you want to start in the most advantageous position possible. It's also unlikely that your parents care what a bunch of random TJ fans online say about safety! lol
And for what it's worth, I once got rid of an H3 (don't knock it, it was a awesome vehicle and super capable) that I loved to get a Honda Civic to be able to afford to get married and start a new life with my wife. So I do have a bit of experience in sacrificing things that we want for the long game! lol
Your adult money will come (as long as you make good decisions) and you can enjoy the things you want.
As others have said , the driver is the largest factor for safety. It is good that you would be buying the TJ , you would have skin in the game then.
You parents are likely concern about you and your friends driving around like the Jeep is a Trophy truck .
I notice you are in PA. Rust is a huge issue and can cause a normally safe Jeep to be very unsafe.
Be sure to inspect any Jeep you consider for rust. Especially on the frame where the transfer case skid plate is attached and where the control arms attach.
Good luck!
Be sure to inspect any Jeep you consider for rust. Especially on the frame where the transfer case skid plate is attached and where the control arms attach.
Good luck!
Driving style and terrain make a difference in safety . 
Point out owning a TJ will:
1. teach you very practical skills regarding vehicle ownership and maintenance
2. you'll be spending all your beer (or other inebriants) money on the TJ
My granddaughter recently bought a JK Wrangler for her first vehicle . Her mom and Dad both drive new Wrangler Unlimited jeeps . We have a TJ Unlimited and my Younger brother has a fairly new Unlimited Rubicon . Our brother in law also has a newer Wrangler Unlimited . There are quite a few Jeeps in our family and friends .
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