How long will XJ's be DD's?

[RedHeep]

I think as long as cherokees are available, people will drive them.

I DD'd my '91 until my wife's car was paid off and we could afford another car payment. Not that I couldn't have driven it every day, but the creature comforts of the new truck are nice.

Then I parked the truck and started riding the bike. The truck is available, if I need it, but I don't have to pour diesel in it once a week. I consider the motorcycle an asset, so even though the payment ($140) and the gas is about half of what the diesel is to drive the truck everyday, I still have an extra vehicle in the garage.

If all of us are driving 17 year old XJ's everyday, then you could see exactly the same thing in 2018, when 2001's get that old.

I'd like to see the price of gas in this country force our society to change. People need to stop being so hell bent on commuting and embrace their communities. Maybe mom and pop businesses and local industries will make a comeback if people can't afford to drive 60 minutes away to a job everyday.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

I retired my '92 from DD duty shortly after having the rod and main bearings replaced, so that I could make it last as long as possible. I bought a VW TDI for the daily grind (25-30K per year).

My lifetime average (6.5 years, 165,000 miles) is about 42mpg - and that's without even trying to drive for mileage. When I do adjust a little and not drive it as hard, I've had individual tanks as high as 45-46mpg (and that's with a 4-spd automatic). Much as I like my XJ, for a long-distance commute a small turbodiesel is the only way to fly.

The XJ currently serves in a combination backup and pleasure role - other than wheeling it, I take it out in the snow, for hauling larger stuff, and on rare occasion, when the VW's out of service for work (not often, but most of those times I've been able to get a loaner from the dealership) - but it's ready to step back up to DD if necessary. I plan to use it as DD for at least a week this summer, to ensure that the everything's up to snuff for the run to Moab in October.

As long as there are XJs out there that are street-driveable, someone somewhere will keep DDing them.

Rob

 

[RichP]

We've got all jeeps, 2 97TJ's, 3 XJ's, 1 ZJ, the TJ's are all 2.5/5sp, the XJ's are all 4.0/5sp and the ZJ is a 4.0/auto, They all get 20+mpg, see no reason to get rid of them, would like to brew my own fuel though so a diesel conversion may happen to the TJ with a 4bt/NV tranny. That would take it up to the 30 mpg range from others who have done YJ's. After my daughters time with the XJ down in philly it's going to need a trip to the body shop though to take care of the dings and such, glad she only has 2 more semesters to go..

 

[Kittrell]

I've had a XJ for a DD for about 6 years now. I used to be lucky to hit 6,000 miles in a year. But with rising fuel cost, an XJ in the 11 mpg range, and a new commute that puts me at about 13,000 miles a year; I now DD a 2003 Audi A4. It averages 28-33 mpg depending on how spirited my driving is. My XJ couldn't touch that if it was brand new off the lot. It's nicer in almost everyway from my XJ as far as daily driving goes, there was just no reason not to take the XJ off the road.

 

[XJEEPER]

I average 22k miles a year and have been using my 122K mile 2000 XJ as a commuter for the last year, letting my wife have the 98 Accord V-6 (197K miles) to haul the kids. I have no car payment. Unleaded is $4.02gal today.

There are several cars I'd like to own that get better mileage than my XJ (ave 16mpg in mixed driving) but when factoring in TCO, (total cost of ownership= payment, insurance, fuel, maint, etc) it's still cheaper to drive my XJ. This may change if local fuel prices top $5.00/gal. A bike isn't practical with my employment, but I telecommute whenever possible to reduce fuel consuption.

And because I was curious about whether or not it's time to replace my O2 sensors............ http://www.ngkplugpro.ca/content/contentfiles/pdf/NTKO2-0308-1LifeExpectancyofOxygenSensors.pdf

 

[Boatwrench]

I don't believe gas will hit $6 per gallon this year.

Gasoline has been hovering steady at $4.54 per gallon 87 octane for the last three weeks and the price of a barrel has dropped the last two days. I believe that the price has leveled off because this is what the market will bear at this time. It will stay this way for about six months and then there will be a surge in prices followed by a quick drop and then a slow climb back to the topped price. Did that make sense? That seems to be the gasoline market pricing the last ten years.

