Random TJ comments

[AndyG]

We recently had a thread about what transmission guys wheel with....I was totally suprised to see the manual as strongly supported as it was...says a lot about our members driving ability and the allegiance the stick gets from Jeep owners . Not many manual anythings widely made today.

It's a seller's market in the southeast right now , even the Jeep specialty dealers can't get nice product cheap enough to profit . Is the TJ becoming more sought after as the new Jeeps soar up to nearly $50,000, and some beyond?

Nice, low mileage Rubicon's seem to be drying up for sure ...or if you find them , they may be modded terribly . Not always , but when they are bad, they are real bad. Located one with 35,000 miles , cut for a snorkel, 6" long arm lift, see through wheels , stinger as high as the drivers line if sight , 37" tires. Nope.

The LJ values are strong as ever . A nice LJR is bringing 23-25k, all day. See @Starrs for all your low mileage LJR needs.

Aftermarket support for the TJ , while still widely supported , is drying up a tad it seems ... ironically it is things you really want or care less about usually.

Have been debating selling my 06 Rubicon automatic , the recovered theft deal I got for 9300.00 last year and nearly got killed over by my wife ..and selling my 03 Rubi manual to end up with one nice Rubi Auto ...that I can't seem to find right now .

Have played with every scenario , I've bounced so many scenarios off @Hog he's ready to go into hiding.

Tell me what you guys see going on with the TJ market .

Thanks ,
Until next time ,
AndyG

 

[Starrs]

TJs can be had cheaper right now...that’s what I’m seeing. LJRs are holding value and selling...selling 25k plus for nice ones. Honestly the thought of a JL right now would scare the hell out of me..death wobble, shitty welds, now the manual issues. No thanks. I’d rather pay top of the mark for a super clean LJR and know what I’m buying.

 

[Jamison C]

I agree with the above. TJ prices are getting cheaper; cheap enough that you can buy one, give it a paint job/do some minor body/mechanical work, and have a really nice jeep for under 12k. Rubicons have come down a lot too. I’m always finding ones around me for good prices in good shape; usually under 15k. LJs and LJRs are holding a higher value for obvious reasons, and Saharas seem to hold a decent value too, which I’m in the market for.

Give it till fall when Jeep irons out their existing issues and the fresh 2021s come out. I think TJ prices will drop dramatically. They have since the JLs were released.

 

[Fouledplugs]

We recently had a thread about what transmission guys wheel with....I was totally suprised to see the manual as strongly supported as it was...says a lot about our members driving ability and the allegiance the stick gets from Jeep owners . Not many manual anythings widely made today.

It's a seller's market in the southeast right now , even the Jeep specialty dealers can't get nice product cheap enough to profit . Is the TJ becoming more sought after as the new Jeeps soar up to nearly $50,000, and some beyond?

Nice, low mileage Rubicon's seem to be drying up for sure ...or if you find them , they may be modded terribly . Not always , but when they are bad, they are real bad. Located one with 35,000 miles , cut for a snorkel, 6" long arm lift, see through wheels , stinger as high as the drivers line if sight , 37" tires. Nope.

The LJ values are strong as ever . A nice LJR is bringing 23-25k, all day. See @Starrs for all your low mileage LJR needs.

Aftermarket support for the TJ , while still widely supported , is drying up a tad it seems ... ironically it is things you really want or care less about usually.

Have been debating selling my 06 Rubicon automatic , the recovered theft deal I got for 9300.00 last year and nearly got killed over by my wife ..and selling my 03 Rubi manual to end up with one nice Rubi Auto ...that I can't seem to find right now .

Have played with every scenario , I've bounced so many scenarios off @Hog he's ready to go into hiding.

Tell me what you guys see going on with the TJ market .

Thanks ,
Until next time ,
AndyG

Makes me want to keep my 14k milage TJ in hiding.

 

[Rubicon John]

I paid 10k for my 04 Rubicon automatic last month. Bought it from the original owner. Georgia vehicle, zero rust. Couple minor mods. 187k miles. I am a technician by trade so the mileage doesn't bother me at all. If something fails it appears it will be cheap and easy to fix. I have noticed that the aftermarket parts appear to be a bit pricier than something for a JK (when comparing the same lift kits for example) but I have always wanted a 4.0 Jeep.

When I was searching for a Rubicon, I realized that I could spend a bit more and find a clean one versus buying somebody's abused sport or X with a cheap lift kit and half worn M/T's. In the long run this was well worth spending a few more dollars.

 

[AndyG]

I paid 10k for my 04 Rubicon automatic last month. Bought it from the original owner. Georgia vehicle, zero rust. Couple minor mods. 187k miles. I am a technician by trade so the mileage doesn't bother me at all. If something fails it appears it will be cheap and easy to fix. I have noticed that the aftermarket parts appear to be a bit pricier than something for a JK (when comparing the same lift kits for example) but I have always wanted a 4.0 Jeep.

