What should I buy?

[aerojust]

I bought my daughter a 13 JKU. Was not a Jeep guy but love that thing, even having to flush the block out after the oil cooler failed. My budget will allow for a TJ or a JK/JKU with a 3.8. Will be a 1/2 time every day driver as I drive my 3rd gen cummins a lot. I love driving and working on old vehicles. There are a lot of 3.8 jks on the market here, which tells me to stay away. What are your thoughts on this. What are your thoughts on a TJ as an every day driver on country roads, and a little interstate. My budget is 10K. Thanks!

 

[Chris]

The 3.8 JK is cheap for a reason. The 3.8 is in every way inferior to the 4.0 in the TJ.

Given the choice between a 3.8 JK or a 4.0 TJ I would pick the 4.0 TJ all day every day.

 

[Triggered]

I use my 05 TJR as a daily driver through country roads and occasional highway. I love it!

 

[ColoJeep]

The 3.8 JK is cheap for a reason. The 3.8 is in every way inferior to the 4.0 in the TJ.

Given the choice between a 3.8 JK or a 4.0 TJ I would pick the 4.0 TJ all day every day.

Agreed , that said , I would really struggle between a 3.8 and 3.6 . On paper the 3.6 is better , however they also have major expensive problems that can reoccur . There is a nation wide backorder for one of the 4 camshafts a 3.6 uses . The valvetrain is a rube Goldberg mousetrap . The 3.8 is a slug that drinks oil , but is generally reliable in the newer vehicle sense of the term.

 

[Chris]

Agreed , that said , I would really struggle between a 3.8 and 3.6 . On paper the 3.6 is better , however they also have major expensive problems that can reoccur . There is a nation wide backorder for one of the 4 camshafts a 3.6 uses . The valvetrain is a rube Goldberg mousetrap . The 3.8 is a slug that drinks oil , but is generally reliable in the newer vehicle sense of the term.

You're making a great case for a TJ

 

[jeepguy03]

The 4.0L is the best engine Jeep has ever made, and the TJ is the best combination of old school simplicity but still comfortable enough to daily drive. I'm on my 4th Jeep powered by the 4.0L, and since I'm in New England, rust has always been what killed them. Several friends and family have owned 4.0 Jeeps as well, all went well over 250k.

 

[Harold&Cat]

We had a 2012 Wrangler Sport . Man that thing was fun to drive around , but I personally would not want to work on it . We sold it and kept the Lj .

 

[ColoJeep]

I bought my daughter a 13 JKU. Was not a Jeep guy but love that thing, even having to flush the block out after the oil cooler failed. My budget will allow for a TJ or a JK/JKU with a 3.8. Will be a 1/2 time every day driver as I drive my 3rd gen cummins a lot. I love driving and working on old vehicles. There are a lot of 3.8 jks on the market here, which tells me to stay away. What are your thoughts on this. What are your thoughts on a TJ as an every day driver on country roads, and a little interstate. My budget is 10K. Thanks!

Welcome to the Forum ! Look for a low/no rust TJ. pay attention to the INSIDE of the frame . Let us know what you find , most folks on here are really willing to help answer questions. Of course there are few butt heads too .

 

[Moglocker]

The 3.8 JK is cheap for a reason. The 3.8 is in every way inferior to the 4.0 in the TJ.

Given the choice between a 3.8 JK or a 4.0 TJ I would pick the 4.0 TJ all day every day.

I would agree but 3.8 vs 3.6 is a no brainer,3.8 is way more reliable.

 

[chili_pepper]

Post in thread 'What did you do to your TJ today?'

Sep 1, 2025

If anyone is looking for a low mileage Jeep. Listed 3 hours ago here in Va.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1242929854183921/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:1ffde3f6-61d5-4a7a-b07f-a563e3345a8e

• TheBoogieman

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[Moglocker]

Agreed , that said , I would really struggle between a 3.8 and 3.6 . On paper the 3.6 is better , however they also have major expensive problems that can reoccur . There is a nation wide backorder for one of the 4 camshafts a 3.6 uses . The valvetrain is a rube Goldberg mousetrap . The 3.8 is a slug that drinks oil , but is generally reliable in the newer vehicle sense of the term.

Just did a ton of work on my 3.6 town & country,never again,I liked my old 3.8 t/c pushrod motor that went 346,000 miles before the transmission went.

 

[ColoJeep]

Just did a ton of work on my 3.6 town & country,never again,I liked my old 3.8 t/c pushrod motor that went 346,000 miles before the transmission went.

Look at the Gladiator forum , there are more serious issues than I thought possible. It doesn't surprise me that the slug 3.8 was more reliable !
Of course it's funny to me that when I hear Town and Country I think of this .

 

[DirtDawg]

Owned a 2000 TJ from new for 20+ yrs (sold with later regrets at 97k) and currently own from-new 2017 JK 2-door Rubi 6-spd now with just 12k miles (moderately modded, which serves primarily as local grocery getter). With the JK remaining pristine, my buddy & I both bought well-used modded TJ Rubis (prox 90k miles on each) due to my own prior experience plus those represented here. So then, as a daily driver, I'd suggest a low mileage JK in whatever equipment trim appeals but if primarily for off-pavement fun, go TJ!

 

[DavidBT]

My vote would be for a TJ, and the unlimited has a slightly better ride for the highway. As mentioned above, really check the hell out of the frame.