Community Forums

Floridafran · 07-23-2011, 10:47 AM

Hi all,

My sister and brother-in-law are looking for a used 2 door, hard top, Jeep Wrangler 4X4 to use as a toad. They haven't been considering anything with a 4 cylinder engine because they worry that it would be under-powered.

I know a lot of people here tow Wranglers but have no idea if any are 4 cylinder models. Our 4 door Wrangler is a 6 cylinder, so I can't help them.

Any advice or information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Brigadoon · 07-23-2011, 11:28 AM

I've had both 4 and 6 cylinder Wranglers, all with manual transmissions, and prefer the 6. The 4 will take you anywhere you want to go, but the 6 does it easier. If they go with a hardtop, and air conditioning, they will notice a definite drag on the power when the air is running with the 4 cylinder.

Hikerdogs · 07-24-2011, 09:11 AM

I agree with Brigadoon. While the 4 cylinder models do get you there they have to work a lot harder to do it. We currently have a 2004 Wrangler Sport with the 6 cylinder. There are times when even the 6 cylinder seems a bit under powered. If you don't intend to do much Intrestate highway driving the 4 cylinder will probably do. Don't expect to go 65 - 70 mph with it for extended periods, especially if it's windy. For speeds of 55 and below, or casual off roading it will probably be just fine.

tncruiser · 07-24-2011, 11:35 AM

also you will only find the 4 cyl in 2006 an previous years, if you go back far enough you will also find V8s (o those were the days)
brianj

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 07-24-2011, 11:42 AM

My 1999 2 dr 4w/d 4 cylinder worked great as a tow and my every day get around vehicle. It was std shift. I have a 4dr 4w/d automatic with the 3.8liter 6 cyl. as my current toad. I would say that the lighter 2 dr with 4 cyl had as much get up and go as the heavier 4dr with auto.xmission. IMOH.

wildtoad · 07-24-2011, 11:55 AM

I had a mid 90's 4 cyl manual Wrangler rag top no AC. Plenty of power, drove 40 miles each way to work and back in hot SC on interstates at normal hiway speeds. Gave to son who drove it a few years as well and as you might guess did not baby it. Did great. Having said that given the choice go with 6, esp if you want AC.

Brigadoon · 07-24-2011, 04:06 PM

Ronnie, I'm waiting to test drive the new 6 with the 5 speed auto trans. But what I have been waiting a loooonnnggg time for is a diesel. But if the new 6 produces good power I may spring for it, otherwise I'll keep my '02.

Floridafran · 07-24-2011, 04:09 PM

Thanks for all the replies. You've verified what my brother-in-law thought.

They will need to have the AC since they live in Florida and this will replace my sister's car. And although she can drive a stick, she'd prefer auto. She just joined the world of the retired, so it won't be driven every day. But, except for when they're on trips, most of the time she drives it will be fairly short distances, in stop and go traffic.

Thanks again.

FOSJ · 08-11-2011, 01:11 PM

Brigadoon, do you trailer both your bike and jeep? If so I would be intereseted in your setup. I'm doing the research to trailer 2 bikes (streetglide and deluxe) and a car/jeep. Would you mind sharing? You can contact me directly at csc7504@gmail.com.

thanks

Floridafran · 08-11-2011, 04:35 PM

EOSJ,

Brigadoon might not check back to this thread since he already answered my question. You might want to send him a private message, or post a new thread with your question.

All,

My sister and brother-in-law lucked into a great deal on a 2008, 2 door, hardtop Wrangler with low miles. Have it all set up to tow when we head out in 2 weeks.

Later,
Fran

Brigadoon · 08-13-2011, 08:03 AM

FOSJ

Steve, I sent you a PM.

UnitedRN · 08-13-2011, 12:19 PM

We are selling our 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4 V6 Automatic with Air Hard Doors and Blue Ox baseplate and wiring. Only has 24,500 miles on it. Email me if interested JoeHesano@aol.com

UnitedRN · 08-14-2011, 06:46 AM

Oops...Not a V6...Straight Six

Retiredblade · 08-24-2011, 04:29 AM

I have a 2000 4 cyl automatic Wrangler, I'm satisfied with it, but I don't go over 65 mph with it. I should have got a 6 cyl but got the 4 for gas mileage but I think the 6 get better mpg. Go with the six.