Community Forums

sstehman · 09-25-2015, 01:20 PM

I have read over and over that jeeps are one of the best for flat towing. 1 year in and we are ready to ditch the tow dolly routine.

Came across an excellent condition 2002 Jeep SE Wrangler. We checked the manual and it says it can be towed just by putting in neutral. It had one owner and all service records are available as he bought and had serviced at the same dealer since owning.

We don't want to buy a $30 - 40K jeep just for towing and this seems like a good one for us.

Question is --- it is 4 cylinder. Will that have any affect on the towing of the jeep for speed. I am thinking not since it is in neutral.

Any other concerns you might mention before we sign on dotted line?

wingnut60 · 09-25-2015, 02:03 PM

I think your only problem with a 4 cyl motor is when you try to go faster than 20...

justafordguy · 09-25-2015, 02:18 PM

Or try to sell it.

wingnut60 · 09-25-2015, 04:42 PM

Ought to be terrific at crawling down Black Bear Pass, tho....

sstehman · 09-26-2015, 06:49 AM

Took this jeep for a second test ride last evening on the highway. The check engine light came on as soon as we started it. It did not come on the first drive we took. Carfax reports shows several instances of emissions issues. Dealer replaced the sensor right before the put it on the lot.

Have been told that usually only fixes things for about 100 miles then it will come on again. Well, the check engine light came on last evening.

Could see it reaching max speed just under 60.

So....disappointed as it is in beautiful condition, but they are not even giving a 30 days warranty and we don't want to inherit the problem.

Will keep looking....probably for something newer that won't totally break the bank.

Thanks for the input.

MCJones · 09-26-2015, 06:57 AM

You know your budget but in 2012 Jeep changed engines to a fantastic v6, better than any motor previously. In 2012 I went to buy a used Jeep and but I went new because of this improvement. same engine as they put in their Grand Cherokee. hope this helps, mark

onechaddude · 09-26-2015, 07:04 AM

The wranglers command high dollar on the used market. Somewhere I read the wrangler has the highest resale value of any American made car. I'm not sure of the age you are looking for but if you are going back aways the 4.0 in line 6 cylinder engine was extremely reliable. My son has a 1997 model with 160,000 miles and runs great. The only real issue with them is a slight rear main seal drip as the age. My sons has a slight drip to his but so small it's not enough to worry about now.

When I was looking for his I wanted 97 or newer as that was the beginning of the newer body style. Also be aware of 97-02 models had a undercoating of the frame that wasn't the greatest by today's standards. Some of those in the rust belt got pretty bad. In looking for his last year we could not find anything that ran or looked halfway decent for under 5-6 grand.

Best of luck in your search.

Chad

mpm2433 · 09-26-2015, 07:28 AM

If you could find a 2009-20011 Jeep JK (2dr) or JKU (4dr) they can be purchased in the mid to high teens. 2009 and later they don't have steering locks, no key needed to tow. 2011 and earlier is the 3.8L v6. Less power but fine as a TOAD vehicle. In 2012 they go to 3.6 +100hp. The early JK's are good value.

On my 2013 JKU, i am using the Blue Ox tow bar with "off road adapters" I tow it from the shackle tabs on my bumper.

Good Luck...

becks · 09-26-2015, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCJones

You know your budget but in 2012 Jeep changed engines to a fantastic v6, better than any motor previously. In 2012 I went to buy a used Jeep and but I went new because of this improvement. same engine as they put in their Grand Cherokee. hope this helps, mark

+1 Go 2012 or newer if budget allows, you won't be disappointed.