Opinions on this TJ?

[Grantgroo]

I have an old family friend that I saw on Facebook and looked at her profile and noticed she had posted a Jeep for sale because she is looking for a safe car that would be able to feet a baby seat for a soon to be born child. I have a 2009 Toyota Yaris and it runs great and has had one owner since it was bought and it was my older brothers wife’s first car that she paid for and she meticulously cared for said car during this whole time and it has about 150,000 miles on it now so still has plenty of life as that is what I need seeing that I am a student in college and need something to get me through the next 4 or 5 years with minimal issues and this car will do just that but I have always been an outdoorsy guy and have wanted either a Jeep or VW bus for the longest time and this seems like a good opportunity if it is true. What I need help with is just some pointers on what to look out for and if anyone has any suggestions based on the info I gave above. I would also love to hear about maintenance that I should expect to see with a car this year and what some common things that come up with vehicles like this. Just created this account to see if anyone would be knowledgeable and figured this would be the place to go for quick answers from multiple sources. Thank you in advance for a response that could point me in the right direction! (I’m 20 years old and am from Ohio)

sincerely,
Grant

 

[Grantgroo]

I also forgot to mention that I have a shop that is close to my house that does a lot of custom work on some really nice keeps that I always drive by and was planning on taking it there and having them take a look at it. So what I get from this will then help me a bit in the right direction with them seeing that I’m unfamiliar with jeeps and don’t know much about this model and year. Thanks again.

 

[Chris]

Unless we see the frame we can’t give you an accurate answer.

You need to get photos of the frame. If it’s rotted then it’s dangerous to drive, if not, then it could be a good deal.

I suggest you be very cautious until you get frame photos.

 

[pagrey]

I am a student in college and need something to get me through the next 4 or 5 years with minimal issues

Doesn't really describe Jeep to me. 4wd vehicles like a TJ require much more maintenance than an economy car. There are just simply more things to maintain, more expensive things to break. Not to mention the extra cost of fuel.

 

[tworley]

Keep the yaris until you graduate.

 

[Grantgroo]

Doesn't really describe Jeep to me. 4wd vehicles like a TJ require much more maintenance than an economy car. There are just simply more things to maintain, more expensive things to break. Not to mention the extra cost of fuel.

Could you give me a few examples of this? What are common Issues I’d run in with a 4wd car? Don’t know much about 4wd vehicles but like the idea of having a car that can drive through anything and not being worried about little bumps in the road. Thanks.

 

[CodaMan]

265,000 is a lot of miles on all those parts. If I were a college student I would keep the Yaris, it will save you 1000's in the long run.

 

[pagrey]

Could you give me a few examples of this? What are common Issues I’d run in with a 4wd car? Don’t know much about 4wd vehicles but like the idea of having a car that can drive through anything and not being worried about little bumps in the road. Thanks.

Though question to answer in a few words, might help to browse this site and see what issues people are having and how much parts cost. Plenty of people on a tight budget do just fine with a Jeep but I think it's more the exception rather than the rule. I think there's no better way to get out in the dirt and have fun but if you just want a daily driver I don't know that it makes sense just to deal with a few bumps in the road.

 

[Grantgroo]

265,000 is a lot of miles on all those parts. If I were a college student I would keep the Yaris, it will save you 1000's in the long run.

Thank you for the response I appreciate the input!

 

[Grantgroo]

Though question to answer in a few words, might help to browse this site and see what issues people are having and how much parts cost. Plenty of people on a tight budget do just fine with a Jeep but I think it's more the exception rather than the rule. I think there's no better way to get out in the dirt and have fun but if you just want a daily driver I don't know that it makes sense just to deal with a few bumps in the road.

Thanks for replying and for the positive advice, I’ll do some digging through here.

 

[BlueFl.Wrangler]

keep the car

 

[Fouledplugs]

Keep the car, save and buy a nice Jeep later after graduating. Jeeps are not cheap in comparison to your Yaris.

 

[JDS123]

High mileage TJ's and college don't mix. I'm too busy to ever fix mine and it is always broken in some way or another. Luckily with online classes I hope to have some more time now, but during normal non-corona times it sits until I can look at it or it goes to the shop.

I do have a buddy that has an old rusty truck he is able to keep running, but he is fairly quick with a wrench and works late into the night a lot. It really isn't worth it. I'd stick with the Yaris. High mileage TJ's aren't great when you need a vehicle that will be cheap, reliable, and non-time consuming.

 

[scottgraham]

Keep the yaris until you graduate.

This ⬆

This rust might be an indication there is more underneath, maybe.
Like Chris said, frame pics.

 

[taylormade73]

I recommend keeping the Yaris and staying far away from this one. However, if you are intent on it, I am willing to drive down to Mason and check it out with you- as long as its around Mason. I am in Dayton.

Edit: and as long as we stay 6 feet away from each other lol

 

[Rick Flair]

I’m with these guys. Keep the car, buy yourself a mountain bike or...if you swing it, a cheap dirt bike that will keep you entertained and not rely on it to make to class and or work.

I had TJ’s and other 4x4’s when I was poor...second job was a must do to keep that hobby going. Concentrate on school and keep a good economy car for it.

 

[BlueFl.Wrangler]

This ⬆

This rust might be an indication there is more underneath, maybe.
Like Chris said, frame pics.

View attachment 150283

sharp eye there pal!!!!

 

[fourpointzero]

Go Yaris! You’ve got plenty of time to find a steal of a deal Jeep. As others have mentioned, a TJ (any early Jeep) is not practical for a college student on a budget. You’ll want to maintain and keep it together for those four years. I can see the rust bubble in the rear already: right back panel, under the tailgate hinges. And there’s more than that, Im sure of it.

**EDIT: just noted someone else pointed out the rust bubble too**