New buyer: XJ or KJ?

drutledge79 · **Joined:** Fri Nov 08, 2013 11:33 pm **Posts:** 4

First, I am new to the board. Looks like a lot of good information here. I have a couple of questions for the Libery experts.

I'I am coming from an older full size truck and looking for something smaller. I'm not afraid of doing some work but I despise automatic transmissions and definitely want a manual.

First, what are the trade-offs between a late model XJ vs. any year KJ? The Cherokees will cost a little less but that is less of a concern. I just want a simple, small 4x4 SUV. Given the old style and long history of the XJ, I figure that the KJ is more refined and better on the road. Is this true? Is it quieter and more comfortable? How is the reliability difference between the old 4.0 and the 3.7L?

Second question: if I go w/a Liberty, is there much difference between the 2 5-speeds and the 6-speed transmissions offered?

Thanks so much!

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Nov 09, 2013 6:48 pm

Having had 3 XJs over the years all bought new
and buying a 04 KJ new
I'll take the KJ over any XJ as far as ride, comfort, daily driving etc. Not really that much difference in room I don't think and easier to get in and out of a KJ.
As far as reliability, I'll take the KJ again. 193,000 on mine, buddy has an 03 with almost 225,000 both with no problems, just take them out and bow the carbon out and they'll do fine.
Mileage is also better than what I ever got with a XJ
As far as aftermarket parts, of course XJs win since they are like a Wrangler, just open your check book and a catalog and buy whatever you want. But build up a KJ and it'll go most any place you want to and will be different than every other 4X4 out there most times
Lifts for a good lift is about the same prices
As far as manuals I've only driven one after we lifted it here, peppy for sure

drutledge79 · **Joined:** Fri Nov 08, 2013 11:33 pm **Posts:** 4

Awesome. That is what I figured about the on-road characteristics. That is honestly more the concern for me.

Now to figure out if any particular year is better than another. I am not against a KK but I think the manuals were more common in the KJ and the price will be better.

Is there anything in particular I should seek or avoid in terms of features or of the 3 diff transmissions? I haven't seen much on them in my research so it seems like it doesn't matter too much.

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

Just avoid the 2.4L 4 cylinder! (A lot of 5 speeds were paired to it).

drutledge79 · **Joined:** Fri Nov 08, 2013 11:33 pm **Posts:** 4

Why? Seems like the mileage should be better. Was it a bad engine?

streetglideok · **Posted:** Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:19 pm

The four cylinder gas engines had lower gearing(4.10) to help make up for the higher power band and general lack of power vs the V6. That makes for an engine heavily worked, and burns about as much fuel as a V6 does with no power. All the fuel mileage posts I've seen seem to point to the four cylinder gas being about the same as the V6. Only way to get better mileage is to get a CRD Liberty. 2005-2008 offered the 6speed manual which is what I have, and I get 20-22mpg on the highway, at 6k feet of elevation.

drutledge79 · **Joined:** Fri Nov 08, 2013 11:33 pm **Posts:** 4

Ok that makes sense. You have to pair the proper motor to the vehicle. Thanks for the advice.

KJScott · **Posted:** Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:02 pm

I had an '88 XJ, 5 speed. I loved it and it was fun to drive, and awesome on the trail, great rig except for, electrical connector issues, and a fire in the dash that destroyed it. 4.0 is a strong torque motor. I have had my KJ for 7 years now, fun to drive, good on trails and very reliable. You should drive both and see how you like them. 5 speed 6 cylinders are hard to find, add 4WD and the search is more difficult. If I had money, I would have one of each. Be prepared to defend your rig if you get the KJ, there are still morons out there that love to bash them.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sun Nov 17, 2013 1:13 am

I am a former XJ owner, and I loved mine. I would probably still have it if it wasn't totaled by a hit and run. But from a practicality standpoint, the newest one you could get is now almost 13 years old if it was a 2001 model (the last year they were made). Mine was a 2000 and it was a high maintenance diva. She never let me down but she was pricey to keep happy after about 100,000 miles.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Dec 11, 2013 4:23 pm

Buy both!

I love our KJ, but I also love our XJ. They are two completely different Jeeps with different personalities and functions. In my opinion, the XJ has the better engine and transmission.

New buyer: XJ or KJ?

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