Buying Advice: 2003 TJ Sport

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socodog

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Joined
Jun 27, 2023
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Denver, CO
Hey everyone! This is my first post, though I've been stalking this forum religiously over the past couple months. I'm hoping to get some buying advice to get myself into the Wrangler world. Apologies if I'm posting in the wrong place.

The Wrangler in question is listed here. It's a 2 owner, no accident 2003 Sport model with 91,xxx miles and no accidents or visible damage. I test drove it last night, and it's been by far the best condition of all I've driven (three) so far. I found basically no issues, and it's completely stock (Aftermarket head unit and maybe speakers). The Carfax reports the first owner got an oil change every 3,000 miles and other scheduled maintenance. No oil change/service record history from owner #2, but I believe this Jeep has been babied. Some fading on the plastic trim outside, but that's to be expected. Paint is in nice condition, AC blows cold.

No extensive rust underneath, the frame is clean. I unfortunately don't have any pictures other than the one, and the dealer listing is so new there's no pictures on it either, but this thing is clean to me. It's got a Dana 44 rear with the Track-Lok option, 4 wheel disc brakes, an OEM hardtop as well as a softtop in the vehicle (not sure the brand, I saw a red fox logo on on of the covers..?). 4Hi + Lo were super smooth. 4.0L straight 6. 42LRE that shifted smoothly and felt good (I know there's some strong opinions about this transmission, but I thought it seemed fine. I'd prefer an auto to manual, my DD is a '17 Focus ST with a 6 speed manual).

Essentially I just want some second opinions on if 16K is a fair asking price, or you guys feel I should keep looking/it's overpriced for what it is. 16K is at the top end of what I feel comfortable spending, but I'm of the opinion that paying a bit more for a nicely kept example, and keeping it that way, is better than investing in a big project. This is sold through AutoNation, which apparently does no haggling on price. I live in Denver, CO if that's relevant. I expect this thing won't be on the lot for more than a few days.

Thanks for any/all who contribute, I'm really looking forward to being a part of this community when I find the right TJ for me.

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socodog said:
Hey everyone! This is my first post, though I've been stalking this forum religiously over the past couple months. I'm hoping to get some buying advice to get myself into the Wrangler world. Apologies if I'm posting in the wrong place.

The Wrangler in question is listed here. It's a 2 owner, no accident 2003 Sport model with 91,xxx miles and no accidents or visible damage. I test drove it last night, and it's been by far the best condition of all I've driven (three) so far. I found basically no issues, and it's completely stock (Aftermarket head unit and maybe speakers). The Carfax reports the first owner got an oil change every 3,000 miles and other scheduled maintenance. No oil change/service record history from owner #2, but I believe this Jeep has been babied. Some fading on the plastic trim outside, but that's to be expected. Paint is in nice condition, AC blows cold.

No extensive rust underneath, the frame is clean. I unfortunately don't have any pictures other than the one, and the dealer listing is so new there's no pictures on it either, but this thing is clean to me. It's got a Dana 44 rear with the Track-Lok option, 4 wheel disc brakes, an OEM hardtop as well as a softtop in the vehicle (not sure the brand, I saw a red fox logo on on of the covers..?). 4Hi + Lo were super smooth. 42LRE that shifted smoothly and felt good (I know there's some strong opinions about this transmission, but I thought it seemed fine. I'd prefer an auto to manual, my DD is a '17 Focus ST with a 6 speed manual).

Essentially I just want some second opinions on if 16K is a fair asking price, or you guys feel I should keep looking/it's overpriced for what it is. 16K is at the top end of what I feel comfortable spending, but I'm of the opinion that paying a bit more for a nicely kept example, and keeping it that way, is better than investing in a big project. This is sold through AutoNation, which apparently does no haggling on price. I live in Denver, CO if that's relevant. I expect this thing won't be on the lot for more than a few days.

Thanks for any/all who contribute, I'm really looking forward to being a part of this community when I find the right TJ for me.
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Personally, it would have to be super clean for that price top to bottom to me. It sounds like it may be.
 
Yep, I want to see lots of photos (especially of the frame) before giving any feedback.

That price is high so it will have to be incredibly clean.
 
This may be my old age talking... There is no way I would spend 15K for a twenty year old vehicle. I picked up a 06 with 4.0, auto, hard top, soft top and new tires for half of that. I did have to do some front end work and a heater core.
 
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GregBelleville said:
That seems pretty high for a non Rubicon even in good condition.
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Agreed...$16k seems too expensive even if it's clean. But you are purchasing from a dealer so that explains the markup. They likely aren't going to lower the price to $14k, but I'd try to get them as close to that as you can. $16k is just too much imo.

With that said, it comes down to many factors, including:

- do you have time to put in to find a better deal (and is it wise to spend your time doing so)
- are you willing to travel to the desert for a rig
- how badly do you want this exact rig

My best advice is to not compromise...get the color and model you want. If this is it, then see if you can get it for a better deal.

