First time buyer, need advice

hhww

New Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2019
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7
Location
Colorado
I have been looking at buying a TJ for a couple years now, but still am not super sure what to look for. I recently found one that seems perfect that I will put details in later this post. My biggest concern is that I would have to fly to pretty much the other side of the country for it, and am concerned I will waste time and money, but I also can't help but think it might be the perfect jeep at the perfect price point for me.

It is a 2002 Wrangler TJ sport, 4.0L/5 speed, 4x4, 104k miles.
4.5" Rubicon express lift w/ new coils, shocks/stabilizer, quick disconnects, adj track bars, adj control arms, Currie HD steering, rebuilt axles w/ 4.56's, Yukon 30 spline super 35 kit, F/R chromoly shafts, F/R lockers, warn different covers/skids. SYE kit, cv driveshafts, 5 brand new 35x12.50 Nittos on 17" fuel wheels. aftermarket bumpers, tow package w/ trailer lights, rock sliders, bola exhaust, stubby antenna, smoke tail lights/marker lights, led headlights/fog lights, LED 3rd brake light and reverse lights. Bluetooth color changing underflow lights, cut-out fender flares. tilt wheel, upgraded speakers/bluetooth stereo, new carpets, windshield and roll bar grab handles. Brand new tinted soft top, full hard doors, professional tint. Whole underside is spotless frame, tub mounts, floor pans...no rust(supposedly, I haven't had the chance to see it in person). Brand new plugs, newer battery, starter, radiator, hoses and crank sensor.

The guy selling it also recently replaced the transfer case due to it busting while he was driving it a couple days ago

It's listed at 12,000

Is this too good to be true, or should I take the risk to fly out and go look at it and hopefully buy it, or waste my time and money on flights there and back...

Thanks in advance for all your help!
 
I recently sold a 2002 JK Sahara with 2” lift, rough country suspension, 35s on 16” Tri Star Wheels, 89,000 miles for $9,000
 
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I would keep looking. For that price you could find an LJ or Rubicon. The red flags I see are:
Dana 35
Underglow led's
He must have abused it to blow out the transfer case.
 
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Don’t buy or at least commit to buying any TJ you haven’t driven and really checked out. If you have time , get familiar with what to look for .

I’m pretty sure there is a thread on it , and trust me , underestimating ones condition can be costly .

I’m not trying to scare you , just saying be aware -

New parts that aren’t good parts don’t count

Crappy lifts are worse than no lifts

If it drives bad , it might be a $50 tie rod end , or it might need tires, shocks , a new lift , steering components, new unit bearings , adjustable track bars ....4-5,000 bucks to do it well.

Stay cool headed , shop far and wide but buy local if you can, don’t rule out dealers backlots, most don’t value these things . Some of the best ones are in old men’s sheds and garages ....all you need is a crow bar.

Don’t be afraid to do some jail time to find a good one .
 
Got a link to the ad? Or photos?

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The jeep is in Ohio
I'm from Dayton Ohio and I looked at a lot of jeeps here and the surrounding states when I was searching for mine, and most were rust buckets ( some hidden very well). I'm not saying that this one is and it very well may not be; I'm just saying that chances are high that it is based on my experience.
 
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Where's it at in Ohio? If it's close I'll check it out for you and possibly save you a trip.
It's in Zanesville. If you wouldn't mind doing that and it's not too much of a hassle I would greatly appreciate it! Don't worry if you can't though, I appreciate the offer
 
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It's in Zanesville. If you wouldn't mind doing that and it's not too much of a hassle I would greatly appreciate it! Don't worry if you can't though, I appreciate the offer
I can, but it will be next week. I'm heading to the Toledo Jeep Fest tomorrow and we'll be there till Sunday. Zanesville is a little under two hours from me, but my daughter lives in Columbus and it's relatively close to her. So I can look at it when I go to see her.
 
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Be patient and try to buy local, it is so much easier. Diamond plate and home made sliders are a really bad sign. Never trust a man that wears a belt and suspenders, how can you trust a man that doesn't trust his own pants?

And does this thing have safety caps welded on the frame or am I seeing things?

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I can, but it will be next week. I'm heading to the Toledo Jeep Fest tomorrow and we'll be there till Sunday. Zanesville is a little under two hours from me, but my daughter lives in Columbus and it's relatively close to her. So I can look at it when I go to see her.
Thank you! Let me know what details you need.