Should I even consider buying an 05/06 TJ?

[jeep.rookie]

I’ve read a lot on the forum about the 05/06 tj’s possibly having opda issues. I realize that it probably isn’t an issue as often as it seems, since people are more likely to post about it if they’ve actually experienced issues. And I understand that it’s a relatively inexpensive part to swap out before any problems happen.

That said, is it even worth the hassle of considering buying an 05/06 tj? Should I just avoid those years altogether? Keep in mind that this is coming from someone with no experience with jeeps whatsoever.

 

[L J]

Question:

Should I even consider buying an 05/06

Answer:

I’ve read a lot on the forum about the 05/06 tj’s possibly having opda issues. I realize that it probably isn’t an issue as often as it seems, since people are more likely to post about it if they’ve actually experienced issues. And I understand that it’s a relatively inexpensive part to swap out before any problems happen.

 

[Plumber1]

I am not sure if this is a mileage issue or not. My 05 Rubicon only has 40k miles and it has not had this problem and I love it. I really think it maybe more of an internet problem than a real life problem. It would be nice to see a pole of the 05 & 06 owners to see who has REALLY had this problem vs who has heard about this problem. I have also hear that my Dana 44 rear will not hold up well on 35's. My stock rear end has been to Moab, the Rubicon half a dozen times, Fordyce Creek twice and a number of other trails and it's still going strong.

 

[Brinta]

I went from a 97 sport to a 05 Rubicon and couldn't be happier. No issues yet.
Go for it.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

That problem only really effects automatic tranny shifting points. I have an 05 manual with 130,000 and no problems.

 

[ptw]

any issue can be overcome just buy the jeep that suits your needs and budget..no need to focus on a particular year imho

 

[Ray]

I have an 06 sport and I did change the opda at 75000 just to make me feel better,I now have 82000 on it and never had any problems.have done fluid changes ,brakes,check engine light comes on now and again telling me about transmission,however it still shifts ok. It comes on and off when it wants to and may stay out for 5 or 6 months.I am considering calling Wrangler fix to take care of this if all the reports keep coming in favorable.And the money shows up. I believe Mark said we on this forum will get $25 discount.

 

[cliffish]

Listen, If I was staring at an 03 and an 06 that were exactlt the same in every way including price...I would get the 03. That being said I own an 05 for 3 years and no issues. Don't let it stop you from passing up on a great condition 05-06.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

That problem only really effects automatic tranny shifting points. I have an 05 manual with 130,000 and no problems.

The OPDA causes it's own problem, the PCM causes the automatic transmission problem. Two "huge" problems according to the internet.

My automatic TJ has 70,000 miles and no problems at all so far and I'm not worried that it will happen.

 

[Brianj5600]

I bought an 04 because they seem to be more reliable.

 

[jeep.rookie]

Ok. Good to hear that it maybe seems like more of an issue than it actually is. I’ll likely get a manual transmission so it sounds like that would further reduce the chance of problems.

I’m not looking for a specific year, as I’m actually good with any year as long as the jeep is in good shape. I’ll keep an open mind with the 05/06’s.

 

[Chris]

I'm so fucking sick of hearing about the 05/06 thing. I've owned TWO 2005s and neither of them had issues.

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another 05-06 either. It's an internet thing that has been blown out of proportion, because once again, you only read about the bad stuff on the internet.

That's all I'm going to say on this matter. Personally I think anyone who avoids an 05/06 because of things they've read on the internet is completely silly.

 

[twistedlv]

'05 auto here with 136K miles. Stock OPDA and PCM.

 

[bromel]

Yeah it’s the same with the 00/01 heads. Enough of them crack that it’s a trend, plenty don’t, it shouldn’t stop you from buying. And the OPDA is much easier to swap out than a head.

 

[duncanator]

I'm also hoping that the 2001 cracked cylinder head is an "internet thing" too. Fingers crossed...good so far (112k miles).

edit: jinx! beat out by seconds!

 

[pagrey]

If you have a choice why not go with the 03-04 TJ or 04 LJ. Not only are they less expensive but the risk is lower. Pay attention to what people post here, notice they don't say anything bad about the 03-04 which should really help you decide what the safe bet is. Most just say they don't have problems with their 05-06 like it's something special.

 

[Mr. Bills]

I'm so fucking sick of hearing about the 05/06 thing. . . . Personally I think anyone who avoids an 05/06 because of things they've read on the Internet is completely silly.

Or someone named Chicken Little.

 

[Goatman]

How many of you know about the Ford Pinto gas tank blowing up if they get bumped in the rear end? If you are old enough to know what a Pinto is then you heard this. Even showed it on TV! (Had to use explosive charge to get the footage.) Or how about the Chevy 10 bolt rear axle falling out when you go around the corner? Had that on TV too. (Had to pull the C-clips out to get the footage.) Or how about the.....
It's a bunch of bullshit! We used Pintos in the demolition derby for Christ's sake. (4 cyl division.) Never I repeat Never had any blow up.
How about the Corvair?
There are more things fixed and updated on a 05/06 than there are new problems added. Heater works. How's your 97 doing? And that 97 rarely had a heater issue. The internet is mostly a pack of fools repeating what another fool said. Magazines aren't much better. Without a headline to grab your attention they just sit on the rack. Buy the TJ that YOU want. Don't worry about the Scare Of The Month headlines. You do you. Any problem with your specific Jeep can be fixed. Thanks for your question.

 

[pagrey]

Or someone named Chicken Little.

I'm so fucking sick of hearing about the 05/06 thing.

is completely silly.

When you've got nothing you start yelling and calling names, that's how it works on the playground right?

 

[gg1]

Isn't it an easy fix anyway? I think that is the thing, look about the fix if it happens and make sure the fix is in your budget. I have an '04, so I don't have the issue, but if I had an '05-'06 I would just find out the fix and know about it if it happens and just drive it. I don't think I would care if I had an year TJ, but sort of feel lucky I have an '04, but that was just luck.