Newbie with questions

[shadow]

Hi all,
I have been lurking in the shadows for the last little while and I figured I should pipe up and ask some questions.
First of all, I don't own a jeep yet but am looking...more on that later.
I guess first of all I would like to know if there are a good amount of trails around the Halifax area (or at least relatively close). I am looking to get a Jeep so that my 14 yr old son and I can have a little fun in the mud on the weekends(of course my wife and dog too...lol). I would also want to drive it in the winter so I am looking for something for both dirt and street. Of course my first step would be to join the NSJC since going by yourself isn't all that fun....do you guys go out alot?
I guess this is where my dilemna is. i have looked at probably 5 or 6 YJ/CJ's in the last cpl weeks. Maybe I am not that up on the values but it seems that people want far too much for them.
That brings me to my next question. I like the YJ/Cj because the roof can come off in the summer but I am now thinking that maybe I should look at Cherokee's too...being that I just turned 40 and like to be comfy instead of beating the shit out of my bladder...lol. Any input on that from guys who know? I saw quite a few Cherokee limiteds and such for around the same price as I am seeing YJ's for....early to mid 90's around the 3000-4500 area depending on condition of course.
Anyway this is getting too long so if you could give me a reply with some opinions on all of this I would appreciate it. Also if anyone knows of any good deals they would like to pass along or what I should look out for when checking either a YJ or Cherokee out I would welcome them.
Thanks a bunch

[Creepy]

generally speaking, the prices on "top off" jeeps are inflated. they are very popular, and rust out pretty bad, so it's a sellers market.

And this is the worst time of year to be looking.

have you considered Grand Cherokee's? they wheel pretty good, lots of room for your family, really easy to lift. tons of good deals around.

[shadow]

Hey Chopshop,
I guess it is not just me then...lol.

Yes that is what I meant to say in my original post....Grand Cherokee. They seem to be much better priced for what you get...not sure how good they are for muddin but I am thinking they are comfy...lol. Any certain things you have to be leary about concerning them?

[bobthenailer]

Hey shadow. I'm a newbie too. Just got my first Jeep and I love it. I fell into a good deal on a YJ and it's worth the extra cash to be able to tear the roof off.

The best advice you can get it is...

#1-- Listen Chopshop and the rest of the experienced folks on this board. They really know their stuff and they are more than willing to share their knowledge.

#2-- APJ Automotive on Cobequid Road in Sackville.

[Creepy]

i guess i'm the official "go to" guy for Grands around here. i pimp them pretty hard. no one has been disappointed with them so far.

no one used to wheel them, but they are very capable, everyone just thought they were expensive to fix, or buy , or whatever, but it's not the case. if you don't mind the bit of extra girth, go for it.

they ride nicer than an xj.

the drivetrain is all the same as xj, anyway. parts are easy as pie to find. just watch out for rust, i guess.

check around the upper control arm mounts in the rear, the rockers, and the floors behind the rear wheelwells.
tailgate hatches go bad too.

i'd look for one with a 4.0 and 242 tcase. 242 has awd, 4x4, and low. the awd is awesome in snow.

[shadow]

Thanks Chopshop,
That is exactly what I need is a go to guy...lol. Definitely don't want to get into a money pit type of situation. So the tcase is a 242 as long as it has an awd,4x4,and low setting?
Any pics or sites that you have that shows what they look like pimped up...lol. Nothing too outrageous but something to give me ideas for the first time I go out with the club and get stuck....lol