I've been looking for a 97 or newer and want to spend around $4500, i want a six clndr , 5 speed. Cant find one, couple questions? should i hold out for a tj or look for a good deal on a yj? Whats the major differences in modifying one over the other? I'm not to concerned about how smooth the ride is , because it will be my 2nd vehicle and will primarily for recreation.

Hold out for the TJ.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I would also hold out for the TJ.

TJ's ride on coil springs, and YJ's ride on leaf springs. YJ's didn't have the option of a Dana 44 rear axle from the factory. It would be pretty hard to find a 97 or newer for $4500, especially a Rubicon.

I agree with the others - get the TJ.

BTW, if you want a '97 or newer as you say, it won't be a YJ. The last model year the YJ was made was '95 (even those sold in '96 were called '95's. TJ's officially started in 97.

Check on Craigslist. There are several 97 / 98 TJ's out here for your price. Just say no to rectangular headlights!

looks like i'm gonna wait, thanks for the advice.

Depending on what kind of off-roading you do, a YJ could be just as useful and, with a change in body style, 4500.00 would get you further.
Having both and getting just as far in one as the other, if you are a Do-It-Yourselfer, the YJ tends to be a little easier and usually less expensive where suspension mods are concerned.
TJ's are softer riding and seem to have more out-of-the-box/off-the-assy-line flex and ability, but you said you wern't hung up on the ride and, again, depending on what kind of off-road you do, flex may be sacrificable to you.
And, if it's a second vehicle, the somewhat-plain-I-think-more-Jeepier interior won't bother you at all.
And, with everything else to consider, I'm not going to tell you what I think of people that let headlight shape be a deciding factor.
You said you are looking for a 6cyl too...STICK WITH THAT! And try to go '91-'95 so you can get the 4.0ltr. I don't think I've heard anything that great about the older 4.2ltr. If you're looking to build, TRY to get a '95 for the larger U-joints, too.
You're gonna have to be real patient to find a dependable TJ for 4500.00, but it is doable.

Again, I've had both and, as much as I love my TJ, I also loved my YJ and, in the future, for something that I can build more, I'll be looking to a YJ.

The 4.2's have more torque, while the 4.0's have a little more HP.

4.2L - about 150HP, 240lb-ft (no Dana 35's in 4.2L Jeeps)
4.0L - abuot 190HP, 225lb-ft

No fuel injection in 4.2's either. Fuel inj is a big plus IMHO. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />