Is this LJ Rubicon worth the money?

Thanks for all the replies!! I am still going to look at the jeep but having second thoughts on it. I will let you all know what I decide. Thanks again
 
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I think the real question is, do you need a Rubicon? What about this one appeals to you?

How many owners does this one have? Clean title, any accidents? I’d be especially interested in knowing with the respray, swapped out top. Definitely make sure it’s actually a Rubicon and get a full list of mods.

If I were planning an engine/trans swap but didn’t need lockers, I’d go with a regular LJ, not worry about whether it was an AT or MT or mileage and save a good chunk of money. Maybe even look for something with drivetrain issues. And if you’re ready to spend that kind of money, don’t limit your search to what’s in your back yard.


For the record, I love this thing. The only thing I’d change are the Rubicon hood badges and gearing.
 
Here are a few more pictures he sent me. He said it has the pro Comp simple 4 inch lift

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Frame looks good but that’s about it to me. It just boils down to if the conversion look is what you want. You can find a nice rust free LJR that isn’t a conversion, but if the conversion is something you have been searching for that’s the one I’d say.
 
CarFax shows it as a Wrangler TJ Unlimited R. Has had 7 owners, was repainted twice. Originally sold in FL.. Why is the Pro Comp lift a negative? Like I said before I'm new to these newer jeeps so learning as I go. Thanks!
 
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Input the VIN here to see the build sheet on it, that will tell you how it was equiped when it was first sold —> https://jeep.custhelp.com/app/jeep/eqlisting_detail/

If it's really a Rubicon it will have a locker switch in the switch plate and locker lights in the dash that should illuminate when it goes into lock.

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Pro Comp is not one of the better Jeep suspension systems. In fact, I don't know any Jeepers that run one except for just their springs.
 
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Well the frame and the one torque box you can see look mint. I don't see any rust in all the places I'd expect it even on a good truck so I suspect the rest is fine. All the sharp edges on everything where the paint comes off right away and it gets surface rust still look perfect and crisp. For my market here in Ontario it's way high but the pickup conversion is unique so if you like it that'll bring the price up. For me it doesn't do anything because I never run a hard top. If I want a bed I just take the soft top off and job done.

As to the procomp lift, it sure doesn't add value but if you hate the ride be aware that's probably why. Makes it an easy fix, just replace the lift with a good one. Over all its a fine example though.


There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
 
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CarFax shows it as a Wrangler TJ Unlimited R. Has had 7 owners, was repainted twice. Originally sold in FL.. Why is the Pro Comp lift a negative? Like I said before I'm new to these newer jeeps so learning as I go. Thanks!

Seven owners is a red flag.

Repainted twice is another reg flag

Pro Comp is a house brand for Four Wheel Parts and another red flag to me. Pro Comp lifts are at the bottom of the lift spectrum and do not add value. In my mind a Pro Comp lift decreases value because it will need to be removed and replaced. Moreover, the use of a budget lift suggests that there are no high end modifications and shortcuts may have been taken.

Many of the other accessories shown in the photos are of low quality. Like the Pro Comp lift, they decrease value in my mind.

I think it is way over priced, so much so that I am suspicious of the seller. It is certainly not an LJ that I would go out of my way to look at. Having done my own search of the Western states for the "right" LJ Rubicon, in 2017 and knowing what was out there then, I would pass on this one unless you are looking for a project and the seller comes down about $10,000. There is no way that LJ is worth $23,000.

On the other hand, the Texas LJ in the thread Chris mentioned would be worth traveling to look at.

See: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-much-should-i-ask-for-my-2006-rubicon-unlimited.9490/
 
The current owner clearly spent money upgrading this LJ and is asking a high price, IMHO. Yes, some Rubicons(Rubiharas) fetch high $20k, but considering you want a manual, and do not like the conversion, you should pass and pay a premium for the LJR you want. To convert back, including buying a new hardtop will run you about $2k, plus a backseat and a manual tranny. If you plan to drop an a new engine, then no need to pay premium for low mileage.

I would punt on this one and check out ebay and also craigslist. This is a big purchase so keep hunting around.

Here is a 2004 manual with hardtop for $13.9k.

https://nwga.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2004-jeep-wrangler-rubiconall/6525670924.html

I think you are from Tenn, and here is a Rubihara for $15k. Hardtop, but automatic.

