MPG for Old Wagoneers & Commandos

[suladan]

I've decided to buy an older Jeep. (I can work on pre-1975's, so it will save me $$$). It's just a question of which model is right for me. Mainly a daily driver but also needed for long trips to mountains and desert. So I have three questions. First, do any of the Wagoneer's and Commandos come with 6 cylinder engines, and could one get 15 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the road with either? Second, which early Jeep is the best for comfortable long trips? Third, are there any early Jeep models (1966 to 1974) that I have missed? (That is, with reasonable gas mpg plus a nice ride for long trips). Thanks. dave in Oregon 503-977-5185.

[suladan]

I've been told to try a mid-1970's Cherokee if I want good mpg and a better ride. I'm also told I could still fix it no problem. With an everage engine, could I get 15 mpg in town and 20 on the road? Also, is there much different in the different year models from 1974 to 1978 or so? (Not sure when the line started). Thanks.

[woodybeone]

Welcome.
I believe the best motor for the best mileage has to be the 6 cyl. along with a manual tranny and a light foot. smile.gif The best I can get out of a 360 V8 is 11/15 properly tuned, standard rear gearing, also with a light foot and this has been argued up and down here. There is a 230/232& 258 6 cyl engine available in FSJ's from the early 60's to the mid 80's.
I believe the Grand Wagoneer will give you the best ride as they are the most "posh" and some did come with the 258 6cyl. in the early 80's.
Check out the tech section as there is a wealth of info there:
What's a FSJ ? (http://www.ifsja.org/whatfsj.shtml)
Tech. Library (http://www.ifsja.org/tech/index.shtml)

[woodybeone]

Oh saw this post over in General as well. Maybe this one should be closed.