Drove my buddy's '84 CJ with a 4 cylinder in it back in the day. It was fun, but I wasn't overly impressed with the lack of power. Then I had the chance to drive a '73 bullnose Commando with a 304 V8 in it for a couple of months. Loved it! Bought a new '90 Toyota Xtracab 4X4, but it wasn't the same. Sold it. No 4X4 until I got a '79 Cherokee Golden Eagle, and then an '84 Grand Wagoneer. Eventually sold those, as well. Bought the wife's 96 XJ 2-door in 2012, and we still have it. Bought my '98 TJ Sahara from the original owner because it was cheap. Let me rephrase that: It was cheap to obtain. Ain't nothin' cheap about 'em once you commit to "improving" them!
*I'm not sure I actually qualify as being part of "the Jeep life". I love the automobile, in general, and have owned a lot of vehicles through the years (north of 300) . I plan on hanging onto the TJ, though. It's gonna go with me into retirement (well, that's the plan, anyways!).