Which Model TJ Should You Buy

Today I talk about which model jeep wrangler TJ 97-06 is right for you (SE, Sport, Rubicon, X, and Sahara). Talk about the different engines and options you could get. More in depth video here: • Jeep TJ Specs | What m...
#jeeptj
#jeep
#trim

[@colecooper1116]

Just got an 04 Sahara with only 7k miles on it. Im loving it.

[@CalebHill14]

Sounds like me. In October I bought an 04 rubicon from my uncle who had it in a barn and it had 9k miles

[@anthonyr5220]

Mine is a 2000 with 174k 😂

[@mtblantonjr]

Good find. I ended up with an 01 Sahara manual with 198K

[@rileytavares4087]

Got TJx for 2k, 157k miles 4.0

[@somethingcool9257]

All you with “low miles” and I’m here with a 4.0 with 260,000 (it’s a sport)

[@adamriale9065]

I feel you. I just turned 225,000 with my 2.4l.

[@brolim.]

lol me too

[@jmo82592]

miles do not matter. Take care of the body and frame. keep it away from salt and snow. You can just get a new engine.

[@tariklaarej2259]

@@jmo82592yeah bro that’s what I was thinking I have a 180000 kms jeep and was looking for a lower miles one then I realised I love my current TJ and can always change the engine

[@davidb.turknett4447]

My first jeep was a 1982 scrambler I bought around 1992. By far my favorite. I wish I could have held on to it, but life changes and you move on. My next jeep was a 1999 sport with a hard top automatic and it was a fun jeep. Always wanted a Rubicon but couldn't afford the premier price. Traded the 99 for a 2004 unlimited and that one was my 2nd favorite after the scrambler. Married my 3rd wife and got into boats and RV's and traded the 04 for my first diesel around 201. Retired in 2019 and moved to South East Arizona and October 2021 bought a 1998 se 2.5 liter to some trails around the area. Took my wife's 2018 unlimited in for a recall and oil change to the local dealer, and somebody just traded a 2005 2 dr Rubicon in. Well they took my 1998 in for trade and I got to bring home my unicorn. Very happy, retirement is awesome.

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

Just like you - I live in southern AZ and loving retirement. I recently sold my JKR for an '04 LJ. Life is great.

[@captainbc52]

I've had my '97 SE manual since January of this year. Hopper has never let me down and I'm having super fun time driving it!

[@KyleSVT]

Nice dude!

[@teop7887]

The holy grail is the long wheelbase TJ, in Rubicon trim.

[@slant6guy]

Got a 2003 Jeep TJ Sport 4.0L w/ 5-speed standard trans on Oct. 09, 2003 off the showroom floor & still have it. Many, MANY mods: (Ford 8.8 rear axle with Spartan locker; Eaton M62 Supercharger, NP231J SYE + 2wd low + 25% wider chain + 6 pinion planetary, 12,000lb winch, Dana 30 Aussie locker, narrow 33x10.5R15 tires, cruise control, standard cloth seats + factory leather wrapped steering wheel) =1man's equivalent to some women's shoe collections.

[@bigaarmory100]

I’m on my fifth Jeep in 25+ years. Two YJ’s, a TJ, a JK Unlimited, and then back to a 2000 TJ (Sport 4.0L) for the last five years. For comfort the JK without a doubt, but for a fun weekend vehicle the TJ all the way for me.

[@sidnorwood4042]

I have a 97 TJ Sport was stock when we bought it in 2017 w/ 116,000 miles. First Jeep we have ever owned. If I had known how much fun they are would have bought one years ago. Ours is 4.0 w/ 5 speed. Has a 9000# Warn winch and put a good 4 inch lift and 15 X 10 alloy wheels with Maxxis Razor 12.50 X 33 tires, Hood louvers from Poison Spyder for reducing temp under the hood.

[@christopherporter8844]

My wife has had a 2000 Sahara since she was 16. She's finally getting me mod it up some. But I am not allowed to touch the interior. She's loves it like you said.

[@trentonverble8049]

I just bought a Black 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara today pretty happy with it! I’m now a Jeep owner

[@KyleSVT]

congratulations!

