Looking to get a Wrangler. Seeing so much written about their unreliability but that some years are more reliable. For those who know Wranglers, what are the most reliable years?
What are the most reliable years for the Wrangler?
- Thread starter Kiraly
- Start date
I really like my 97. It has less crap...one cat, distributor and coil not a rail...than other years.
-Mac
-Mac
Ditto through my 99 model … 2000 started with plug on coil and a little more complicated.
My 99 has 220,150 miles and been rock solid. I ordered new.
Good Luck on your research.
My 99 has 220,150 miles and been rock solid. I ordered new.
Good Luck on your research.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
My 05 has been great no problems what so ever, but then again it only has about 45k miles on it. I know there is the worry about the squirreling monkeys but I think there is more hype than actual issues.
I like the late models (03-06). If I were starting over and doing a mild build I’d look for an ‘04 Rubicon. 05-06 are known for PCM issues. 97’s just have several oddities since it was the first year. I dislike a lot of little things about the 98-02’s, but they did offer the 32rh transmission those years, which is a plus. Tough call!
Rumor has it the 96’s have zero problems. I’ve never heard a single complaint on here about them!
But…..but…it doesn’t have square headlights?
Personally I'd say 03-04. No issues with my 06, but 05 and 06 are known to have some issues, nothing major that can't be fixed relatively inexpensively. Before I bought the 04 rubi I had, I did a pretty extensive search on the "best" years and came up with 04 as the best.
I've had almost every year TJ. The best year TJ to buy is the one that the PO did all the maintenance on, religiously. My 03' Rubicon is that Jeep to me. That's why it's the only Jeep that I've sold and bought back.
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According to motorandwheels.com, here are the most reliable years for the Jeep Wrangler:
- 2018 Jeep Wrangler
- 2015 Jeep Wrangler
- 2010 Jeep Wrangler
- 2003 Jeep Wrangler
- 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Or not. That article is not talking about reliability. They chose 2003 because the Rubicon came out. And 1997 because of the new suspension design.
I'd be happy with a '97 to '04 and within that group I'd be happiest with a '97 to '99. I don't like the potential PCM and Oil Pump Drive Assembly (aka OPDA) issues only 05/06 models have. And I don't really care if anyone disagrees with that second sentence.
I wouldn't focus on a single year instead judge each tj on how it has been maintained and cared for. Any year can be garage if not maintained. Has it been cleaned regularly? Maintenence done regularly?
03-04 are the best years in my opinion.