I'm sure prices have gone up since '96, but our cost about $24,000, but it included both tops and the extended warranty ($1,300, 6 years/100,000 miles, which has MORE than paid for itself). The A/C was about $800, and we have the 35C with Trac-Lok and ABS (which was about $900, but only due to the ABS). The Sports started at $17,000, and went up with the add-ons. I have the actual figures at the house I think. The total price for the jeep only was $21,500, with the extra going to the state and warranty. Be prepared to look at about $18,000-$20,000 for one like you describe. Have you tried the online car places for a few quotes?
A new TJ is a good investment, even due to the price. We have 73K on ours, and have had it since Sept '96. In that time we have replaced the exhaust, the cat, the fuel sending unit twice, the entire rear axle, the radiator, radio, front swaybar, brake pads, and TPI sensor. This is why the extended warranty is a good deal, you never know what will happen. Other than that we beat on it regularly and change the fluids often. It always starts, still drives straight down the road, and performs like new. It's the wifes daily driver. There also isn't a scratch on the surface, just don't look underneath.
Oh, and the D44 is available, it was just short listed due to the production numbers. Make sure to specify it when looking.
JEEPN
'81 CJ-8 Scrambled!
GM151/SM465/NP205 twinstick/7" Lift/33" TSL's/IHC Scout II D44's 4.10's & Lockrights
