North Carolina Newb!

[Frank]

Just joined. I don't have a TJ as of right now but am looking. I had a 2005 unlimited and sold it and have missed it ever since. Am looking for another TJ. Do not like the newer 3.8v6 wranglers, heard too many bad stories on the oil burners issues. Plus not wanting to spend that much for one. Found a couple that were very close with mileage etc but have not pulled trigger yet. How much mileage on a 2000-2006 tj with the 4.0 is getting close to way too many? don't want to buy and have to rebuild or replace engine. Sorry for long post. Hope I can get some good info from here. Thanks in advance.

 

[Chris]

Welcome!

These 4.0 engines are one of the most reliable engines ever built. I've see these things regularly go to 300k without any major issues. In addition to that, I'll add that 100k miles on these things is barely broken in.

As with all engines, it simply depends on who owned it, how they drove it, and how well they maintained it. Fortunately the 4.0 isn't one of those engines that takes a whole lot of maintenance. Couple that with the fact that it's a simple engine (push rods, iron block, iron head, etc.) and what you've got there is basically a tractor engine.

I would not be deterred one bit by a vehicle with 150k+ miles, as long as the vehicle looks to be well maintained. Keep in mind that the overall condition of a vehicle (meaning the inside and outside too) are a good determining factor in how well the previous owner took care of it. What I mean by that, is that a very clean, well kept Wrangler has likely been maintained mechanically also.