Tater Raider wrote:JK Wrangler has a couple 12v DC outlets and a 120v AC inverter outlet for charging the cell phone. I'm not sure on the TJ. Don't go older than the TJ though unless you also plan to buy a trailer if you have/plan to have any sort of family as lack of cargo space becomes an issue. TJ Unlimited is somewhat and JK Unlimited are family of 4 compatible. And I'd still prefer an FJ Cruiser over the JK I ended up getting (and I'd marry my Jeep if I could
). YMMV.
Hopefully others can give you something else good/negative on the rest.
My '97 TJ didn't have an AC inverter. Hell, it didn't even have air conditioning.
To the OP.
Of the ones you listed I've owned:
'97 TJ Wrangler Sport. Very spartan jeep compared to the newer JK models. Great motor in the 4.0, but limited carrying capacity. Avoid the 4 cylinder models, if possible. Rubicons are very desirable. As are the LJs (TJ "Unlimited"), if you can find one. No major mechanical issues.
'99 4Runner "Highlander" Sport. Great vehicle. Very reliable. Roomy, without being too big. Good cargo space. The Highlander package came with 4.10 gearing which is nice on the hills where I live. Probably sat the highest (factory) out of all the later year 4Runners I've compared it to. Mine was a stick with a rear locker. (I miss that vehicle.)
'03 Xterra. Reliable. Anemic motor. I believe it's been replaced since with more HP in newer models. Didn't have any major mechanical issues with it, but to be fair, I didn't have it that long (+/- 30,000 miles) as my job changed and I needed something with better gas mileage.
'07 JK Wrangler (2 Door) Sahara. Okay power. Great offroad capability and aftermarket support. Stock Dana 44 rear and 4.10 gears (factory option with my year). Limited cargo capacity, though roof racks are readily available in many sizes. Other cargo options are hitch carriers and spare tire cargo racks. JK is a more comfortable on-road drive than previous models, but you will still know you're in a Jeep.
Many power complaints will be heard about the motor. Not really noticeable with the 2 door, more so with the heavier 4 door. Gets worse if (when
) you "upgrade" the tires, wheels, armor, etc. If you are considering a 4 door and a new vehicle isn't out of the question, look into the 2012 as they increased the HP from 202 to 285. Rubicons are very desirable if you plan to offroad it, as it will come from the factory with lockers, 4.10 gears, Dana 44 front and rear, etc.,. Ready to perform out of the box. Most consider them the most offroad capable factory vehicle you can buy.
Of the ones I've owned, the 4Runner was the nicest road ride, with adequate offroad performance. I admit, I never really offroaded it in anything too difficult. Absolutely incredible in the snow.
The JK is the best offroad vehicle I've owned. Amazing where they can go stock. Even more amazing when you start modding. Road manners aren't bad (better than previous Wranglers) and I don't hesitate to take it on long trips, but it is a trade-off for offroad capability. Take a long test drive before you buy a Wrangler. They aren't for everyone.
What I've learned with my purchases was that IFS is nice for getting groceries in bad weather, but give me a solid axle any day for offroad performance. You have to decide where you want to focus.
-edited for spelling
