Why an XJ?
Why an XJ versus a ZJ? It’s taken me a long time to settle on this platform as my family wheeler. While this article is a direct comparison against the ZJ I will now add a couple of extra bits of information now that I’ve been living with the XJ for almost a half a year.
Sometimes I kind of wish I had bought a Tahoe. Just for the extra space in the driver’s compartment. Nothing is as roomy as a fullsize. I knwo that the Tahoe won’t be able to do the things that the XJ will but I still get that inkling every once in a while.
Looking back at the Xterra, I am really glad I didn’t buy one of those. That would have been a disaster. Especially now that I’ve been hearing more and more bad things about those trucks. Xterra’s a rusty POS it would seem. Nissans are in general so I shouldn’t be too surprised there. It is also supposed to be very thristy (15-18 mpg vs XJ’s 20-24 mpg).
I finally settled on the XJ. Why? Couple big reasons (my order of importance):
* ZJ uses a Chrysler automatic transmission. Don’t go there. I’ve Bt/dt as well as several friends.
* XJ is slightly smaller. This translates to better off-road most of the time.
* XJ has more aftermarket. Rear bumpers in particular have more options on the XJ. Haven’t seen what I would call a good looking bumper for the ZJ. Even the TR bumper for the ZJ without the “gay” light guards does not appeal to me. The TR bumper is the best of the bunch for ZJs IMO.
* XJ is cheaper to lift. This was pretty important to me as my intention is a 32″-33″ tire. That tire size can get you into the $1200 range on the ZJ depending on which lift you buy.
The compromises I am making with this decision:
* ZJ rides nicer on road. No dispute there. Rear coils make a difference – see expensive to lift above. Mind you Tera Mfg does make a 6″ coil kit for the XJ…bling-bling. I’ll probably need to rig up some kind of an anti-wrap bar on the XJ if I end up going 4:1 t-case gears.
* ZJ has more cargo room, more rear bench room. XJ has really small rear passenger room and the rear doors are almost a joke. But my boy is just a year old, not a big deal at this time. Truck will probably be all used up by the time it becomes an issue. Other friends and family that don’t fit? Tough.
* ZJ is generally a better looking machine. (debatable – XJ looks better when done up with an ARB bumper, flares, etc IMO).