2004 Rubicon value?

Gorilla

Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2018
Messages
37
Location
PA,USA
Hey guys, looking at a '04 rubicon with 205K on it. I didnt get to physically check it out yet but have gotten some photos from the dealer on it. I checked blue book & in very good condition (which is probably being generous for condition) they are saying between $6K - $8k
What do you guys think its worth?
Here are some frame photos.
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not bad but there may be some rust to fix
rust is worse inside the frame where you cannot see it
I'd be concerned about the skid plate mount which may be the tip of the iceberg

be nice to know what state you live, the USA is a pretty big place
 
Sorry had to update that. Im in the Northeast of PA. Ive been looking over the pics and some other TJ's as well. I just sold off my 06 which Im now thinking I should have kept. The frame was spotless. Im trying to find another good one. This one popped up and I didnt think it was too bad but figured I'd ask and see what others though of it. The rear section and the trans section has me a bit concerned. Im thinking it may need some cut and weld in a couple spots. Trying to get more photos of the other side of the frame.
I took a trip up to NY to see a 04 Willys and they sure had the photos dolled up. I crawled under and nothing but rust. I was even able to push my thumb thru one part of it. I ran after that! Yet the price was $8995.
This one is $7995.
 
That rust isn't good, but if you're prepared for a project, it may be worth it to you. I personally wouldn't touch it. That's just me though.
 
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It's possible that rust is nothing. You'll need to feel or look inside the frame to get a better idea.
 
If I were you I would keep searching. That rust above the skid is bad news. You will only know how bad once you attempt to loosen those bolts.

If you decide you want it, be sure to verify it is an actual Rubi and that 4wd and lockers engage. Have a number in your head, but make the dealer go first.
 
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I would recommend to look further.I jumped the gun on my 1st jeep a 2000 sport.Went through extensive frame repairs. Almost got sick when I got into it.Next time I will take the advise of the guys on the forum and KEEP LOOKING.I am in canada in the rust belt ontario area.I looked and pulled the tigger too soon. Never again.There are good ones out there just keep looking.
 
For PA that's not too bad, but you need to take a hammer to every inch of that frame to check for weak spots. Then get one of those tiny cameras on a wire snake and check the inside of the frame too.

If the inside is no worse than the outside then ok. But it's still a project, you'd need to repair all that rust ASAP and treat the frame inside and out.

As long as everything else is in order I'd offer $6k max, and that's if you want a project.
 
Thanks for the reassuarnce fellas. My better judgement was telling me what most here have said while frustration is getting the better of me saying its not too bad. Lol.
Im growing tired from looking for a replacement as one way trips are at least 1.5hr away. 3 hr total for the ones im finding that at least look half decent. Trying to avoid long trips anynore.. I do have one of those endoscopes which i used on the one in NY. That helped alot. Im not jeepless as i still have my beloved yj that needs work. Maybe Im just rushing to get a tj back. I suppose one will pop up when i least expect it?
 
Patience pays off. And the long drives may suck, but the long hours repairing a rusted out one would suck worse.

I’ll buy my next one out of the south west.

FYI - this 04 (legit rubicon) I gave $5600 for. 205k miles. Drove 10 hours round trip for it. Solid frame but small rust spot by the seat belt anchor I just discovered. Put about 2k into new tires and drive line.

If I was to do it again, I would of gone further south and less miles for more $ and stock. I’m going to have to redo this shit ass PO build he did for 35s. Lesson learned.

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Patience pays off. And the long drives may suck, but the long hours repairing a rusted out one would suck worse.

I’ll buy my next one out of the south west.

FYI - this 04 (legit rubicon) I gave $5600 for. 205k miles. Drove 10 hours round trip for it. Solid frame but small rust spot by the seat belt anchor I just discovered. Put about 2k into new tires and drive line.

If I was to do it again, I would of gone further south and less miles for more $ and stock. I’m going to have to redo this shit ass PO build he did for 35s. Lesson learned.

View attachment 134600
Amen brother. Already had to do that to mine. I've replaced every single suspension component the PO installed. Looks the same from eye level, but entirely different underneath.
 