When I was searching for a Rubicon, I realized that I could spend a bit more and find a clean one versus buying somebody's abused sport or X with a cheap lift kit and half worn M/T's. In the long run this was well worth spending a few more dollars.

You won't be in a bind...it isn't miles that hurts them....neglect is the enemy .

The engine , driveline and diffs are tough .

To be fair to the 42RLE, most automatics are engineered to run less than 200,000 miles.. even a Ford e4od and that is a phenomenal overdrive transmission.

I have four hundred forty thousand miles on one and it's never been touched except for two things... Regular, complete service and an aftermarket cooler... I think the 42rle would do better if people would consider those two things and regear the vehicle if they put on larger tires.

If you've never had one before... The Rubicon is a little bit of a status symbol in the Jeep world... But what it really is is an absolutely potent rock crawling machine.

 

[Rubicon John]

You won't be in a bind...it isn't miles that hurts them....neglect is the enemy .

The engine , driveline and diffs are tough .

To be fair to the 42RLE, most automatics are engineered to run less than 200,000 miles.. even a Ford e4od and that is a phenomenal overdrive transmission.

I have four hundred forty thousand miles on one and it's never been touched except for two things... Regular, complete service and an aftermarket cooler... I think the 42rle would do better if people would consider those two things and regear the vehicle if they put on larger tires.

If you've never had one before... The Rubicon is a little bit of a status symbol in the Jeep world... But what it really is is an absolutely potent rock crawling machine.

It is my first Jeep! In regard to this thread, the confidence in the powertrain, the knowledge, and overall (cheap) parts availability for 4.0 Jeeps to me is what keeps their values healthy. (Just my opinion). My co worker just got rid of his Ram quad cab with the same transmission in it at nearly 200k and it shifted fine. That vehicle has towed and lugged around a lot more weight for it's entire lift than my Jeep has.

I feel like the Rubicons will hold their values pretty well but I can imagine base model TJs continuing to get cheaper if they don't stand out from the crowd in any way.

 

[AndyG]

It is my first Jeep! In regard to this thread, the confidence in the powertrain, the knowledge, and overall (cheap) parts availability for 4.0 Jeeps to me is what keeps their values healthy. (Just my opinion). My co worker just got rid of his Ram quad cab with the same transmission in it at nearly 200k and it shifted fine. That vehicle has towed and lugged around a lot more weight for it's entire lift than my Jeep has.

I feel like the Rubicons will hold their values pretty well but I can imagine base model TJs continuing to get cheaper if they don't stand out from the crowd in any way.

If I had that vehicle this is what I would do...

I would service the transfer case because things in their move all the time. That tends to get neglected.

I would put a good lubricant on the transfer case shift linkage parts.

I would consider Flushing the cooling system.

More importantly I would get it out and work the lockers regularly so that they work when you need them... They don't really tend to be problematic at all but things tend to need used every now and then... And I would get very familiar with how to operate them so that when you get into a situation where you need them you have them.... And that you understand what it takes to get them to engage and disengage easily .

I would inspect the air hoses.

I would check the U-joints with that mileage.

With your background these maybe things you've already done... It really sounds like you have one you just don't have to worry about a lot ... The number one problem with most TJ Wranglers is the previous owner.

It usually boils down to things that neglected or just as bad, modifications that are poorly done.

You will find the best TJ knowledge in the country right here on this forum.

The fun starts when you can let the top down or remove the hardtop... There's nothing on wheels like it ... To me it's like combining the fun of a boat , street bike and dirt bike. Just don't ski behind it.

 

[Midwest]

I look at my stock portfolio and think about all the LJR's I could of had.

 

[Rubicon John]

If I had that vehicle this is what I would do...

I would service the transfer case because things in their move all the time. That tends to get neglected.

I would put a good lubricant on the transfer case shift linkage parts.

I would consider Flushing the cooling system.

More importantly I would get it out and work the lockers regularly so that they work when you need them... They don't really tend to be problematic at all but things tend to need used every now and then... And I would get very familiar with how to operate them so that when you get into a situation where you need them you have them.... And that you understand what it takes to get them to engage and disengage easily .

I would inspect the air hoses.

I would check the U-joints with that mileage.

With your background these maybe things you've already done... It really sounds like you got one or you just don't have to worry about a lot ... The number one problem with most TJ Wranglers is the previous owner.

It usually boils down to things that neglected or just as bad, modifications that are poorly done.

You will find the best TJ knowledge in the country right here on this forum.

The fun starts when you can let the top down or remove the hardtop... There's nothing on wheels like it ... To me it's like combining the fun of a boat , street bike and dirt bike. Just don't ski behind it.

Thanks for the heads up! Already did a few fluid changes and to my delight the axles and transfer case fluids looked fresh. Did them anyway. Coolant is up next. Lockers work but that's a great idea to engage them periodically.

