Whats the difference...1997 to 2016 TJ

[dukeh1962]

Hi everyone, I am looking to move my JK along and go back to a TJ petrol that has less bells and whistles, can anyone tell me how much difference from the 1997 TJ petrol to the 2016 (pre JK) TJ..
EG: Computer assisted functions...stupid dinging noises for leaving your keys in, that sort of thing?
Thanks in advance.

[Nanook]

My 2000 TJ had all the stupid dinging noises so I'd imagine that it's the same on all years.

Thankfully the barrel for the ignition key was so worn that I could just pull the key out far enough that it would stop. In fact, it was so worn after a rough track I'd find my keys on the floor at my feet and the engine still running.

It freaked me out the first time it did it. I went to turn the car off and there was no keys!

It really had nothing in the way of computer assistance though so was very basic.

I really miss the half doors though which was a feature on the early models.

[Struth]

Ditto! My 01TJ has the same barrel issue if you can call it an issue as it's handy when trying to negate the annoying beeps.

I think you make a smart choice dukeh1962... after 20 years I'm happier than a dog with two dicks.

Rant time...
I bought my second TJ new and at times I think I need to update to the JK but in reality, I've come too far down the rabbit hole - 3" lift, 33x10's, SYE, 4.10's, lower long arms, rear disks, etc. It's no easy feet setting up a TJ to ride like a JK although IMOP it's worth it in the long run because you get something that you can't buy these days and that is simplicity. I don't need electric windows, ABS, hill assist, descent control, climate control and buttons all over my steering wheel, don't get me wrong I love computers but I don't need them choosing what gear I'm meant to be in, much less all the functions they control in late model Jeeps.
Simplicity = reliability in my book and after punishing my latest TJ for 17 years it's still the most reliable car I've owned and I hope I'm never forced to part with it, NEVER!

You might want to consider the 00 to 03 with the NV3550, it's the strongest most reliable in the range - The NV3550 will keep running half full of water upside down in a creek and then limp onto the nearest highway with little or no damage, it's bulletproof! And while I'm talking boxes, the 00-03 also has the strongest steering box that's easily rebuildable unlike the 04-07, at least that what I was informed by Supasteer

I'm in the same state if you would like to check out my ride someday PM me, good luck finding a nice TJ

[Nanook]

My TJ had 200000 Kms on the clock when I sold it. Never missed a beat the whole time. The only thing I changed on it was the radiator and wheel bearings.

The only reason I upgraded to a JK was because I needed more room and a bit more power to tow a camper trailer.

I love the JK but I really miss the TJ, it was a lot more fun to drive than the JK with heaps more character.

Apart from a bit more room, the only thing the JK has over the TJ is that it's a lot more comfortable to drive longer distances.

The guy that bought it from me flew from Brisbane to Newcastle jumped in and drove it home that day and loved every minute of it. I would have been fatigued 2 hours up the road LOL

[Gildo]

Good to see more guys wanting simplicity over bells and whistles.
I had a conversation recently with a lifelong keeper who is looking to trade down from his 2nd JK to a 350powered Cherokee Chief.
Simple, fixable, powerful and comfortable.(and thirsty?)

[pezimm]

I've started looking for a Wrangler to use as the weekend getaway vehicle. Don't want to spend a fortune, but don't want to buy a car that will give me grief.

What's the best option, a 96-97 TJ petrol-manual for 6k-7k? Or a 2005-06 for something like 10k?

Some JKs popping up for about 10-11k as well, are they worth it?

Any advice appreciated!

[Struth]

Whatever you get,
get one that's had the least owners and as always, have a mechanic thoroughly check it out before you buy it.

I'd go 00-04 and above...
Late models 04 and up have better seats and a bit more plastic
The six speed is great (04 and above I think) but the 5 speed is stronger.
The 00-02 (not sure about earlier models) has the stronger Saginaw steering box.
00-04 has the bulletproof NV3550 five-speed.
The 97 came with the AX15 which is good and a Cassette player for confusing the Kids.

Don't know much about the JK except parts cost more