If they won't lower the price and you still want it for $16k, then it's probably the right rig for you.
 
socodog said:
Might be a bit more than I thought, though most of it looked like surface rust to me. Opinions?
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I'm sorry, but that's WAY overpriced IMO. I'm also in Denver, and bought an '05 Sport two weeks ago. I paid too much for it, but I didn't care because of the condition. Mine has 35k miles, one owner, Dana 44, hard top and OEM soft top (which has never been installed), and the frame is immaculate. It's completely stock, always garaged, and it's pretty apparent it was babied its whole life. I paid $17k. I was patient and watched a long time before buying this one, but patience will pay off IMO. Unless there's a compelling reason for you to buy now, I would walk away.
 
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I’d be concerned that there might be more rust on the underside of the body or rust hidden under the newer looking paint.

They are asking too much imo even if it’s just surface rust.

At best, that’s something u will still have to take care of with a wire wheel, Ospho, rust converter paint, etc.)
 
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joniki said:
This may be my old age talking... There is no way I would spend 15K for a twenty year old vehicle. I picked up a 06 with 4.0, auto, hard top, soft top and new tires for half of that. I did have to do some front end work and a heater core.
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Same here, price is too high for the age of the vehicle and mileage. Youre also entering into tier 2 lending from banks (7+ years old) with higher risk and higher rates because of it not bein appraised that high ….unless payin cash.

I wont tell you what I just paid for the 2003 TJ I just bought because it was just 4 digits, and nowhere near even $10K (but higher mileage)

At ~100K all kinds of problems and maintenance items become due and you will need to spend alot to do it , unless you plan on doing it all yourself ….but even then.

The market is horseshit post-COVID, do not succumb to be a victim of it. Keep looking

Other options near you for less and less miles
Thought you might be interested in this CarGurus listing:
2003 Jeep Wrangler X - $13,995 (undefined)
Mileage: 49,529
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/358455020
 
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CreepinDeth said:
Same here, price is too high for the age of the vehicle and mileage. Youre also entering into tier 2 lending from banks (7+ years old) with higher risk and higher rates because of it unless payin cash

At ~100K all kinds of problems and maintenance items become due and you will need to spend alot to do it , unless you plan on doing it all yourself ….but even then.

Other options near you for less and less miles
Thought you might be interested in this CarGurus listing:
2003 Jeep Wrangler X - $13,995 (undefined)
Mileage: 49,529
[URL]https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/358455020[/URL]
Click to expand...

I don’t see a Dana 44 in the rear of the rig in the ad. Still too much money imo.

My mileage was high, but I bought an 05 Rubicon (w/ auto) for $13,500…and I paid more than I wanted to. The frame & body are both very clean.
 
Thanks for all the quick and honest feedback, everyone. My gut was also telling me the price was too high for what it is, but it's the best local example I've been able to find over the past month of searching, and I bet it'll be sold within the week to another party. I would agree that the market seems bonkers right now.

I think I'm just super excited at the prospect of starting the TJ journey, but I have to be patient. @deadbeat son may I ask where you found this Jeep in Denver? Online postings, Facebook Marketplace, etc? Thanks for listing the other option, but I'm ideally looking for something that hasn't been touched/modded much and is a bit closer to me (4 hour drive for this one).

I am willing to spend more on a quality vehicle that's local and with a clean history + good maintenance records, but if you're all in agreement this is way overpriced, I'll take the advice and keep shopping.
 
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What is a Dana 44 swap runnin ?
Im readin around ~$1500 plus your labor??

(If even necessary for OPs desired usage)

OP I swapped rear ends on my 1970 Olds 442 in my driveway. So dont think its out of reach. Never done a Wrangler tho, but it cant be much harder with alot more ground clearance

When I get to that point of necessity, I may inquire myself
 
socodog said:
Thanks for all the quick and honest feedback, everyone. My gut was also telling me the price was too high for what it is, but it's the best local example I've been able to find over the past month of searching, and I bet it'll be sold within the week to another party. I would agree that the market seems bonkers right now.

I think I'm just super excited at the prospect of starting the TJ journey, but I have to be patient. @deadbeat son may I ask where you found this Jeep in Denver? Online postings, Facebook Marketplace, etc? Thanks for listing the other option, but I'm ideally looking for something that hasn't been touched/modded much and is a bit closer to me (4 hour drive for this one).

I am willing to spend more on a quality vehicle that's local and with a clean history + good maintenance records, but if you're all in agreement this is way overpriced, I'll take the advice and keep shopping.
Click to expand...

I bought mine from Mercedes Benz Westminster. I saw it posted to AutoTrader.com late on a Saturday afternoon with no photos, and went to look at it Sunday before it had been through cleanup. I thought about it all week, then bought it Friday morning before any potential weekend rush.
 
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