Is a MJ reliable enough for a daily driver

[typicaljeepname]

Hi, this is a very general question, but I've done research on this topic but am having trouble finding something close to a definitive answer. I'm looking into doing a Comanche resto for a first vehicle, as i really like the vehicle, but the reliability due to it being over 30 years old is the main reason holding me back rn. Time commitment isn't a problem for me especially during the summer, and I have a budget of 13-15k. Is it realistic to get one in reliable working condition, a solid body, and interior and exterior within those parameters, and if i do all the work i can myself or with a family member's help? The main use for this would be a DD for at least around 6 years, and some light yard work/pulling a small trailer. I've read the 4.0L is the most reliable engine, and this question is also based on myself finding a Comanche with one and no frame rust within under half my budget.

 

thanks for any help in advance

[89 MJ]

It would be plenty reliable, in my opinion. Just make sure you go through Cruiser’s tips. My MJ was my first vehicle and when I’m home, it shares daily duties with my AMC Eagle. My truck was a complete restoration too.

 

You should be able to find a truck in your budget. If I were you, I’d try to buy the nicest truck you can afford. Instead of buying a $3,000 truck that needs rust repair and paint, you may want to consider buying an $8,000-$10,000 truck from down south or out west that needs less work. 
 

I also think that the 2.5L is just as good of an engine as the 4.0 and there’s no reason to steer clear of one of those. 
 

You may want to check this thread out:

 

[Salvagedcircuit]

For your application, I'd say it'll work a treat. The 4.0L and 2.5 are good engines, just avoid any Peugeot transmission.

If you live in a non-dense area, It will suit your needs well. If you live in los angeles or NYC and want to use it as a DD, you sir are truly nuts.

If I were to do it again, I'd find an '89+ 4x4 MJ from a southern state with low rust

I think 89 was the year they moved away from duct-tape electrical crimps when the electrical harness was redesigned but I have not confirmed this.

Keep in mind southern trucks may not have used glycol coolent, and used straight water instead. so your radiator will likely need replacement on a southern truck and the engine a good flush.

[89 MJ]

15 minutes ago, Salvagedcircuit said:

I think 89 was the year they moved away from duct-tape electrical crimps when the electrical harness was redesigned but I have not confirmed this.

 

My 89 was built in January of 89 and there is no duct tape on the wiring. 

[Spinnakerblue89]

I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way to some folks on here, but I take a nuanced approach to this question. I say the Comanche is a reliable vehicle for a daily driver because it certain was for it's time and can be still. But it's reliability will only falter if it's maintenance isn't kept up, and it helps to know how an older vehicle like this works, because applying what we know about new and modern vehicles may not be the correct thinking for these, i.e. electronically controlled mechanisms vs. vacuum... That sort of thing. 

[derf]

Any older vehicle, especially one that is ove 30 years old, can possibly be reliable as a daily driver.

 

The caveat is that a vehicle that old will require no small amount of maintenance.  If that maintenance has been done (either over the years or in one big restoration effort), especially dealing with any rust, there's no reason it can't be reliable.

 

If any of the serious maintenence hasn't been done, I would focus on doing that before trying to use it as a daily.

[watchamakalit]

My suggestion as a long time MJ daily driver is to become intimate with at least the diagnosis methods that surround the particular vehicle you choose. Be aware it is a 30yr old truck, things can and will go wrong\fail. How you are prepared to deal with them makes all the difference.

[White_Comanche]

If you can find a nice survivor truck in good mechanical condition... and appearance - then you'll likely be sitting pretty for a while.

 

As a success story, I purchased my MJ with about the same level experience of working on vehicles as a girl :)

 

As with many others on here, you may actually fall in L-o-v-e with your truck.

 

Doing projects on mine as been a real joy. The collective knowledge base on CC is in your favor.

[eaglescout526]

My two cents, don’t settle unless you are coming up empty on your search. Granted it does take time. I say this because 86 has the 2.8L which sucks but if you have time and money, you can search and swap to a 3.4L from a GM car and get better power and reliability

86 early 87 had a Renault 2.1L turbo diesel. If you’re new to Jeeps and this history, steer clear of this engine as you’ll have a hard time finding parts. If not, pick one of these up if you can find it. 
 

Renix is really easy to work it for 86-90. All you really need is electrical knowledge and a multimeter to diagnose damn near everything on these Jeeps. 
91-92 HO is a different animal. It’s Chryslers OBD1 and provides better diagnostics but from what I have heard, sensors are becoming hard to find like some of the Renix specific ones. 
 

All in all, a damn good daily driver, a unique one too. If taken care of, it will take care of you and provide a long life of worry free and comfort. Reliable is an understatement for the engines and trans options. 

If you’re not careful, you might find yourself with an XJ or an SJ haha.

[Salvagedcircuit]

1 hour ago, eaglescout526 said:

If you’re not careful, you might find yourself with an XJ or an SJ haha.

Or another MJ

[GonzoTheGreat]

With that time frame and budget it’s definitely doable, but just know that if you want the truck to be bullet-proof, you’re probably going to spend a significant amount of your budget on parts, infinite time working on it, and you won’t make your money back when you sell it.

 

I spent about 2 months of full time labor and at least $4k in parts to get my ‘89 to a “mostly done” condition and it took me on a 9,000 mile road trip with almost no issues. Again, “mostly done,” and “almost no issues.”

 

You’ll probably never stop tinkering with it, but if you’re ok with that lifestyle, it’s a great platform to work with. There’s plenty of support here, and it’s a fun vehicle to drive. You’ll never get gas again without hearing “you don’t see a lot of those anymore.”

 

But also, once you start, you may never stop, and when you accidentally own 2 or 3 or more Comanches, don’t say we didn’t warn you.