Opinion on potential TJ purchase

[John Cooper]

Where in Florida? Skid plate has alot of rust between it and the frame.

Beach?

Just remember the flooding in 2019-2021 so look it over real good. Inside the frame, electrical connection etc.

 

[Camdenst]

Most suggest a borescope to look inside the frame, but you can tell a lot by sticking your finger inside the and feeling around…

Yes, I know how that sounds haha.

 

[TJwill24]

looks pretty good, is it a Florida jeep it's whole life? The frame looks to be good however there is rust between the skid & frame rails, very common, but I'd want to drop that and see how extensive it is & also make sure the bolts are still operable. None of that would be a deal breaker, assuming everything else checks out. And what's that dripping from the skid, perhaps tc or trans fluid, I'd look deeper into that too. If you aren't mechanically capable I'd take it to a trusted mechanic for a once over.

Edited to add: check the entire frame inside and out, feel around inside for flakes... tons of frame rust threads here to consult. TJ frames are notorious for rusting, so beware...

It spent 15 years up north in the NJ/PA area.

 

[TJwill24]

Where in Florida? Skid plate has alot of rust between it and the frame.

Beach?

Just remember the flooding in 2019-2021 so look it over real good. Inside the frame, electrical connection etc.

Owned for 15 years up north in the PA/NJ area, then 2 years in south Florida i believe.

 

[TJwill24]

Assuming that it checks out mechanically and the rust isn't an issue, what would be a fair price for the vehicle?

 

[John Cooper]

10k max, but I would hard pass if there is more rust than what's in the pictures.

 

[TJwill24]

Here are a few videos as well:

 

[Irun]

Besides the frame, pull back the inner fender liner directly underneath the gas filler. Shine a light up to the tub and see what rust, if any, is there. Given the time this Jeep spent in NJ, even with low miles, I'd be giving this the eagle eye!

 

[CharlesHS]

Owned for 15 years up north in the PA/NJ area, then 2 years in south Florida i believe.

Spending 15 years in the salt belt of the NE would most certainly require a thorough inspection of the inside of the frame rails.
Since there is obvious rust between the frame rail and the skidplate; that would be the first place to inspect as others have responded.
Do a thorough inspection of the frame dog leg as it goes approaching the spring perches and the frame mounts where the tub is suspended on the frame.

 

[Camdenst]

God I really hate the brine spray they use up here… post 16/17. It’s so corrosive.

 

[Vtx531]

It will need new tires - those ones are old. Something that tips me off to rust is the condition of the air filter box clips and brake booster. What I see in your pics would make me want to look carefully for further rust issues. The oil pan looks like it might be just about rusted through (happened to me).

If you really want to get picky, one of the air box clips is broken off too. A bad seal could cause unfiltered dust/dirt to be sucked into the engine for the last xxxx miles. Not good for engine longevity.

 

[ChasUGC]

That frame looks pretty rotted on post #19. I just get the feeling that there is more being hidden from all the rust on the oil pan and engine compartment. Also, those look like neoprene seat covers. But, I could be wrong.

 

[Unique Username]

Looks like this Jeep in the video. Rust was way bad at low miles. This guy did a frame swap on this 1 owner low miles Jeep.

Video

 

[TheBoogieman]

Owned for 15 years up north in the PA/NJ area, then 2 years in south Florida i believe.

It must have not been driven in the snow if that's all the rust it has after 15 years in NJ/PA. It should look more like this one.

 

[MikekiM]

You have to get past the click bait. Even a mediocre detailer can make a silk purse of a sows ear.

A few thoughts...

Living in the NE I can tell you... don't judge a book by its cover. No matter how shiny and clean the cover looks. Get inside the frame rails. Pull the TC skid plate. Look everywhere you can't easily get a picture.

Pull the carpets. You'll find a whole new chapter about the life of the Jeep hidden under the carpets. There have been a few vile storms in the NE in recent years and that TJ very well could've been under water and/or filled with water.

Low or low-ish miles is can be a tease. Lots of stuff suffers the wrath of decay sitting unused. Most notably the brakes. Be prepared for a full brake service.

All that said.. it's pretty for sure.

 

[5TTTj]

Assuming that it checks out mechanically and the rust isn't an issue, what would be a fair price for the vehicle?

How much are you going to ask for it ?

 

[StoneCold]

Just me, but hard pass. Unless you are looking for a body and interior...if those aren't seat covers.

The rust in the engine bay alone makes me think it has been "under water" more than once....most likely salt water. Then the frame is starting to show stage 3 cancer....

If you aren't convinced I'd pull some carpet and check the floor boards, back cargo area, another place that is easy to overlook...under the seats at the springs...they are visible and will show how much water has been in the interior.

The exterior is nice though....

 

[tworley]

Looks like the waterpump is weeping.

 

[MikekiM]

Just me, but hard pass. Unless you are looking for a body and interior...if those aren't seat covers.

The rust in the engine bay alone makes me think it has been "under water" more than once....most likely salt water. Then the frame is starting to show stage 3 cancer....

If you aren't convinced I'd pull some carpet and check the floor boards, back cargo area, another place that is easy to overlook...under the seats at the springs...they are visible and will show how much water has been in the interior.

The exterior is nice though....

Spot on

 

[AndyG]

My take on rust is the same as on crazy women- if you think she’s a little unwound when you meet her at the hair salon, just wait til ya’ get her home.