I have run into a problem. I wish I had more problems like this, but it is still a problem.

I currently have a TE with about 135000 on the clock. I know the engine is in good condition because I've owned it since the 90000 mark and have kept up regular servicing and maintenance. I have already spent money on stereo, body kit, extractors and pacemakers. The most positive feature of the car though is that it is a 5-speed manual V6.

The other side of the coin is that I really, really like the look of the TJ with body kit.

The mods I would do to the TE would about match buying a TJ, trading in the TE then doing what I'd want to the TJ, so cost wise it would be similar. The TE would get a new paintjob, new rims, lowered, reupholstered interior and customised front spoiler.

It's less about the cost and I do realise buying the TJ would start me further down the upgrade tree than I am with the TE (or would be if I spent the money on it). It's more about trying to figure out if my admiration of a modded TJ's appearance outweighs what I've done to the TE and that it is a manual.

Bah, never easy.

whats stopping you getting a manual tj?

whats stopping you getting a manual tj?

The fact that his TE is better looking?
:P

whats stopping you getting a manual tj?

Well, two reasons that meld into one:

1) I've only ever seen one manual TJ for sale in Tasmania (that wasn't a Ralliart or VRX).
2) I won't buy a car I can't test drive first and shopping in the other states is out of the question at the moment.

I used to have a TF an i upgraded to a TJ even though i went from a auto to a manual i will never regreat getting a manual, lots better :D :D

Mate stick with what you got, you already gone a fair way modding the beast already, and really unless your smitten with the look of the tj then buy yourself a new bonnet while your respraying it dude because in reality your not really upgrading much by buying a tj over a te.

And like you said your gonna retrim it too, so it will be like a new car again, so I would stick with it, but it's upto you really.

hmmmm tough one.

I bought my TE about 2 years ago with 135 000kms on the clock and it was running great and now its near 170 000 and the engine still hasnt missed a beat.

Do consider this though:
With your mods to your TE you should be running 15.1-15.3's down the quarter (perhaps a little slower depending on how much your kit weighs). Thats pretty much line ball with a stock manual TJ Sports/VRX (or Exec with new muffler).

I'd probably go for the TJ however, only because i am looking at it in the long term, and having a car with lots less kays is a very BIG plus.

Thanks for the input guys. Having a good think about it last night, I'm gonna stick with the TE and make it a long term car. The engine currently has 140,000 on the clock and I've decided that I'll put in a new engine when this one bites the biscuit. The body and chassis are in great shape (apart from some paint blemishes that are now painfully obvious to me) so it will remain cheaper for me to upgrade bits of the current car (effectively giving me more space).

The gearbox will probably need an overhaul in 30,000km time...its the only rough part of the car.

A total respray will set me back about $3200 and a total leather retrim about $3500. Add lowering, amp and subwoofer and I'm under $10000.

Was thinking of a respray to silver...don't know yet...will have to Paintshop my car to find out.

Your car is awesome man I wouldn't wanna change anything else on it really. I prefer the looks of a TE exec to a TJ exec, unless you get a bodykitted TJ.

hhhmmm if you got some money like that to spend why dont u drop in a turbo, that would definaley turn the car into a beast!

So, the question I've got, is do I pay the money for a complete leather retrim or get some decent, form hugging seat covers and retrim the panels myself and put the money elsewhere?

I reckon ya should get the turbo for sure, forget the leather. power man power! :D

Does anybody in Australia sell custom seat covers for Magna's (can't find any on the web). If I can get a set of seat covers I like and do the trim myself, I'll just install an Emtech dash kit and the inside will look sweet.

What about looking for a wrecked verada and take the leather out of that???