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/d/jeep-lj-rubicon-sahara/6489898007.html

Another Rubihara, manual, hardtop, 43k miles and built for offroading.

https://okaloosa.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/6519757301.html

Watch out for posers! People actually put a Rubicon sticker on the hood when it isn't a Rubicon...

https://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/6524085256.html
A rubicon Sahara? Aren't those really rare?
 
Seven owners is a red flag.

Repainted twice is another reg flag

Pro Comp is a house brand for Four Wheel Parts and another red flag to me. Pro Comp lifts are at the bottom of the lift spectrum and do not add value. In my mind a Pro Comp lift decreases value because it will need to be removed and replaced. Moreover, the use of a budget lift suggests that there are no high end modifications and shortcuts may have been taken.

Many of the other accessories shown in the photos are of low quality. Like the Pro Comp lift, they decrease value in my mind.

I think it is way over priced, so much so that I am suspicious of the seller. It is certainly not an LJ that I would go out of my way to look at. Having done my own search of the Western states for the "right" LJ Rubicon, in 2017 and knowing what was out there then, I would pass on this one unless you are looking for a project and the seller comes down about $10,000. There is no way that LJ is worth $23,000.

On the other hand, the Texas LJ in the thread Chris mentioned would be worth traveling to look at.

See: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-much-should-i-ask-for-my-2006-rubicon-unlimited.9490/

My god, are you inside my head? I wanted to say the same thing but didn't due to fear of an attack, like someone may love pro comp. Well said!!!
 
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BTW, the LJ Rubicon I purchased in June, 2017 was listed by a private party at a bit more than $23,000. (What I actually paid is between the seller and me.)

Which jeep would you rather buy in the $20,000+ price range?

Mine:

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The Texas LJ:

2006-rubicon-unlimited-jpg.jpg


Or this:

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The right LJ for you is out there. Keep looking.
 
Yeah think I'll just keep looking around. There are more out there.... found this one a few min ago. With the money saved I could probably fix it up pretty nice, asking $12,500 for it, has 160k miles. Anyway again thanks for everyone's thoughts on the jeep.


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Seven owners is a red flag.

Repainted twice is another reg flag

Pro Comp is a house brand for Four Wheel Parts and another red flag to me. Pro Comp lifts are at the bottom of the lift spectrum and do not add value. In my mind a Pro Comp lift decreases value because it will need to be removed and replaced. Moreover, the use of a budget lift suggests that there are no high end modifications and shortcuts may have been taken.

Many of the other accessories shown in the photos are of low quality. Like the Pro Comp lift, they decrease value in my mind.

I think it is way over priced, so much so that I am suspicious of the seller. It is certainly not an LJ that I would go out of my way to look at. Having done my own search of the Western states for the "right" LJ Rubicon, in 2017 and knowing what was out there then, I would pass on this one unless you are looking for a project and the seller comes down about $10,000. There is no way that LJ is worth $23,000.

On the other hand, the Texas LJ in the thread Chris mentioned would be worth traveling to look at.

See: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-much-should-i-ask-for-my-2006-rubicon-unlimited.9490/

X2 to this. My thoughts exactly.

With an LJ Rubicon, if you have the money and the means, I would look for one with 1-3 owners max, low miles, etc.

Ultimately it's your money, I'm just giving you my advice / opinion.
 
Yeah think I'll just keep looking around. There are more out there.... found this one a few min ago. With the money saved I could probably fix it up pretty nice, asking $12,500 for it, has 160k miles. Anyway again thanks for everyone's thoughts on the jeep.


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Good call on dodging it based on 7 owners and two paint jobs (wtf?).
That other one at $12,500 seems much more rational assuming there's nothing really wrong with it. With the money you save you could do all kinds of stuff to make it to your liking.
 
So I’m looking at this one now. Tell me if you think it’s a good deal. 2005 Rubicon unlimited with 151000 miles. 6 speed manual. No rust. 15,500. I’ll ge getting a car fax today on it. Has 2 inch old man EMU lift. Thoughts?

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Looks good from here. Some might be interested in details on the other aftermarket parts (bumper, winch, sliders...) and since it has some of those, what it looks like underneath.

BTW, I was looking through reviews on the same fender flares I'm interested (but marked up 100% over ebay price) and came across the original LJR you were considering

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