Quote: So, in the future I was thinking about getting a Jeep of some sort to go off-roading and serve as a potential back-up vehicle (so off-roading won't be its primary function).
This seems contradictory to me. If it's to be a back-up to your daily driver then I see no reason why off-roading can't be it's primary function. It doesn't have to be a tube-chassis rock buggy, a well-built trail runner can have decent enough road manners for the occasional trip to the Piggly-Wiggly too.
As for your choices, I'd aim for the ZJ. There's probably been a million made, they're usually less expensive than the other 2 mentioned, have nearly the same level of aftermarket support (if you shop around) and they blow the others away when it comes to creature comforts... Regardless of what you end up with...happy wheelin'!
I just didn't want it to be a huge money pit and was worried about towing capabilities the more it's built for off-roading.
