by Soñadora » Sat Jul 14, 2018 5:17 pm
There are "Jeeps" and there are the "Jeep" brand.
If you talk about a TJ or YJ or even the older CJs, you are talking about a vehicle that is one step up from a tractor. Any short wheelbase variant of those are terrible first cars or cars for drivers who may not understand the dangers of a short wheelbase. The exceptions are the Scrambler and the 04-06 Unlimited. They have longer wheelbases and hence less likely to exhibit the dangerous handling of the shorter wheelbase.
As for their mechanics, indeed, you will be better served if you enjoy turning a wrench. Easy vehicles to work on and they will need work after about 80,000 miles. I live "The Moose" (my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon).
But that's not what you're asking.
If you know how to and like working on cars, find a car from early 2000s that runs and handles will. Most manufacturers have decent models and any major issues have long since reared their head. Bought a 2001 Volvo V40 for the kid for $900. Needed a new alternator ($60) and struts ($140). I did all the work and it took two afternoons. It was not difficult (for me). The car has been running flawless and that's 2 years ago.
Otherwise, set a price target and find a clean car with low miles. Again, pretty much any make. Research the interwebs for standout problems. No make is flawless. You may have one person swear by a particular make only to have another person have terrible luck with the same make. Hondas were the bane of my existence. I'll never buy one. OTOH, put 200,000 miles on a Dodge Caravan with only regular maintenance. Then the head gasket blew out (due to poor driving habits from my kids).
Around these parts, Subaru wagon seems to be a popular daughter/son car.
