Looking at getting my first TJ: 2003 Sahara

Datman

Member
Joined
May 15, 2019
Messages
90
Location
louisiana
Found a 2003, all stock except radio, , 2 owner, 5 spd sahara w/ hardtop, looks to be a dana 44, cold A/c, 120k miles...southern state jeep all its life. Carfax clean w/ maintence records.....Pretty much rust free...Looks like rear seal has slight leak.... will need 2 new tires soon....can get it for $8k..... I pulled the carpet up and didnt see any issues....check and smelled the fluids, all look good...It looks like he kept up with changing the fluids and such...No mudd as you can see in photos..He said he never really uses the 4wd. its a city jeep....He also said the 4wd lights have never come on in the dash.....when we test the 4wd, the lights didnt come on but i could def feel the 4wd and hear it engage...
Id love to hear if you think its worth $8k...Its pretty clean for a 2003

IMG_6062.JPG


IMG_6061.JPG


IMG_6059.JPG


IMG_6056.JPG


IMG_6055.JPG


IMG_6053.JPG


IMG_6052.JPG


IMG_6051.JPG


IMG_6049.JPG


IMG_6048.JPG


IMG_6046.JPG


IMG_6044.JPG


IMG_6043.JPG


IMG_6040.JPG


IMG_6041.JPG


IMG_6039.JPG
 
Last edited:
It looks a bit crusty (or mummified) on the underside, but I don't see any frame rot or things like that, so I can't say "pass".

I'd say that for where you're at, it's probably one of the nicer ones you'll find without heading to Florida or the Southwest.
 
It looks a bit crusty (or mummified) on the underside, but I don't see any frame rot or things like that, so I can't say "pass".

I'd say that for where you're at, it's probably one of the nicer ones you'll find without heading to Florida or the Southwest.

yea, dont really wanna spend $8k...but everything that has been cheaper has all been rode hard
 
yea, dont really wanna spend $8k...but everything that has been cheaper has all been rode hard

You get what you pay for, trust me.

8k is cheap in terms of Jeep Wranglers. Go look for a clean, rust free, low mileage 03-06 Rubicon. Here on the West Coast you'll pay up to 20k for one, no kidding either.

I paid 17.5k for mine, and 19.5k for the other. Both 2005 Rubicons with less than 60k miles and no rust. That's just what they go for around here.

So at 8k, you should be happy. Anything less than that and it would likely be a rust bucket.
 
You get what you pay for, trust me.

8k is cheap in terms of Jeep Wranglers. Go look for a clean, rust free, low mileage 03-06 Rubicon. Here on the West Coast you'll pay up to 20k for one, no kidding either.

I paid 17.5k for mine, and 19.5k for the other. Both 2005 Rubicons with less than 60k miles and no rust. That's just what they go for around here.

So at 8k, you should be happy. Anything less than that and it would likely be a rust bucket.

I was hoping you were gonna be a little bit more excited about it for $8k with the hardtop and the dana44 and only 2 owners lol.....
 
You get what you pay for, trust me.

8k is cheap in terms of Jeep Wranglers. Go look for a clean, rust free, low mileage 03-06 Rubicon. Here on the West Coast you'll pay up to 20k for one, no kidding either.

I paid 17.5k for mine, and 19.5k for the other. Both 2005 Rubicons with less than 60k miles and no rust. That's just what they go for around here.

So at 8k, you should be happy. Anything less than that and it would likely be a rust bucket.


This. Paid $16k for my 04 Rubi, 58k and clean and was super happy with that deal. 8k? I wish! 8k has in this state buys a 92 YJ that is broken.
 
Some years back I paid $7500 for an 03 X that had a shredded top, trashed seats & carpet, but ran good, and no rust. If I'd seen that Sahara at the time for $8k, I'd be driving it today.
 
Some years back I paid $7500 for an 03 X that had a shredded top, trashed seats & carpet, but ran good, and no rust. If I'd seen that Sahara at the time for $8k, I'd be driving it today.

I feel ya on that!.... He wouldnt budge on the price..I tried. lol
 
Looks very clean to me. Stick your fingers in the frame holes for verification, but 8k is a very reasonable price for that, especially with a Dana 44 and modest mileage. I'd buy it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MaloStapalo
If you want it, you better buy it soon. For $8,000, it won't last long. Someone else will snatch it up. Looks good to me for $8,000. I would definitely buy it if I was looking for a TJ, especially with the Dana 44 and the miles.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MaloStapalo
If you want it, you better buy it soon. For $8,000, it won't last long. Someone else will snatch it up. Looks good to me for $8,000. I would definitely buy it if I was looking for a TJ, especially with the Dana 44 and the miles.

question, its weird that the 4wd dash lights dont come on....
 
Do you have access to the Jeep? If so, you could see if the 4wd light shows up when you first turn on the ignition. If so, then it's either a bad switch in the TC, or a wiring issue. Happens more than you'd think. Not a deal breaker.

If I decide to move forward I will double check that!