2005 TJ purchase with very low oil: What issues could there be?

cpwolf

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So just looked at a 2005 4.0 6 speed red with 70,000 miles in Texas. No frame rust. Oil all over, starting high so valve cover gasket needed, but I checked oil and was WAY low. Seller is clueless about car maintenance or Jeeps, so didn’t even know. College student (girl) and top is trashed so outside and interior faded AF and paint has some clear coat peeling.

She’ll take 12k, but I’m curious if there is any way to look for running low oil possible or serious damage symptoms? I drove it, 6 speed shifted great, ran fine.

Also, interior what is the option for bringing the dash and such to life?

If she’d take 10k that seems like it’d be a great red project to get going (I’m 110k miles, so would be trading down 40k miles to a 70k miles jeep.
 
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Arrange to take it to a shop you trust for a leakdown and compression test?
Drain a few drops of oil out the bottom and see what it looks like?
Does it have any oil change records?
I'd be nervous unless you can prove its good.
 
You still have low mileage on your Jeep. In the condition you described, I wouldn't buy it unless it was dirt cheap. I looked at a Jeep in similar condition and miles a couple months ago and passed on it at $4500. Neglected engine and trans, faded, peeling paint, in need of a new top and faded, ripped interior. This one had non working AC too.

p.s. I buy, fix up and sell Jeeps when I find a good deal and can make money on them.
 
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Cant you check the oil/pan/plug for metal shavings?

Or touch the dipstick with finger.... and look at oil with the sunlight... looking for metal glimmers.
 
My oil was low a few days after purchase (recently) I panicked and did a full oil & filter change immediately and its running fine as it was before the change but there is a niggling feeling in me every day that this jeep engine and running gear is Toast! Mine is now going in the local Wrangler specialist shop for full inspection and repairs if needed just for peace of mind and i know its going to cost $$$$. but I saved for this jeep and put aside double the cost price for immediate maintenance/repairs/mods

Its like this: if the owner before you did not do regular maintenance on a fairly high maintenance 4x4 then I would walk away and save your "after sale" sanity.

My TJ showed good on the dip stick but it had been (due to very high purchase demand) run to op temp by a prospective buyer just before me. When I drained the low oil it only had just over 2 quarts including what was in the filter :( Mine was the same owner for 12 years but that means nothing! it could be 12 years of non maintenance and just oil top ups.

Since oil change I have not burned or lost any oil so this shows real neglect in maintenance.

10 to 12 K for a 4x4 in that condition is a walk away in my opinion even for a person who knows zilch about cars!

My stock 2006 65th with 100k miles only cost me $6000US and i am willing to spend around $8000us immediately if need be, can you say the same? if not walk away, plenty of jeeps out there and just as many fools like me. :)

Just too add no metallic partials or carbon bits in the little oil that did come out!
 
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You still have low mileage on your Jeep. In the condition you described, I wouldn't buy it unless it was dirt cheap. I looked at a Jeep in similar condition and miles a couple months ago and passed on it at $4500. Neglected engine and trans, faded, peeling paint, in need of a new top and faded, ripped interior. This one had non working AC too.

p.s. I buy, fix up and sell Jeeps when I find a good deal and can make money on them.
Fair enough. I was in until I saw the oil, at $9k around here, I could put 2k in or less and sell it for $15+ with this mileage. New top $500 and I have the parts on hand to put a Rancho 3.5” lift and a cool aftermarket front bumper. That’s if I don’t trust the engine.

My brother is wheeling (2 wheelin, which he laughed and said it’s way harder at 55 now, he hasn’t had a dirt bike in 20 years) in Arkansas, but finally got him on the phone, he’s as hesitant as you. Said over his years, fill 80% and finish with A Trans Fluid in the oil, run for 80-100 miles and drain, it’ll break up the head area, which he’s most concerned about. I might go back and get my fingers in the oil fill and see how bad the oil gunk is on top there.

I’m probably out, you’re advice is good, I was kinda hoping to get to a “Red” Jeep vs painting mine, and get a Dana 44 out of it. New top not a biggie, but the faded paint and low oil probably killed it, arghh. Thanks boogie man.
 
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Fair enough. I was in until I saw the oil, at $9k around here, I could put 2k in or less and sell it for $15+ with this mileage. New top $500 and I have the parts on hand to put a Rancho 3.5” lift and a cool aftermarket front bumper. That’s if I don’t trust the engine.

I’m probably out, you’re advice is good, I was kinda hoping to get to a “Red” Jeep vs painting mine, and get a Dana 44 out of it. New top not a biggie, but the faded paint and low oil probably killed it, arghh. Thanks boogie man.
I think it's better to be cautious when spending that kind of cash. I like red and my Rubi came from Texas, so it must be good. :) I think this guy Red McCombs used to own the Minnesota Vikings. When I found it for $9500 and stock, I had to jump on it quick. One owner and all service records too
1603805108605.png
. He even had the original window sticker and service manual.

RR2 (2017_11_20 00_38_12 UTC).jpg

Red McCombs (2).jpg
 
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I think it's better to be cautious when spending that kind of cash. I like red and my Rubi came from Texas, so it must be good. :) I think this guy Red McCombs used to own the Minnesota Vikings. When I found it for $9500 and stock, I had to jump on it quick. One owner and all service records tooView attachment 199016. He even had the original window sticker and service manual.

View attachment 199018
View attachment 199015
McCombs is a great guy, Texas Longhorn school of Business is the McCombs School. He may have owned the Spurs too.
 
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Oh wow, that's considerably more than I would have expected. But then again it looks like your rocking an LJ with WAY MORE tub to wrap. lol
What does it cost for a new paint job, any idea?
 
Have you looked into installing a Red vinyl wrap? Last I checked into it around here it was much cheaper than repainting.

I wanted to have mine done in olive drab. it was over 5k to do it.
Oh wow, that's considerably more than I would have expected. But then again it looks like your rocking an LJ with WAY MORE tub to wrap. lol
What does it cost for a new paint job, any idea?
My paint is in good shape. I wanted to do a color change to either "commando" or "tank"
The bodyshop I deal with wanted between 10-12k to do a color change.
 
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That's a good point. I visited the east coast this past July. I was a little shocked by the cost of certain things. Definitely not "midwest cost of living" like I'm used to.
 
What does the oil sticker on the window say? Does it at least suggest she was getting regular oil changes?
 
One of the many reasons I would like to leave this state. I just don't know where to go.
Western Australia, North Americans are flocking here albeit the mega rich ones. Its an 18 hour flight from CA or 19 hour from TX though :) I have done the flight a few times back and forth and I have to say its "Horrible" but worth it plus Tjs cost under $6k here lol
 
Western Australia, North Americans are flocking here albeit the mega rich ones. Its an 18 hour flight from CA or 19 hour from TX though :) I have done the flight a few times back and forth and I have to say its "Horrible" but worth it plus Tjs cost under $6k here lol
I had an open round trip ticket to Australia that I never used. A good friend on mine owns a shop in Melbourne. I was supposed to go work for him about 25 years ago, but life got in the way.
 
In Australia Garbage collectors earn $75K a year! they are called Garbolagists lol

Malborne is the coldest wettest city in Australia everyone has over groomed beards, slick back hair with a topknot, even the women. lol