That rust above the skid is bad news. You will only know how bad once you attempt to loosen those bolts.
This is the tough part.... until you own it likely you won't be able to touch it. It might be a good bargaining chip if you figure the rust is not too bad. But you'll need to see it in person.
 
Thats a beautiful TJ Rubi T_Hase89. I may have to consider going south for one but I dont know. I found one more local tonight and spoke with a kid that has it. He owes $ on it but the frame looks alot better. Thing is I would like to get another auto like I had for daily driving. I remember finding a thread that Jerry B. posted stating all you need is the trans and computer. I may look into this & see how much work it is and what it'll cost.

billiebob that was exactly my thoughts as well, a bargaining chip. I was going to mention the rear section as well as I zoom in on that and it looks like a few dark pin holes on the underside of the frame rail. Then when I noticed the small sized hole in the trans skid plate I kinda figured it meant trouble and I wonder how much???? I just dont wanna get burned or get in over my head. I always wanted a rubicon and it was by chance I found a buyer for my old TJ. So I figured what the heck. Ive been seeing alot of rubicons the past month listed for sale.
Im still waiting for more photos from the dealer with the 04 rubicon. She read the message but hasnt responded so Im not gonna hold my breath on it. Ill take it as a first sign they arent to willing to accommodate my questions which always says alot about their business practices as well. The other thing I noticed in the photos was the inspection is run out since february of last year. I was going to ask if it will be inspected if I buy it or will I have to get it inspected? LMAO. It also says its been sitting awhile. Maybe due to high price?


On Another Note;
I found this one a few small towns over from me. Again this is the one I was thinking on changing over to an auto. Not sure whats all involved or how much cost & time it would take or even if its worth it. These photos are probably from summer of ???? I know they arent from right now.

This one is an 06 & has 138K on it. He owes $7K on it and is asking $7500. It has 62K less miles that the above one. The frame looks alot better by the trans plate. It may have some start of rust build up between the plate and the rail as you can see the plate is starting to bend down. I was thinking this one may be worth a look/see.

If this is too many photos please let me know.


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You really need to check the inside of the frame rails. That is where the real insidiousness is typically happening. Looks like they've painted over rust, which may indicate something more serious going on inside.
 
You really need to check the inside of the frame rails. That is where the real insidiousness is typically happening. Looks like they've painted over rust, which may indicate something more serious going on inside.

X2 I see rattle can orange peel; not just under-paint bubbling.
 
I'm in upstate NY and both of them would be a FAIL for me. There is no 'bargaining chip' that will cover the cost of deep rust. Almost anything else can be repaired to better than new, but rust can never be fully reversed. Go SW to get one if need be. Or just know you will find a lot of pigs along the way. They say patience is a virtue, but for Jeeps it's a necessity.
Just curious why you sold your last one if it was in such great shape? Odds of bumping into 2 creampuffs up in the rust belt are thin. And for us living in the stix it is going to be even less likely.
 
Thanks guys, I didnt notice the spray can paint on that 2nd one. I zoomed in and do notice the double coat peel in photo 4.
I believe your right Goatman about finding another creampuff here in the NE. I think Im just gonna put this on a back burner for now & focus on getting my YJ in better shape. Still need parts for that. As for selling off the TJ I had a guy asking me if I would ever sell it and I say I never gave it a thought which he then left his name and number. After a few weeks of thinking it over I figured I'd ask to see what he would offer. I got middle book value and let it fly. I paid that for it 5 yrs ago. It was pretty good mileage on it 72k. Figured I would be able to get more done on my 95 instead. I have some stuff left over from the TJ, i.e. soft top, half doors with uppers, OME 2" coils, Rancho shocks, radiator all in new condition never used. I have to search to see if i can use the radiator for the 95 other wise another product to list for sale. lol!
 
If you are intending to get another TJ I would recommend you hang on to all those parts. It seems that whenever I get rid of something I've been hanging on to, the next day I need it. Almost without fail. Springs don't take up much space. Hang the doors on a wall and they take up no space. If you decide 10 years from now to never get another TJ then those parts will just be worth more.
I can remember when I could get CJ-7 doors for free. Hard doors. Everybody wanted to run soft tops. Could have had a pallet of free CJ doors. Don't even want to think what they are worth today.