Price Check: 2004 Wrangler Sport

[Jeme]

New Member here - looking at purchasing a 2004 Wrangler sport. 116,000 miles. Bone stock no lift no modifications. No rust on frame or rails. Some rust on the bumpers and the transfer case skid plate. What would be a fair price for this Jeep? I am thinking between $8000 or $9000 is that too high. Having one that now one has modified was important to me. Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[John Cooper]

Post up some pictures. Give us a better idea of what you are looking at.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Look at similar Jeep prices in your area. When looking for Jeeps I've noticed there are two types of sellers. Ones who price their Jeeps what they're actually worth and ones who price them what they wish they were worth.

 

[Jeme]

I don’t have any great pic, but here is a look. I did not take pics of the frame or engine bay. Frame or rocker guard? Not sure what those boxes are called.

 

[Jeme]

Also I am in Florida and Jeeps tend to be a bit more expensive here.

 

[Jeme]

Another question if anyone reads this. Is an LJ more desirable than a TJ. Found one with 96,000 miles for around $11k. Looks clean, does have a Jasper rebuilt transmission from a few years ago. Hope someone chimes in here?

 

[RHanna]

Another question if anyone reads this. Is an LJ more desirable than a TJ. Found one with 96,000 miles for around $11k. Looks clean, does have a Jasper rebuilt transmission from a few years ago. Hope someone chimes in here?

LJ is usually more expensive than the TJ given all else equal. I think they are more sought after and the supply is a lot lower versus the TJ.

 

[Jeme]

Thanks. I almost prefer the smaller TJ, this LJ is in better shape! Have to see which one works out.

 

[RHanna]

Thanks. I almost prefer the smaller TJ, this LJ is in better shape! Have to see which one works out.

Personally opinion but I think the TJ looks better if you keep it stock. If you plan on more of an offroad vehicle the LJ wins out.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Also I am in Florida and Jeeps tend to be a bit more expensive here.

I paid $7800 for my FL 03' with 57,000 miles. Only people living in FL pay what the asking price is. Same goes for Cali.

 

[Jeme]

I paid $7800 for my FL 03' with 57,000 miles. Only people living in FL pay what the asking price is. Same goes for Cali.

You got a great deal. Also depends on how recently you purchased. I am looking for a restoral project!

 

[Westtown Willy]

I'm seeing a lot of orange between the cracks on that thing, I'd take a helluva lot closer look at the rust situation; if you haven't done so stick your fingers in every frame opening & feel around for flakes... get an endoscope to look even further. Have you researched to learn its state of origin or where it's spent significant time?

 

[Jeme]

What is the best service for doing a check - Car Fax? Yea it is weird there is rust on that front bumper, but the fame is solid and the rails where the body attaches are solid too. Looks like the skid plate might have some runs issues. I was poking it hard with a screwdriver.

 

[JMT]

Thanks. I almost prefer the smaller TJ, this LJ is in better shape! Have to see which one works out.

LJ’s are highly desirable, rarer, and hold their value better.

 

[Jeme]

Yes has some history in Pennsylvania, So i need to dig further on the rust. I will try to post some more pics.

 

[Westtown Willy]

What is the best service for doing a check - Car Fax? Yea it is weird there is rust on that front bumper, but the fame is solid and the rails where the body attaches are solid too. Looks like the skid plate might have some runs issues. I was poking it hard with a screwdriver.

Yes has some history in Pennsylvania, So i need to dig further on the rust. I will try to post some more pics.

Poking it with a screwdriver ain't necessarily gonna get it done, if the frame is horrendous & the screwdriver plunges right through yea, but that's not always going to happen with all compromised frames. The rot will usually if not always be much worse inside the frame, you've got to get in there & look around.

From what I can see I'm not surprised to hear it's from PA (a/k/a 'saltopia'), so my advice across the board stands.

 

[TheBoogieman]

LJ’s are highly desirable, rarer, and hold their value better.

Did @NashvilleTJ put you up to saying this? You forgot the "only yellow LJs" part.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Yes has some history in Pennsylvania, So i need to dig further on the rust.

Don't dig too deep or it will fall apart.

 

[DuckNut]

You are in Florida...zero rust anywhere!

That one has rust on the bumper assembly.

Find one with zero. Wait for it and you will find it. Pay the little extra, it is so worth it.

 

[Jeme]

So this is a pic of the LJ I was looking at - great example of rusting from the inside out! Gonna pass on this one - the entire frame is probably like that!