First off, I want to thank all of you on the forum for your expertise and support over the past several months. It's been a great tool to use while I searched for an LJR, and I appreciate all the feedback shared. If there is anything anyone may need in central Ohio, don't hesitate to reach out.
As a bit of a background, I'm reintroducing myself to jeeps after my sister and brother-in-law purchased a new LJ in 2004. After trading my truck for their jeep for a month one summer, I've had an itch to try to find my own LJ. That search shifted over the past several months as I decided to narrow my search in on the "right" LJR.
While I originally had a pretty broad search criteria, I soon narrowed it down. I essentially wanted something to cruise and scout crops in the summer, with the potential to do a limited build down the road for light trails. That essentially eliminated complex builds from the search and put a higher priority on clean rigs with manageable miles. I knew I wouldn't be putting many miles on a year, yet didn't want to start out with 200k+. The recommendations from the forum placed rust-free at the top of that list which expanded my search to the South/Southwest/West coast. After driving a few 6 speeds, I narrowed the search to Auto's for ease of driving. Color wasn't critical, yet there were a few preferences.
That search eventually led to an intent to purchase a 2005 LJR last week in TN. After arriving at the rig, we soon realized it may not be right for me if they held to their asking price. When we were not able to come to terms, my wife and I pulled out of the dealership with an empty trailer, and prepared to head north. I proposed that we could take a look at a few more options further South, and my wife, being the champ she is, gave me the thumbs up. So the journey continued. After 1258 miles in 2 days, we eventually arrived back at our farm shop with a 2006 LJR on the trailer.
A few notes on the current status of a Jeep Called "Scout" :
I'll attach a few pictures below, and will be open to recommendations and feedback as I've appreciated it through the process. Thanks again and thanks in advance!
Cheers!
As a bit of a background, I'm reintroducing myself to jeeps after my sister and brother-in-law purchased a new LJ in 2004. After trading my truck for their jeep for a month one summer, I've had an itch to try to find my own LJ. That search shifted over the past several months as I decided to narrow my search in on the "right" LJR.
While I originally had a pretty broad search criteria, I soon narrowed it down. I essentially wanted something to cruise and scout crops in the summer, with the potential to do a limited build down the road for light trails. That essentially eliminated complex builds from the search and put a higher priority on clean rigs with manageable miles. I knew I wouldn't be putting many miles on a year, yet didn't want to start out with 200k+. The recommendations from the forum placed rust-free at the top of that list which expanded my search to the South/Southwest/West coast. After driving a few 6 speeds, I narrowed the search to Auto's for ease of driving. Color wasn't critical, yet there were a few preferences.
That search eventually led to an intent to purchase a 2005 LJR last week in TN. After arriving at the rig, we soon realized it may not be right for me if they held to their asking price. When we were not able to come to terms, my wife and I pulled out of the dealership with an empty trailer, and prepared to head north. I proposed that we could take a look at a few more options further South, and my wife, being the champ she is, gave me the thumbs up. So the journey continued. After 1258 miles in 2 days, we eventually arrived back at our farm shop with a 2006 LJR on the trailer.
A few notes on the current status of a Jeep Called "Scout" :
- 2006 LJR
- 37,300 miles
- 1 Owner
- Carfax listed two. Yet after chatting with the former owner, he confirmed he purchased it in CO and then moved to NC in retirement.
- Essentially, it was a fun vehicle for their summers in Colorado, and was parked in his warehouse during the winter.
- He noted that they took it off the pavement one time in CO, "which was pretty fun" according to him.
- Completely Stock (including stock hard top/soft top)
- Only add-in's were weathertech floor mats, a spare tire cover, and a sweet sun-glass holder. There were step bars on it, that were removed.
- Price: Knowing others are curious...I eventually did a bit of old fashioned bartering by offering a hunting lease in exchange for price point. I will say that I ended up on the high end of of the market and over $20k. Ultimately, I followed my grandfather's advice when he suggested "Don't worry about paying more for something that you really want. Something that you don't want will become more expensive in the end."
I'll attach a few pictures below, and will be open to recommendations and feedback as I've appreciated it through the process. Thanks again and thanks in advance!
Cheers!
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