[@matthewcalderon5719]

I got the 06 SE with the 4.0 and 3.73 gears it came like that even from my build sheet and I think its pretty good I like it personally Im glad I got the rare one lol the 4.0 was a must

[@felishiadarling]

I could’ve optioned a Dana 44 on my ‘04 TJ I just didn’t because I wasn’t savy to it at the time. I could’ve optioned a hard top, leather seats air conditioning, radio, leather seats electric mirrors, Dana 44 and Dana 35. I do t remember about the wench- I think yes but the tires were a no.I can’t remember specifics any more but ya some were available.

[@DaveA441]

Bought my first Jeep a 97 2.5 5 speed last year. A year later I got my dealers license and made cash and just sold it and bought a bone stock 2004 LJ super super clean 164k miles. Only the fogs don’t work. paid $9250.

[@vincenthoang6289]

I sold my Jeep 2 months ago and your videos make me miss it

[@benjaminarredondo3038]

I’m thinking of selling mine to get a BMW E30! I’m kinda scared I’m going to regret selling my TJ it looks really good and have only 58,000 miles on it. Would you take ur Jeep back or stay with your decision?

[@SleepyxD117]

@@benjaminarredondo3038 I'd say stick with the Jeep man, if you really want an E30 just wait and save up! Obviously just my opinion but I'd definitely miss it myself.

[@KyleSVT]

I agree

[@vincenthoang6289]

Benjamin Arredondo Honestly i’m glad i got rid of my TJ it was costing so much money and I could never chase down this misfire problem after countless months and trying everything short of a full rebuild. Like I wish my Jeep wasn’t such a POS but if yours is reliable I would say keep it bc at the end of the day there’s no fun in having a car you can’t drive.

[@annafraley5388]

Yep, we like the 97 TJs just fine, had an 06 L-TJ Unlimited before, and before That a 94 YJ, all were the 4.0 straight 6s. 😎👍

[@aarondmtz2178]

Finally found me a '97 TJ Sport with the 4L V6 with 122K miles. Fantastic driver!

[@rileytavares4087]

Inline 6*^?

[@ethansteingruby1982]

What about the 2004-2006 Tj unlimited? (LJ)

[@vincenthoang6289]

Ethan Steingruby these Jeeps r more expensive due to their rarity and have a longer wheelbase by i think 10 inches, all LJs came with the 4.0L I6. Rubicon LJs are extremely rare and can get quite expensive.

[@JeepingNet]

I've got a LJ Rubicon and they are great. I've had a few TJ Sports and Rubicon. The extra storage and wheelbase gives the LJ a bunch better ride. The only two downsides are the cost and the rear departure angle isn't as good as a Tj. I wouldn't trade my LJ Rubicon for anything.

[@JC-zj2is]

Vincent Hoang not extremely rare. But yea expensive

[@dksgarage6061]

LOVE 😍 my LJ Rubicon!! Checkout my channel for tons of videos on it!

[@TrueMainiac]

@@infiniteepoch8 I have a red 06 LJ Rubicon hardtop here in PA. Only Rubicon LJ around here.

[@alexerickson5420]

Fun fact: 03-04 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the most rare and sought after Jeep wanted by Jeepers.

[@dksgarage6061]

The LJ Rubicons are even more rare..Unicorns. Love mine!

[@gregf.2698]

Just saw an 04 Rubicon for sale. That must be why they wanted $20k for it. It's pretty clean though.

[@alexerickson5420]

@@gregf.2698 Yeah, those are very sought after. Low miles, maintenance done periodically, and not modified to death. Just make sure the lockers work and that there is no major issues before buying 'em.

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

@@dksgarage6061people are asking over $20,000 for an automatic LJ that’s crazy….

[@nachovalenti]

Great video and very informative. Mine is a Sport 4.0-L from 2000 and 170.000 kms on it and very happy. Thanks for sharing Kyle.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Nacho!

[@wolvi.m]

How much did your buy it for? Cheers!

[@JohnLewis-ij1gp]

I got 33s with four 10s doesn't have a lot of grunt but once it's going it's just fine it's only 60 horsepower down from my girlfriend's 98 TJ 4.0

[@petergray5174]

I got a 2000 Sahara, my first car

[@KyleSVT]

Congrats on the jeep man!

