So I've been kicking this around for a couple weeks. It's owned by a friend of a friend. He's a dealer and has this to use to plow his lot, but we haven't had any snow so he's willing to sell it. He sold it in 2012 with 22,000 miles on it and bought it back this July with 42,000. He put the 2017 wheels and new tires (2200 miles) now on it. It has 45,200 miles. Auto, with both tops. Soft top is spotless. It also has a Meyer Home Plow....the full power (angle and lift) version which I have no use for. The guy who had it has had the plow for 3 years....and just plowed a long driveway at his house. After looking at Jeeps online for the past 2 weeks I think he's fair at $14k including the plow. I have a buddy that works at a huge plow dealership. He said the plow would sell quick at $1500 meaning I'd have $12,500 in it. I think I need to do it. I won't put many miles on it, it will be my summer toy, so I'm figuring I can play with it, add a 2" body lift and 33's and have a great Jeep. Does this seem like a decent deal? Thanks for looking
2004 Rubicon... can I pass this up?
- Thread starter tcgobucks
- Start date
How does the underside look? Is it rusted and rotted out?
That for me would be the determining factor in purchasing it. Given that he was using it to plow snow (which they salt), I'm guessing the underside looks really bad.
That for me would be the determining factor in purchasing it. Given that he was using it to plow snow (which they salt), I'm guessing the underside looks really bad.
I'm going to look at it later this week.....haven't even driven it yet. He didn't salt...I asked. I've known this guy for years and the guy that owned it was a relative so he knows the history. He said the plow was probably used 5 times during the 3 or 4 winters he had it. Never commercially. If there's any sign of rust, I'll post more pics
I would say if it's mostly rust free, that's a hell of a deal. If the underside is very rusted though, I wouldn't buy it at all.
It looks great from the photos I can see, so if the underside is anything like the rest of the vehicle, then it's definitely a solid buy!
Looks clean. Rubicon stickers, but no Rubicon rocker guards, or marks where there used to be. Stock width non-Rubicon fender flares. A bit troubling unless you are sure it has the D44s, Rubicon transfer case, and lockers.
Not saying it isn't, but I know someone who thought he bought a Rubicon, but actually bought a TJ with Rubi stickers.
Not saying it isn't, but I know someone who thought he bought a Rubicon, but actually bought a TJ with Rubi stickers.
Hmmm.....that's a good point. I am not a "Jeep" guy. What are the "Rubicon" items to look for? I don't think he's trying to screw me, he's an older guy with a small dealership. Good guy, but he maybe wouldn't know Rubicon or not other than the stickers.
Rubicons will have the 241 transfer case with 4:1 low gear ratio, Dana 44 axles front and rear with air lockers, 4.11 gears, diamond plate rocker guards, wider fender flares. Rubicons will also have their own 16" Moab style wheels with correct 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern, rather than the JK wheels with bolt on adapters.
It also has a pre-2003 vented hardtop. No big deal, lots of newer Jeeps have older tops. It does have the newer 2003+ interior, so that is good. I am not sure about those side steps. Not sure if they came on 2003+ TJs or not.
The wheels and top are not that big of deal. Lots of people swap those. But I would definitely check the vin # and make sure it is actually a Rubicon. Then start dealing if it's not. It is still a nice Jeep.
Also I would only recommend a 1.25" body lift max.
It's a Rubicon if there's a switch labeled 'Axle Lock' under the HVAC's temperature control.
Starrs
TJ Guru
Rubicon and no rust- smoking deal
Non rubicon and no rust- still not bad
Either and rust - mileage is good but the rust would have to be minor....don’t be careless...,check it underneath thoroughly.
Non rubicon and no rust- still not bad
Either and rust - mileage is good but the rust would have to be minor....don’t be careless...,check it underneath thoroughly.
Starrs
TJ Guru
Oh yea it’s a great deal either way pending rust. If it’s not a rubi rip that sticker off tho. Pretty dumb to do that
It is set up to flat tow also: Tow light connection. Even-brake cable (goes through the firewall and attaches to the brake pedal. Tow bar mount.
Even if it's not a Rubicon, I would still love to have it. Bargain for a lower price if it isn't.
Even if it's not a Rubicon, I would still love to have it. Bargain for a lower price if it isn't.
Similar threads
- Locked
