Hey everyone, I am currently looking to buy my first Wrangler, and am settled on a TJ. I have read through the all the Sticky's and the buying guides, and I think I know what I'm looking for when checking it out in person. I found one local to me that I like, but it appears to have a bit of damage on the front end. I am curious as to what the experts (that's you) think of this. Clearly it has been damaged for a while, as this is in the Southwest and I doubt it would rust that quickly. I'm worried about how it appears the hood isn't latching. Any thoughts?
Buying advice, front end damage
- Thread starter aad2
- Start date
The biggest thing to worry about here is if the frame is damaged. Almost all wrecked cars are repairable to a degree. But if there is frame damage, it is going to require significant welding or a frame swap.
If it's just the fender, hood, and grille, those parts can be swapped without too much effort. You can even buy aftermarket fenders if you want a different look.
I'd consider this one if I had time for some body work. Amy photos of the frame, particularly in the front wheel well?
If it's just the fender, hood, and grille, those parts can be swapped without too much effort. You can even buy aftermarket fenders if you want a different look.
I'd consider this one if I had time for some body work. Amy photos of the frame, particularly in the front wheel well?
Assuming the frame is not bent, you'll need to replace the grill, fenders and possibly the hood. The fenders and hood are available aftermarket, but the grill is not. There may also be other things to repair/replace, but it's hard to tell from the pictures.
What are your abilities to work on a Jeep? How extensive is the damage? And, what are they asking for it? These are all important data points when deciding to buy a damaged Jeep. If you have to take it to someone to fix, you can quickly be into it for more than it's worth.
What are your abilities to work on a Jeep? How extensive is the damage? And, what are they asking for it? These are all important data points when deciding to buy a damaged Jeep. If you have to take it to someone to fix, you can quickly be into it for more than it's worth.
Was that the bumper on it in the accident? or was the original damaged and replaced. If that winch bumper was on in the accident I'd buy it cuz it gives me an excuse to do something custom with the body. But as everyone says was the frame bent?
I did more damage to fender when a sapling I was driving over slipped past the bumper and hammered the fender.
If you need to fix it at a bodyshop it'll likely cost over $2K.
I did more damage to fender when a sapling I was driving over slipped past the bumper and hammered the fender.
If you need to fix it at a bodyshop it'll likely cost over $2K.
Wow, thank you all for the quick replies! I’m on way to see it now, and will check out the wheel well and frame for any signs of damage.
I’m pretty comfortable with repairs and have done all the maintenance for multiple cars, modified cars, and pretty much built a motorcycle. One of the appeals about the TJ is how easy it is to repair (at least that’s what I think).
The price on this is just under $7k, but it has a hard top, which I need, is manual, and a Sahara. I think it’s a bit over priced considering the damage, but I wanted to check the rest of it, including the axles.
Any thoughts on price?
I’m pretty comfortable with repairs and have done all the maintenance for multiple cars, modified cars, and pretty much built a motorcycle. One of the appeals about the TJ is how easy it is to repair (at least that’s what I think).
The price on this is just under $7k, but it has a hard top, which I need, is manual, and a Sahara. I think it’s a bit over priced considering the damage, but I wanted to check the rest of it, including the axles.
Any thoughts on price?
In AZ, the price is high for the condition it's in and the mileage (140k+).
Seller listing quote below:
I know sellers don't want to attract attention to defects, but it will need much more than just paint to fix that. Gives me reason to believe they'd play off what exactly caused the damage to the front end. Definitely inspect the frame carefully. Also, the windshield has a mean crack all across, so that will need replacing.
Seller listing quote below:
I know sellers don't want to attract attention to defects, but it will need much more than just paint to fix that. Gives me reason to believe they'd play off what exactly caused the damage to the front end. Definitely inspect the frame carefully. Also, the windshield has a mean crack all across, so that will need replacing.
That price is way high considering the damage. I've purchased several in similar condition for $3500 or less. I'd definitely pass on that one, unless they come down in price. Putting a front end on isn't hard, but involves a fair amount of work and confronting unknowns. Figure $800 to $1000 for the hood, grill and fenders, then the cost to paint them to match. If you can get it for a really good price the work is worth it. Otherwise, keep looking. It's generally best to not be in a hurry. Sooner or later the right deal will come along.
That's the listing quote for the OP jeep? If so, I agree. That's an eyebrow raiser to me.
You have a hell of a good eye. I didn't even see the windshield crack until I got there. The seller seemed straight up about what happened, the driver rear ended someone else. He replaced the bumper with that metal one with the winch. He also has replacement fenders. There were a lot of leaks in various places, which I was expecting. On the plus side, there was no death wobble, and the interior was immaculate.
I find it interesting that you think the price is really high, because from my browsing it seems like it was maybe worth $5500-6000. Does that align with what you think it might be worth, or still way to high?
What kind of leaks exactly? Also, based on the photos you just uploaded, it looks like the Jeep didn’t always spend time in AZ one (some rust underneath). Did you check the VIN? Him having the replacement fenders is nice.
Do you really want a Sahara, or would any TJ with a hardtop work? I ask because solid deals do occasionally pop up. There recently was this yellow TJ Sport with similar mileage and no damage (excluding UV damage to the plastic) with an asking price of $6327. No hardtop, but that could be easily remedied. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/2002-solar-yellow-tj-sport-143k-miles-6327.31884/
I just wouldn't jump onto a project right away unless I got a good deal on it. A Jeep like this wouldn't interest me, so it's tough for me to say exactly what I would pay. I just know that I've seen some good deals appear for similar money within the past 6 months that don't require exterior repair. As previously mentioned in this thread, it's best to not be in a hurry.
I’d pass. You can get a Tj that is not damaged for that price with a clean frame no ruse. I think the jeep came from a Rust belt area.
It was in Wyoming most of it's life. Honestly, any Jeep with a hardtop would work. That solar yellow one is not my first choice of color, but I see that it's about the same price with nothing to do except drive away.
I agree, I think I'll offer something low given the condition, and take it from there. I'm not in a rush, so I will wait and see what happens.
Thanks everyone for your inputs. I really appreciate it as a new member, and as someone with minimal experiences with Wrangler.
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