Anybody else feel like these TJs cost way more than they're worth?

xXDavidCXx said:
For reference, I purchased my TJ for $8900 then put about 15K +/- into it in mods and restoration.

Mods:
HP Dana 30 open
Yukon 3.73 gears
31 inch K02
OME 2933 front springs
Swayloc front anti-sway bar
Steering box skid plate
Rancho front shocks RS55239
ZJ Tie rods
EAG steel front bumper
Rugged Ridge Front differential skid
Smittybilt X20 COMP winch
Rough Country Motor mount lift
Steering lift
Performance Accessories body lift
YJ front brake lines
16 inch VANCO BBK
PRP front driver's seat
Full tummy tuck
Savy transfer case cable shifter
UCF oil pan and trans skid 3/8" Thick 6061-T6 aluminum
Nemesis aluminum Billy Rockers
Savy aluminum gas tank skid
Savy rear double adjustable control arms
JB Conversions SS SYE
Tom Woods DC driveshaft
Rear track bar relocation bracket
Rough Country Rear Coil Spring Correction Plates
Rear Black MAX Shock Absorber - B8518
Crawltek Pyro Mid-Width rear bumper
Dana 35 True Track w/ Revo 27 spline 1541H rear axle shafts

This list is only the final lists, not the mods that I replaced along the way.

Maint:
Everything under the jeep that was rubber was replaced.
Head gasket
Trans rebuild
Multiple attempts at fixing the entire cooling system.
Carpet
Heater core

Misc:
Hard top
2x soft tops
New wheels and tires
New tail gate with vent to match non-vented hard top
Double DIN radio
Lights
Hood vents

IT. ADDS. UP.
Click to expand...

Well, yeah. So are a lot of other vehicles that are ancient. Toyota MR2, Mazda MX-5. I decided on a Jeep not because of its reliability. They aren’t renowned for being bulletproof. Maddening little & big things go wrong. Hard to drive. Sometimes wish I was wearing a mouth guard. It’s a 6 speed, so little in the way of sipping your coffee on your morning commute, but despite all that? Rather fun to roll around in. Y’know?

And at least there are parts available. One reason I didn’t buy a Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky. Many parts don’t exist anymore & you’ll be scavenging from a car boneyard for headlights & ECMs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nitrofalcon
Zoner613 said:
Well, yeah. So are a lot of other vehicles that are ancient. Toyota MR2, Mazda MX-5. I decided on a Jeep not because of its reliability. They aren’t renowned for being bulletproof. Maddening little & big things go wrong. Hard to drive. Sometimes wish I was wearing a mouth guard. It’s a 6 speed, so little in the way of sipping your coffee on your morning commute, but despite all that? Rather fun to roll around in. Y’know?

And at least there are parts available. One reason I didn’t buy a Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky. Many parts don’t exist anymore & you’ll be scavenging from a car boneyard for headlights & ECMs.
Click to expand...

I'm glad someone else remembers Toyota MR2! I had two of them and LOVED them! One was a beautiful blue color, and the second one was red with T-top. My wife cried when I sold the second one. Had our first child on the way.
 
My jeep is worth about a brake job and 2 oil changes. Expensive? Nope. Inexpensive.

C360_2019-02-25-22-13-16-634.jpg
 
I bought LJR 2.5 yrs ago and have put about $300 into it since then. I did pay a pretty penny for it though. My TJ has been cheaper than any of the boats I’ve owned. Mine is just a toy and I find great joy wheeling it. Money well spent to me. I’ve had my YJ for 33yrs and it has has cost me less than $12K including the purchase price. That comes out to less than $400 a yr plus tags and insurance which are minimal.
If I look at the big picture I’ve met some great people and seen some unbelievable sights that I would not have experienced had I not had my Wranglers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tnjeepguy, srimes, Rickyd and 1 other person
Top Bottom