Any time I buy a car I go for the last year before a refresh, so probably the 05/06 years I’d guess. But I’d be happy in any TJ/LJ that I got to build out as I want it.
What is the best year and model of Wrangler?
- Thread starter Boe
- Start date
Any time I buy a car I go for the last year before a refresh, so probably the 05/06 years I’d guess. But I’d be happy in any TJ/LJ that I got to build out as I want it.
ohiopatriot
TJ Enthusiast
The frame welds would say otherwise but I guess an attatched track bar is overrated lol2019
I’d never own a manual for an off-road vehicle... I only own manuals on sports cars. But to each their own in that regard!
I love my manual offroad, but everyone has preferences
I'm planning on get a second TJ in 2 years. I want a 2003 or 04 Rubicon, manual, black interior, and hopefully white exterior.
TJScott
TJ Enthusiast
I love my 03. I couldn’t afford a Rubicon, but did add a rear locker to the Sport. It has been a great Jeep. Mines a manual, I really like the experience driving it. But, I don’t rock crawl so I really don’t need that control you get with an automatic, going to zero miles an hour and not using the clutch is kind of nice.
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MellowYellow
TJ Enthusiast
I have a Yaller 04, 4.0, 5 spd. It's pretty much perfect except for the Dana 30/35 and unlocked 3.07 gears. Saving my nickles and dimes to upgrade.
Brianj5600
TJ Expert
I'm kind of biased, but I like my '04 Rubicon. I don't like the older interior colors and the extra money to get a Rubicon was well spent. I wanted both lockers and after wheelin with other TJs without both lockers I'm glad I held out for a Rubicon. Some of the obstacles that others struggled with I breezed through. They also had to carry more speed to make it through the sticky spots.
I'm also biased, but I don't think there is a better looking Jeep than a forest green TJ with a Sahara interior. The color combo just works. I'm not sure what year they stopped doing that color combo, but I don't remember seeing any newer year Jeeps with that combo.
If I wasn't concerned about color, a 2003-2004 Rubicon is what I would want.
If I wasn't concerned about color, a 2003-2004 Rubicon is what I would want.
A 1997-2006 TJ.
The rest depends on what you want to do with it.
The rest depends on what you want to do with it.
Pre-2000 wranglers I have looked at seem to have better part and assembly quality. It seems American car manufacturing went through some shortcutting in early 2000s.
Brianj5600
TJ Expert
Having worked for an auto manufacturer since 1985 I have seen the cycle of bean counters and car guys many,many times.
ShredAZ
TJ Enthusiast
In all my research, I've come to the conclusion that the 03-04 TJ's with the 4.0l are the best years.
If you can swing an 03-04 Rubi, you have arguably one of the best Wranglers ever made.
As mentioned previously, the 03-04's had:
If you bring the Rubi package into the equation, you now mostly nix all the issues found on the standard TJ:
If you can swing an 03-04 Rubi, you have arguably one of the best Wranglers ever made.
As mentioned previously, the 03-04's had:
- A better, stronger manual transmission (not sure about auto's)
- A better engine (not prone to head cracks, reliable OPDA assembly, less emissions equipment than 05-06, better tech than older 4.0's)
- Updated interior
If you bring the Rubi package into the equation, you now mostly nix all the issues found on the standard TJ:
- Dana 44's all around with air lockers; albeit the air lockers have questionable durability (mine have worked flawlessly)
- 4.10's standard
- Fixed rear yoke
- Sealed U-joints and stronger driveshafts
- Better T-Case
- Super cool hood decal
From a looks perspective, green Saharas are definitely the best looking, especially when they have the stock wheel cover. However, for the most part, I still generally prefer the matte fender plastic over the fully painted fenders.
That being said, I wish we had more custom paint trims like the older Wranglers had like the CJ Renegades and YJ Islanders.
Still, it could be worse. Look at the JKs and JLs. Even the Saharas are incredibly bland.
John Wolf
TJ Enthusiast
badlieutenant
TJ Addict
2006 Unlimited Rubicon
OPDA is a non issue with a <$100 crown part. Last year of the best wranglers ever made.
OPDA is a non issue with a <$100 crown part. Last year of the best wranglers ever made.