Re: Thinking of getting a Wrangler as second car, any suggestions??

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- Dana Rohleder
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Jul 28, 2003 2:07 PM

I wouldn't recommend a Wrangler for winter driving for the average Joe. While it will certainly go forward with the best of them in deep snow, the Wrangler has a habit of leading with the rear end! The short wheelbase, while great for off-road use, is very touchy in slippery conditions, especially in 2WD. Virtually any other Jeep would be a safer choice for winter, but I would lean toward a FWD/AWD setup for safety, such as a Subaru, RAV, etc. But if you're going to be driving in >12" of snow at low speeds, the Wrangler would be fine.

Dana Upstate NY

I need a 4 wheel drive for the winter time, and have been looking on > the web at some Wranglers. I do not want to spend a lot of money, > maybe $5000 or so, so I am looking into an older Wrangler obviously. > Can anybody steer me wrong, or does anyone know of any problem years > the Wranger had, and some i should probably stay away from. I want a > 6 cylinder. > > Thanks, > Ron

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- Wranglerjeep1
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Jul 28, 2003 2:07 PM

This is a jeep group...us bias lol. I use my YJ as a second vehicle and love it....so much that my nice car sits in the garage most of the time. 5K sould get you a pretty nice one.

Brian

88 YJ

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- Joe
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Jul 28, 2003 2:57 PM

For safety in snow, go Subaru... for fun? JEEP!!!!!!!

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- TJim
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Jul 28, 2003 3:34 PM

I agree. Something with a longer wheelbase would be more appropriate. TJim

98 TJ SE 90 SJ GW

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- QV
  
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posted
20 years ago

Wed, Jul 30, 2003 11:54 PM

In 4WD, my TJ is very good on snow and ice. It's as if the tires had spikes. Despite what people might say, I even find that braking works much better. Unfortunately, the 4WD system is part-time so you need to be constantly engaging/disengaging it as road conditions change.

As others have mentioned, in 2WD the TJ can indeed be squirrelly. However if you have a limited slip rear differential (which I strongly recommend) and you start slipping, all you need to do is let go of the gas and the TJ tends to quickly regains its composure.