When posting a used car ad you're asking for fellow members to scrutinize it. Because that's what used cars require - "scrutiny". Don't get upset when we do so. We aren't doing it to be dicks to you. We're doing it to protect you. And you should be doing it to protect yourself.
If you're not scrutinizing a used car. You're missing the point. Because if you don't scrutinize a used car your likely to end up very sorry.
Maybe $8400 is a normal price in you're area for an LJ. But it is not anywhere else in the US. Which is highly suspect. It's hard to find a decent 2.5L TJ for $8400 in my area. Jeeps in general are one of the few vehicles that normally sell for well above bluebook.
Maybe if the guy listed more than an 8 word description I might be inclined to think he's "just a nice guy trying to pass on a good deal". But that coupled with several red flags leads several of us to believe otherwise.
We also suggested several things anyone should do that might be still considering it. Which is constructive.
He may very well be just a kid that doesn't know how to sell a car. But the ad does not come off as someone being straight forward or honest.
If you were honest the first thing you would do is address the Rubicon sticker across the hood. He says nothing about that. Which says he's fine with anyone believing they are buying a Rubicon. When in fact they aren't.
The undercarriage has been painted. Which alone doesn't mean it has frame rot. But if there were no rust. There would be no need to spray paint it. That coupled with the fact that he's forthcoming with so little info about his vehicle - is an additional red flag.
But with only 8 words in his ad. You have to cut to the chase. And not waste your time. On what is most likely not what you're looking for - problems. Ask for a vin. Because a $30 Carfax separates the used vehicles worthy of further consideration and those that aren't.
Some of us have had enough experience evaluating used cars to know what to look for. And what to avoid. I live in a huge metropolitan area. So I have had the luxury of considering literally hundreds of vehicles.
All were trying to do is share that experience to help you. And no one is saying flat out not to buy it. Just what red flags we see. And possible solutions to clear those up.
I totally get it. I'm not looking to buy it. I am happy with what I have.
I didn't take any of it personally.. I am simply surprised that no-one simply took it for what it is. A rather clean LJ. There's no doubt it isn't a Rubicon. An $8400 LJ is a wicked good deal around here.
He responded a second time with little more. Never answered my questions as to whether it had a Dana 35 or Dana 44 out back. What he did say was that he is no stranger to Jeeps. Share a few pictures of another TJ that, to be candid, was well put together, and said something stupid about the one for sale. He knows what he has.I message him with no response
Carry on folks. This post is has gone dry.
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