I get 18mpg, but really need to calibrate the speedometer driven gear to figure it out after increasing two tire sizes bigger on the 2000. Never measure the mileage on the 88, but the 89 with the five speed would get 20+ mpg.

 

[SeansBlueXJ]

I got a job closer to home, I was doing 100miles a day, now 16 miles. Yes the xj was doing 20mpg on the highway and now only 16mpg in the city driving, but it's a matter of 5gal a day vs 1gal. It's a 2000 but i only got it 2 yrs ago and still have 2 yrs to pay it off, it's my DD untill i can afford a motorcycle, and then it will still be my cold/rainy/snowy day driver.

 

[jpcherokeekid]

Well those few can move to TEXAS but the rest of you liberal asshats can stay out there in the land of nuts.

wish i could move there. screw the liberals, GIT-R-DONE!

 

[cracked-butt]

well as the XJ is the ONLY vehicle we have, & it's paid for!!! (even if i can find a 4-banger for her).
but to replace it? yea when i can find a 1975 CJ-5 or an old wyllies jeep (in my price range .... free always works!!! lol)

 

[Tenny]

My XJ started as my DD, but when I moved it became the weekend warrior... I just use my gf's car as we commute together. I'll take 30mpg over 15mpg. We drive about 50-60 miles daily.

 

[bluejeepkid]

i think u all are forgetting something......we are ALL xj owners for life right?
well im an 18 yr old kid who doesnt make alot of money, and most of the money i get goes to a car payment and insurance (450$) and what little money i have left goes in the jeeps gas tank. why? because no matter the cost of fuel i still find a way to do what i love.....and i do it as often as possibleatriot: :cheers:

 

[cal]

It will come as a surprise to some of my SoCal brethren, but I have never owned a new car. Never wanted one either. I'm sure you know at least one person who is making $700 a month payments on some flashy truck or car. I'll wait until its a few years old, then buy one (although I don't own a single vehicle [baring RV and wife's car] newer than a '96.)
But the fleet is aging, I'm paying $4.89 a gal for regular out here and don't want to buy gas.
Although my Jeeps get twice the mileage of my trucks I drive many miles that just get me from here to there, no tools or baggage.
Maybe its time to get back on a bike...

:dunno:

This is why I bought my civic. After I factor car payment, insurance, and fuel, it costs me about $20 a month to own. I was using 2-3 tanks a gas per week in the XJ and I use 2-3 tanks a month in the civic.

 

[Ramsey]

Damn right cal. But I got mine from my dads gf's mother for 2k, was worth about 5 but that was all she was gonna get on trade in. Sure I liked driving a xj, but I havent done it daily in ages, before the honda I drove a 4runner getting a whopping 14mpg, I like the xj, but its purpose now is to ride on a trailer.

 

[cal]

Well gas here is still 3.89 a gallon. Now I can see why all you californians are moving to texas. Just live ur liberal california thinking there because we are good God Fearing, gun toting, bbq eating conservatives around here.

Pssst! your ignorance is showing..

 

[Jump This]

This is why I bought my civic. After I factor car payment, insurance, and fuel, it costs me about $20 a month to own. I was using 2-3 tanks a gas per week in the XJ and I use 2-3 tanks a month in the civic.

This is one of the points I was making.
Savings....

 

[Darky]

Mine will be DD until I can buy something else. And then only because I want to be able to tear it apart and not worry bout gettin to work the next day. I get about 18 mpg average right now. A lot of it is highway (currently 60 miles round trip to work, soon to drop to 15-20) but I don't baby it. 6" lift 30" tires, 3.55 gears...I know I need bigger tires, but they's espensive!

 

[poorboy_616]

I can't afford, yet have room for a third vehicle. So my XJ will be my DD for along time to come.

It helps that my commute between the three buildings I clean is only about 20 miles round trip.....

 

[Mtb Jak]

I see about 30 xjs a day here in upstate NY, and i havent seen any less of them, but i think come winter theyll only be out in the snow...

 

[camarors8992]

Sucks to live in california then. Gas is about $4.00/gal here which is still high, but I don't think we'll see $6.00/gal

 

[Darky]

Sucks to live in california then. Gas is about $4.00/gal here which is still high, but I don't think we'll see $6.00/gal

It does. At least here in the desert housing prices are still low. Mainly because it hits 120-130* in the summer here!