Thanks for your help. I'll quit hijacking now!

 

[Chris]

TJs don't seem to be holding their value to me. Unlimited Rubicon models, yes, but regular TJ Rubicon models are definitely sinking in value (though slowly) with the introduction of all the newer Jeeps.

Not that I'd want a newer Jeep. Those things are just plagued with issues from all the reading I've done.

 

[AndyG]

TJs don't seem to be holding their value to me. Unlimited Rubicon models, yes, but regular TJ Rubicon models are definitely sinking in value (though slowly) with the introduction of all the newer Jeeps.

Not that I'd want a newer Jeep. Those things are just plagued with issues from all the reading I've done.

I think it may be indicative of the the southeast ...I'm wondering if the rust free that are getting snatched up , and some of is the weather is warming up here which makes Jeeps attractive.

 

[tworley]

An old coworker of mine sold his 99 sport with 87k miles for $5600. Completely stock. Though, I think he was just ready to get rid of it, he had it listed for $12k for almost a year with hardly any interest. The others I find online in my area seem to be fetching sub $10k. A rubi or an LJ bringing in about $15k.

I plan to hang onto mine. From what I can see its not worth much in a private sale. A dealership (Ive tossed the idea around) would probably low ball me, but I still find joy in it.

 

[AndyG]

An old coworker of mine sold his 99 sport with 87k miles for $5600. Completely stock. Though, I think he was just ready to get rid of it, he had it listed for $12k for almost a year with hardly any interest. The others I find online in my area seem to be fetching sub $10k. A rubi or an LJ bringing in about $15k.

I plan to hang onto mine. From what I can see its not worth much in a private sale. A dealership (Ive tossed the idea around) would probably low ball me, but I still find joy in it.

I ran into a high school buddy , he picked up a clean , clean , non modified LJ with 85,000 miles for 9000...same deal, guy was done , had just "wanted a jeep" once in his life .

I was Mark , do you have a clue what kind of deal that was?

Good posts guys , thanks for chiming in.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

The number one problem with most TJ Wranglers is the previous owner.

With absolute sincerity, this is the most accurate and descriptive thing ever said about Jeep ownership.

 

[Tray Burge]

My 97 TJ has over 200k miles on it, zero rust, a 4 banger and a 5 speed I paid 6k for about 5 or so years ago isn't going anywhere until I die. I'm just now getting it right.
Keep in mind, the older they (TJ's) get, the more they're appreciated by the new guys coming into the Jeep world.
All the older Jeeps have a certain style the new ones can't compete with.

 

[AndyG]

My 97 TJ has over 200k miles on it, zero rust, a 4 banger and a 5 speed I paid 6k for about 5 or so years ago isn't going anywhere until I die. I'm just now getting it right.
Keep in mind, the older they (TJ's) get, the more they're appreciated by the new guys coming into the Jeep world.
The older Jeeps have a certain style the new ones can't compare with.

I have always said the ultimate Jeep for me growing up was a CJ7... It drove on the highway significantly better than a CJ5... Had enough room for your buddys and a little bit of stuff behind the seat... And when I got ready to get another Jeep again a couple of years ago, I felt like a TJ really was true to the body style and spatial feel that a CJ series Jeep had .. but far more refined.

 

[Tray Burge]

I have always said the ultimate Jeep for me growing up was a CJ7... It drove on the highway significantly better than a CJ5... Had enough room for your buddys and a little bit of stuff behind the seat... And when I got ready to get another Jeep again a couple of years ago, I felt like a TJ really was true to the body style and spatial feel that a CJ series Jeep had .. but far more refined.

Sincerely, I wouldn't trade my old TJ for a new Jeep for anything. No way!

 

[duncanator]

My 01 TJ is just a weekend/warm weather vehicle that is pretty close to stock except for the bumpers. I bought it to have something to teach my child how to work on cars and by the time he can drive, maybe he will want it.
I bought the manual because I figured it would be impossible to steer, shift, and text!
Also, the size of this vehicle makes it easy to park in the 2.5 tandem garage. Couldn't do that with a JK or JL!
With the new Bronco and Defender coming out, I'm thinking that the astronomical prices for Wranglers can't last. I just couldn't justify paying 40,000+ for one.

 

[AndyG]

My 01 TJ is just a weekend/warm weather vehicle that is pretty close to stock except for the bumpers. I bought it to have something to teach my child how to work on cars and by the time he can drive, maybe he will want it.
I bought the manual because I figured it would be impossible to steer, shift, and text!
Also, the size of this vehicle makes it easy to park in the 2.5 tandem garage. Couldn't do that with a JK or JL!
With the new Bronco and Defender coming out, I'm thinking that the astronomical prices for Wranglers can't last. I just couldn't justify paying 40,000+ for one.

The TJ Wrangler owns tight parking. The same trait makes it wickedly effective off road.