So my 92 Sundance's 4 banger finally bit the dust...and I'm looking for a new (used) car

I found a 94 Wrangler S 4x4 in my price range, with the 2.5l 4 cylinder, and a 5 speed manual. At $3,000 (could possibly talk down to 2700-2500) I am thinking it may be a little on the high side since it does have 121,000+ miles on it...with an engine rebuild at 100k and tranny rebuild at around 110k.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the 2.5l that was put in this model year's Wrangler...and how reliable it is...


I need a car that I can get another 40-60k miles out of...

 

The engine and tranny has already been rebuilt at approx 100k? You might pay attentiont to that. Other than that, I would run away from a 4 banger Jeep unless you can get it dirt cheap unless it's been regeared. In good shape 2500 would be ok but I would not expect to go anywhere fast in it or do much playing.

 

Hmm...thanks for the reply

I probabily wouldn't get around to doing anything fun in it anyway, just looking for a Wrangler/Cherokee for the 4X4 capabilities (live in an area that doesn't get plowed in the winter...) and pretty acceptable gas mileage.

But from what I read the 4.0 I6 is much better than the 2.5 all around, much more power, longer lifespan, and without much of a mileage hit

so a rebuild would be a bad sign? thought that would add to the life of the drivetrain?

 

well yes it would but, you are looking at a vehicle that well maintained can easily go 200,000 miles without anything major happening. I know, I had an '86 with 250k miles and finally I just traded it for a computer. As far as I know, it's still going and that was about 3 years ago.
My question would by why the "premature" engine and tranny failure? What other stress has been put n the vehicle? T-case? Axles?

Probably it would be fine but I would still check it thoroughly before buying. And the 4cyl will not get better mileage that the 6.0. It has to work too hard unless, like I said, it has been regeared to 4:56's - 5:13's.

 

ahhh, alright that makes sense

I think I'll pass on this one and start looking for an I6 anyway...I've spent 8 years with sub 100hp 4cyl engines that still got mileage in the low 20s...so it's about time for something with a little more kick behind it

thanks for the help

 

The only reason a 4.0 would be more reliable is because it doesnt have to rev and high or work as hard to move the vehicle. The engine is very close in design. Jeep used the 2.5 as a design reference for the 4.0, far as I know.