[@Lethal_Venom]

At where I work one of the individuals who works in the medical department was just T boned in their jeep, her and her husband. They are both fine but the jeep was a loss. Not sure which model it was. But she did upgrade to a white Rubicon with 9,000 miles on it. It looked great she showed it to me after work

[@JoseHernandez-jh7ht]

Got "01" TJ SAHARA used in "03" for 17k but it's fully loaded..nice

[@david-grantdixon3970]

Just got an 05 wrangler x 6 speed I love it

[@Kyautumnlovr]

I want the X sadly they are hard to find I’m finding 2009 x - really !!

[@Kyautumnlovr]

Does yours have a/c and if a soft top is it easy to take off

[@reeceburton7864]

I have 2000 tj 2'5 it's rocks man solar yellow

[@montanamountainmen6104]

My brother has the 4.0L 03 Sport . I have a 2019 Sport S 3.6L JL. He likes all my modern goodies, but his is easier by far to work on.

[@williambreeze2659]

Your TJ is a beast!

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you!

[@Terence135]

I like the x

[@topgun2877]

If I was planning on building a crazy jeep I for sure would buy a 4 cylinder, upgrade to V8 and Big axles

[@skiddysm]

My x has cruise control and ac :) with the 4.0 inline 6 :) and i got it for free from family all stock no half ass mods :) i think i gor the best jeep who needs the axle lol 😀

[@JKyle-ii1mz]

This video was extremely helpful! cheers

[@JeepTrailsandBarbells]

Well never mind i found the walk around video on your channel. Good stuff.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks brother

[@littlepacificstudios]

Helped me a lot and thank you!

[@highdegree4795]

Just got a 98 Sahara I’m loving it but it has 35 Tires I would like to throw in a srt8 swap 6:4 In the future

[@dbuster44]

Great video! Very informative.

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you!

[@7slotgrille]

LJ for the real win!!!

[@ab.c99]

Thank you for the information.. Looking forward to buy tj 97-02 in melbourne Australia,, but hard to find one..can I look for 03-06 models as well.. suggestions pls..

[@KyleSVT]

Your Welcome! I prefer the 97-02 models but the newer ones are just fine too

[@rick850angler6]

Bro my 01tj just got a new transmission it’s a manual to but I have a d35 geared 307 witch sucks but it does good I have the same tires u do to but there 33s.2,5”in rear and 3” in front it does ok but I wish I had the d44 as always love ur Jeep and nice vid.🤘🏽👌🦅👍💯🇺🇸

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks bro!

[@JohnLewis-ij1gp]

I have a 97 Wrangler 2.5 5-speed

[@stephenvargas6134]

My 05 X came with cruise and A/C, no Dana 44 though..

[@user-ed9nz4ib8o]

No cruise on mine :(

[@l.a.m7645]

Rubicon has the 4.10 gears

[@franzelfelix5493]

Thank you

[@gldsmith61]

I love those tires, are they holding up.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks! They are holding up great!

[@kgoldric]

I got an 01 TJ sport. Best bang for your buck although I'm starting to see some pretty cheap early model JKs.

[@KyleSVT]

TJ>JK

[@slant6guy]

TJ = Tough Jeep with 4.0L six...'nuff said. JK = fatter JoKe with minivan v6 motor & more plastic.

[@theoverseerknowsall6619]

I love my 2.5 se way more than my old 4.0 litre that it replaced

[@causeuncause4059]

my X got AC, Cruise control, Overdrive, but my Dana 35 is a super and Dana 30 has chromoly shafts things set

[@bayleymooney1667]

Just bought a 2005 rocky mountain edition tj with the 6 speed and the 4.0L with 140k and i love it, however i haven't seen many detailed videos on it.

[@KyleSVT]

Very cool! Here is a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8k

[@JarradShaw]

Would you have included the 05-06 Unlimited (LJ) to this list or no?

[@tonogarcia47]

I’m about to check out a 2006 sport wrangler with 93k miles, for 13k. Frame and body is clean. Wondering if I should go for it

[@KyleSVT]

Seems a little pricey for the miles

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

in my area that's the going rate. TJ's are extremely popular and finding one with no rust and the 4.0 means more than 10k every time.

