My 2000 Wrangler 4-banger is box-stock, as delivered from the dealer,> delivers 14-15mpg, and *will not* do more than 70 mph. The only thing> I've done since new (now 45K) is oil changes, lube, and filters. Well,> that and the following repairs (all under warranty, thank God):>

1. New transmission> 2. New alternator> 3. New power steering pump (twice)> 4. New cat and exhaust manifold> 5. New computer> 6. New SKM and keys>

After owning a TJ, a YJ, and two CJ's over the last 20 years, experience> has taught me to *never* drive a Jeep farther into the back-country than> I'm willing to walk in an afternoon (and *always* sell it before the> powertrain warranty runs out). Our most recent adventure involved> getting stuck in Big Bend country for 10 hours (until the Border Patrol> found us) because the %&@^#%$ "computer" decided we had tried to start> the thing with the "wrong key" and kept firing the ASD circuit. I'd like> to rip the whole SKM subsystem out, prefering that the Jeep be stolen> rather than leave us stranded in the boonies when the "security" system> fails again (our Wrangler divides it's time between fence running on our> ranch, being towed behind our motorhome, and exploring fire roads,> trails, and the deserts of the Southwest; it spends almost zero time on> paved roads, other than when it's being towed).>

Jeep's are a blast, but mechanically they're crap. Of course, I could> say the same thing about my Harley.>

On the other side of the spectrum, I've owned two Toyota FJ40s (a '74> and a '79) and never experienced a single problem of any kind with> either of them. Wish you could still buy one here in the States.> Preferably a diesel.>

Bill