Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Help deciding between TJ or JL

Mark Aycock

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Dec 22, 2025
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Location
Houston, Texas
Should I buy a 2006 TJ ( not LJ) Rubicon with 4.0, manual, hardtop, and 14,000 miles for $32,000. Or a 2 door 2025 JL with 3.6, manual,hardtop for $35,000
 
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^^^^^What he said, times about 100.

Did you find such a TJ? I know one was advertised here this past fall but I figured it was gone.
Probably a good thing I didnt see it at the time.
 
I wouldn't buy a manual JL unless you plan to install an aftermarket clutch. 3.6 with auto would be better choice. Also wouldn't spend more than 15K for a TJ.
 
What is the intended use? Museum piece? Jay Leno collection? 14K miles doesn't mean it's a new vehicle, still 20 years old, there will be issues after sitting around without use. Will also depend on your wrenching capabilities. TJ is a great Jeep for anyone willing to work on their own rig. If you need to pay someone, that's a different story.
 
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If you needed a 4 door and the 25 was that, well your stuck cause you need a 4 door. Far as the rest goes I can see the TJ, being the last of the real jeeps to most, holding value, the JL dropping like a turd. I see so few 2 door JK/JL jeeps I thought they stopped making them. At any rate their both over priced.
 
If you needed a 4 door and the 25 was that, well your stuck cause you need a 4 door. Far as the rest goes I can see the TJ, being the last of the real jeeps to most
I had a 4 door "real Jeep" and wish I'd never sold it. I think it was labeled as "The poor man's JK" back then (by me). I still blame my wife for it being sold. She never said she liked it until it was gone. Then I had to buy her a WJ, and she wanted MT tires because she likes the loud sound. 😕
XJ 1 26 2020 best.jpg

XJ 2 26 1.jpg

WJ new wheels 9 5 2025 3.jpg
 
Should I buy a 2006 TJ ( not LJ) Rubicon with 4.0, manual, hardtop, and 14,000 miles for $32,000. Or a 2 door 2025 JL with 3.6, manual,hardtop for $35,000

Neither.

For that money you should buy my 2006 LJ Rubicon hardtop, 4.0 with WranglerFix performance ECU, auto with Rubicrawler, 4" lift, 35" tires, 5.38 gears, SwayLoc, Yukon hubs, 16" Black Magic brakes, CB/Ham/GMRS radios, interior cargo rack and back seat, Rockhard 4x4 front and rear bumpers, Warn winch, onboard air, etc., etc.

Located in NorCal.

Send PM if interested.

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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator