Sounds like you want the look-
First you have the base rig cost - that gets down to miles vs money. Less miles means more money. And then you have whatever it needs - fluids, brakes, u-joints, front end work, cooling system,etc...about everyone I’ve had (6 so far ) needed 1500-2500.00 of just TLC .
(The newer jeep models may not need as much , you just pay more up front)
Then you pick a tires size- 33’s and 4” of lift looks as good as that pic driving by -
The cheapest tolerable route may be a Rubicon with the 6 speed if you can avoid regearing it (that is $1500-2250.00). Big tires need the lower gears to correct the final drive ratio basically.
Then you have -
Springs
Adjustable arms
Cv rear shaft
Extended Sway bar links
Shocks
Adjustable track bars
And invariably more -
This pic is 33’s and 4”
Lift -
The jump to 35” tires is the most dramatic....it is nearly $10,000.00 to run them safely - gears, steering, big brakes, tires, wheels, etc.
Now, if you spend less you get less quality- this eventually shows up in how it drives and works -
- then if you fall in love, and most likely you will, you will want it done well, and most of the time you end up more or less learning what matters and what you should have to start with.
Buying one set up can be a bad gamble- if it is done really well it usually is not for sale... but not impossible to happen.
My advice- get on here, stay on here, and learn what you are getting into before you leap.
Also, as far as cost, do you wrench? That is how most of us avoid bad shop advice and reduce cost ....I venture to say nearly our entire core membership does all the work the WANT to do on their rigs, from basic service all the way to frame swaps.
To answer your question, a lot of good rust free used Tjs are sold from 9500.00- 15,000.00, with 12-15k being the more common number in my market....the lift and parts is 6500.00- 9000.00
with wheels and tires, plus whatever the vehicle needs to make it dependable.
If you find one set up...get a member here to come look at it with you if possible.
