Looking at two jeeps a 1998 TJ with 120k miles no ac, or a 2005 with 85k with ac. Both are V6 Man, no rust. The 2005 is about $4k more and in a little better nicer shape. What do you think is a better deal and should I avoid one over the other?
1998 or 2005 TJ?
- Thread starter Fstbiker
- Start date
Alot of variables with that question. How long do you plan to keep it? Do you want to daily drive it or modify it for offroad? Are you a good mechanic?
No such thing as a V6 in a TJ. An inline 6, yes, but not a V6.
I would go with the cleaner one, even if it costs more money. Not even a question about that.
I would go with the cleaner one, even if it costs more money. Not even a question about that.
It’s the 2005 model x. The 2005 seem cleaner and a few more better options. I know 2005 have some computer and cam issues. Is this something I should worry about?
Jim King
TJ Enthusiast
I think the computer problems on the newer ones are with the automatic transmission...
My 2006 6 speed has no issues.
My 2006 6 speed has no issues.
If they are NJ Jeeps inspect the frames carefully. It's easy to look at the bodies on TJs and think they are "rust free" when they aren't.
Neither if they're both in Jersey. Come down south for rust free Jeeps. I hear people say all the time, "It's a Jeep, take the top off and you don't need AC." Apparently they don't live in a place with constant 95-100% humidity and 90+ temps. 100 degree temps with 50% humidity in Va is like a summer vacation at at nude beach with female super models only. Never going to happen.
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I'm waiting - at the first "squawk", its getting parked until the thing is changed.
I did it on both of my 05's with under 50,000 miles. Just a precaution, like waiting for your 00-01' to crack the head. It might not, but.......................
p.s. Both of my 2000-01 Jeeps cracked the heads at around 130,000-140,000 miles. I quit pushing my luck.
Yes. It only takes around 15 minutes. I'd pay someone to do all the work on my Jeeps, but I'm poor. I do have a mechanic that I tell him how long it takes me to do the job and see if he can do it as fast. $85 an hour to poor me is still a good incentive to try to do stuff. I've replaced the struts and control arms on my GF's Hyundai and Scion. Saved over $300.
I agree that a Jersey Jeep has to be really combed over for frame rust. Check the Carfax. If it comes from New York...run. Every New York Jeep that ends up in Jersey or PA that I saw was a mess.
People get caught up with northern states and rust. PLENTY of rust buckets from beaches with salt water.
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Yea, I keep hearing conflicting reports. I've heard everything from the 15 minutes to "Oh my GOD, you've got to pay somebody with a scanner to re-time it!".
Just found out the 2005 had 4 accidents on car fax. One with reported structural damage, 2 with just a standard accident and one with a deer. All around 2007. I would think all has been fixed and better now since it’s on its 4th owner. Would you stay away? It does have a Dana 44.
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