Looking for advice on potential TJ purchase

[microsup]

Hello everyone. I am looking for my first Jeep and need your help guys.
It is not a lot of good ones and relatively cheap ones available in Kansas City area.
I would like to check 2005-06. I see now 2004
https://www.opensourceautos.com/inventory/jeep/wrangler/m9v098/Can you tell me if it is good or not. I will try to test it soon, but maybe you can say that I should skip it and not spend time on it.

Another one is https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/d/shawnee-mission-1999-jeep-wrangler/6938327975.html
But it has a rebuild history. Should I stay away?

Thank you for your help

 

[Chris]

At 161k it's going to need a new cooling system, new O2 sensors, new clutch, a future transmission rebuild, and more (assuming it hasn't already been done).

However, I'm going to repeat the same thing I say here over-and-over to every potential TJ buyer. Unless they post photos of the frame and under, no one can tell you what it's worth, literally.

Without seeing the frame, we honest to god can't give you any real indicator of whether it's worth what they're asking or not.

If the frame is rusted out like so many are, it's not even worth anymore than what the parts would sell for at a wrecking yard.

If the frame is clean, then I would say it's priced a bit too high given the miles and potential maintenance it needs (unless it has a well documented maintenance history, which I doubt it does).

The number one most important thing to look for on used TJs is the frame and whether or not there is rust on it. That should be the top of your list.

 

[billiebob]

not a lot of cheap ones available

Wranglers are never cheap.
Because they hold value.
The buy in IS high.
But the sell out is also high.

You say they are all high..... then that is where the market is.

They are one of the best buys out there.

 

[DetroitTJ]

X2

Both look good from 20’. See if there is a local auto shop that will put it up on a lift and inspect the frame for $100. It will be the best money you spend in looking for your Jeep.

 

[microsup]

Thank you very much guys, I will definitely take a pictures of the frame, and will continue from there.

 

[gg1]

Geez. That is way out of line with that many miles on it and not even a Rubi. I bought mine for $13K with 37K miles on it a year or so ago. 161K miles? No thanks. $7K tops in my book if it isn't full or rust. I was told mine was only worth $12K as it sits and I have 49K miles on it.

 

[JMT]

Could be good from far but far from good.

161K is not bad for the engine, but tranny may need rebuild soon.

Post up photos of the frame. Get pics all around. 3
Focus on the TCase skid area, behind the control arm brackets and the rear. Lots of rust experts on here.

 

[microsup]

Thank you for all you reply’s . I checked out that Jeep today. Well I may say it is rust free. I was really surprised. Now I try to attach those images to show you.

 

[chino1969]

Hello everyone. I am looking for my first Jeep and need your help guys.
It is not a lot of good ones and relatively cheap ones available in Kansas City area.
I would like to check 2005-06. I see now 2004
https://www.opensourceautos.com/inventory/jeep/wrangler/m9v098/Can you tell me if it is good or not. I will try to test it soon, but maybe you can say that I should skip it and not spend time on it.

Another one is https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/d/shawnee-mission-1999-jeep-wrangler/6938327975.html
But it has a rebuild history. Should I stay away?

Thank you for your help

One of the things I did when I was looking for a used Jeep was to run my own CARFAX report. I believe I got 5 reports for a reasonable price. The TJ I ended up buying had a good service record with many of the wear items replaced at over 100,000 miles; radiator, transmission mounts, pinion seals, water pump, rear brake cylinders, front rotors, etc.. The under carriage was clean with typical light surface rust. Rust is one of the deal breakers in my opinion. If the vehicle has been well maintained, that 4.0 inline 4.0 6 will easily get 200,000 miles or more. The rust you can't see, like inside the frame is what will bite you in the ass. Pay particular attention to the frame area above the transfer case.

 

[microsup]

 

[Chris]

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Surface rust and dirt. Nothing major there that can’t be cleaned up with a pressure washer and a wire wheel.

 

[microsup]

I may say it is a lot of dried sand type dirt clay color. I stacked my fingers into multiple holes on a frame and surface was smooth. I need to borrow my friend endoscope to see more inside. But it looks like inside good as outside. The Jeep was in Texas till 2013, then it was moved in Kansas.

 

[microsup]

The asking price was dropped till $10,970 as of now without my request. I will schedule a test drive and see if I can go much low. The price 7000 is kind of to steep to ask do you guys still think I should try so low or 9000 is still a good deal?

 

[bobthetj03]

If the frame is solid, $9k seems fair.

 

[microsup]

Carfax history shows oil changes and fluid flushes. Oil change intervals like every 3 month strange a little. You can take a look by link below.
Carfax history
But then when Jeep moved to Kansas City the history is very little.

 

[DetroitTJ]

Looks solid to me. The asking price isn’t crazy, but of course you can try to get a deal. I would suggest that you change all fluids immediately. Search this forum for the best fluids for each application. Drive it for a while before you start putting modifications on. Clear all planned mods with the experts on this forum. Enjoy!

 

[microsup]

Well, did test drive today.
Engine is silk smooth no questions, transmit ion vibrate a little when go from stop, then did fill any issue. stirring wheal some times shakes like death wobble , but I noticed that double stirring shock installed (fresh bolts). The big concern is rear suspension. Car is dancing on almost every turn, body roll. Sometimes I was thinking is it going to fall on a side.
Seller was saying that this is because the rear wheels are bold, which is true, but wheels shouldn’t make body rolling.
After all I proposed $9000 and was replayed with 10,000 plus 330 doc fee BS
And free Powertrain warranty.
So I am keep looking.

 

[AndyG]

Good move Toto, we aren’t in Kansas anymore . Well, some of us.

 

[S.McArthur]

That thing has been sunk, stained carpets and seats, mud caked all over the place etc.
Where’s that rats nest wiring going, make sure it’s discounted and not just cut off.
If it rode like crap and you’ve moved on, good on you, sounds like you are using your spidey senses to guide you.

 

[microsup]

Hello everyone again
Checking another Jeep 2099 145k miles for 9000
Frame a little rusted, rebuild title because tree branch felt on the hood. Hood was replaced with one fender, hard top was replaced for a new one. Drives very good. But a little body roll so shocks and some suspension items needs to be replaced.
What was done: radiator replaced for new one, water pump, belt, muffler, and some small items.
Pictures will come.