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

The answer to this question is simple. The one with the least rust.

[@JC-zj2is]

Im looking for a TJ currently so i see listings and see “low mile!l and click and its 140k for like 15k lol

[@KyleSVT]

lol

[@karstencorros6544]

I got mine with 50k for 15k lol

[@JC-zj2is]

@@karstencorros6544 that’s not had at all!

[@willymccoy3427]

No TJ Unlimited (LJ) or mention of the Premium Option pack? I have an '05 Unlimited with the Premium Option pack. It's got a permanent home with me.

[@calebstj5155]

Any chance we could get a future video about some of the rarer trim levels? Thanks!

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8k

[@Electronic2967]

I have a 2005 Rocky Mountain trim and I’ve yet to hear anyone else with one. I got the Dana 44 rear and 4.10 gearing stock and weird color interior.

[@brianmac813]

@@Electronic2967 I have the same year rme, love it!

[@Electronic2967]

Brian Mac do u have an auto or 6sp. I kinda wish I went with the auto

[@brianmac813]

@@Electronic2967 6 speed

[@JamesJLaRue]

Was there ever a Sahara LJ (aside from that Sahara/Rubicon limited run of 1000 from the movie "Sahara")?

[@BubbaBen01]

Yes

[@zeropointenergy1574]

Nice Jeep. Looks pristine - did you repaint? Love front fenders - what model are they? Cheers.

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you! Nope bought it with very low miles it is original paint. The fedners are metalcloak overline

[@littlepacificstudios]

Will be buying a jeep in 2024. I have always wanted a jeep. I am looking at getting a 1995 to 2005 Sahara... but wonder do they come with tilt steering?

[@KyleSVT]

97-06 will be the TJ years and yes the sahara usually has a tilt wheel as it is a higher end trim model

[@littlepacificstudios]

@@KyleSVT thank you !

[@KyleSVT]

np!

[@bharrison1633]

Hey brother can you please tell me what size wheels plus back spacing you have on your jeep. Such a beautiful stance

[@KyleSVT]

Wheels are 15x10 3.75 backspacing and -44mm offset

[@bharrison1633]

KyleSVT hey man thank you. Such a beautiful jeep.

[@KyleSVT]

np! Thanks man!

[@Kyautumnlovr]

I read that the x had an easier top to take off and put on ? Is that correct

[@KyleSVT]

nope they all have the same soft tops

[@lifelong5425]

Lucked out and found an 03 Rubicon in sterling condition.....

[@snaponsocksdotcom3360]

Dang I just got a Sahara but it doesn't have cruise....

[@kenson25]

What’s the biggest tire I should go with a 98 2.5 4 cylinder auto

[@KyleSVT]

Not sure about the auto but my sisters TJ is on 32s and a 5 spd if that helps

[@kenson25]

KyleSVT Alright, thanks ! I don’t think 31s would be bad for it

[@urielflores8042]

Do you think you can do Uber eats on a Jeep tj? Looking at one right now with 26,000 miles on it! I do Uber eats and don’t know how much this would affect me

[@KyleSVT]

fuel economy in a tj is gonna kill ur profit with uber eats

[@urielflores8042]

I daily drive a Camaro ss 5th gen and also do Uber eats on it. I average 14 mpg. I still make a lot in return but will the Jeep be to slow for this ?

[@KyleSVT]

Then no problem with a jeep!

[@JohnLewis-ij1gp]

What year TJ's had the 6-speed because I heard they have ton of problems

[@KyleSVT]

03-06

[@jxrxb]

Love your front fenders! What’s the brand?

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks! They are metalcloak overline

[@beyfiasco]

Hey what are the fenders you have on this sport? super dope

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks dude! They are metalcloak overline

[@beyfiasco]

@@KyleSVT do you happen to have a link for this double tube style that you have? I've been searching and I can't seem to find it 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKqqpppqgpmtfbM 👍

[@ReihingTom]

What’s the story with the Apex editions? I grabbed these “cognac” seats they’re called out of a wrecked one and I’ve never found much about them?

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8k

[@krimzonguardianx358]

How do you know if your TJ has a Dana 44 axle? I just bought mine second hand and it has A/C and cruise control

[@KyleSVT]

Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jprFZXiHi5KgitE

[@victorecheverria5741]

How can I figure out if my 2002 sport has Dana 44 rear axle or the 35?

[@KyleSVT]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/jprFZXiHi5KgitE

[@2jeeps718]

i have a 02 sahara and i have no clue if i have the dana 44. all my rear axle says on it is “dana”

[@matthewcalderon5719]

you can ask jeep for a build sheet that should tell you but if you google caparisons it shows the different shapes

[@TheBuffJeeper]

I have a 2000 Sahara and it has a 2.5 and no ac in it, it wasn’t covered when you said that model.

[@KyleSVT]

Someone just put Sahara stickers on your jeep. All Saharas were 4.0L

[@TheBuffJeeper]

@@KyleSVT it comes up on the vin as well so they made mine a 2.5

[@KyleSVT]

That is incorrect. The only engine that came in the saharas was the 4.0L.

[@TheBuffJeeper]

@@KyleSVT well it says on my vin and registration when I went to the dmv just the other day and the Jeep definitely has a 2.5 lol I’m kinda confused now

[@KyleSVT]

Maybe the owner before you swapped out the 4.0l for the 2.5 but that would be very strange. look up your vin and see what the original build sheet is kzbin.info/www/bejne/jprFZXiHi5KgitE

[@signkutter9218]

Rubicons in decent.condition get too much love. For the premium paid, a sport can be modded better than what a stock Rubicon offers

[@sethchasteen9906]

Rocky Mountain edition

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8k

[@bobbybussell7502]

What kind of softop do you have on? Thank you!

[@KyleSVT]

Factory Jeep Top

[@mannyy1771]

Hey Kyle were did you get those fenders ?

[@KyleSVT]

They are metalcloak overline

[@GoodOldGamer]

Are Saharas the only ones with tan interiors?

[@vincenthoang6289]

GoodOldGamer no they just had specific tan and green interiors, for example my SE had a tan interior but no green accents

[@builtat_the_beach1516]

What fender flares do u have?

[@KyleSVT]

Metalcloak Overline

[@javiermartinez364]

How much should I pay for a 97 se 2.5 ?

[@KyleSVT]

how many miles? is it rusty? auto or manual? what kind of condition is it in?

[@javiermartinez364]

@@KyleSVT it’s in good condition 135,000 miles , manual transmission, No rust

[@KyleSVT]

Maybe $5k

[@nickallen5170]

Love your content! i always look for your videos in regards to jeep information:) i do have a question tho. i found a 4.0L 97 TJ that has a new transmission and clutch and some good work done to it. however it has 400,000 miles on it... what do you think about getting it? would it be foolish? or do you think if it’s been taken care of that it’ll last for a while longer??

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Nick! I would probably find another Jeep. There are so many out there you can fild a lower mileage one

[@nickallen5170]

KyleSVT thank for the help! i’m taking your advice!

[@KyleSVT]

no problem!

[@Takeouts]

what size tires are on your sister’s 2.5?

[@KyleSVT]

32s

[@ethanfranken9138]

Apex version ?

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8k

[@hermo2258]

what camera do you use??

[@KyleSVT]

Fuji XT4

[@hermo2258]

@@KyleSVT thanks

[@KyleSVT]

np

[@JohnLewis-ij1gp]

How old is this video because you have almost brand new second gen mtrs on your Jeep haven't seen them in many years

[@KyleSVT]

Yea I got the tires a year or two before they stopped making them in the 15inch wheel size and a 35

[@JohnLewis-ij1gp]

And super expensive to rebuild

[@lazyanarchist1146]

Why would an ugly ass tan dash be a good thing? Lol but these seats are awesome shit on the jk seats

[@ujayet]

I'll tell you what jeep you should get,,, any jeep with a manual 4.0l inline straight 6,, and what you should stay away from,, is every new jeep.. those are no longer real jeeps.

[@Nigriff]

MAGA 2024 🇺🇸 Peace and Prosperity

[@user-we7es6rb1p]

I have a 06 X model with the 4.0. It has air conditioning. Love this car. I keep it stock and I’m a trail guy, not a rock crawler so it works great for me. Love it and will never sell it. Built like a brick shit house