Advice buying

[Camdenst]

Afternoon Gang,

I just sold my 97 TJ in efforts to finance an LJ Rubicon, which im learning are extremely difficult to find. My question is in mileage, I am not seeing too many under 100k. I know that it isn't "a lot" for the jeep, but at the end of the day it is still 100k. There also seems to be a trade off, clean jeep/ spotless frame and 100k mileage or half the miles surface rust and what appears a rougher life. There are a few that have it all, but the price tag in mind blowing. I can fix mechanical, but i cannot fix rust. Just curious of what the masses of experts are thinking. Thanks in advance.

 

[TJ2]

Afternoon Gang,

I just sold my 97 TJ in efforts to finance an LJ Rubicon, which im learning are extremely difficult to find. My question is in mileage, I am not seeing too many under 100k. I know that it isn't "a lot" for the jeep, but at the end of the day it is still 100k. There also seems to be a trade off, clean jeep/ spotless frame and 100k mileage or half the miles surface rust and what appears a rougher life. There are a few that have it all, but the price tag in mind blowing. I can fix mechanical, but i cannot fix rust. Just curious of what the masses of experts are thinking. Thanks in advance.

Rusts is like a cancer and hard to cure.

 

[JMT]

Several threads on here are almost dedicated to the search for an unmolested, rust free LJ. They’re going for a premium these days, as you have quickly noticed. I think patience is a key. I hope you’re search ends well. They are out there! I know of a 2005 yellow LJR with 3,500 miles. The guy will never sell it, hell, he won’t even drive it, but when he’s gone, which won’t be more than 15-20, I’ll buy it. It will still have 3,500 miles, more than likely......

 

[Starrs]

Look to purchase from Arizona or California. Depending where you live a road trip would be worth it for a rust free LJ. I couldn't justify anymore than 30k for a 2006 or older wrangler. They are nice and very rare but not for me at that price point. I purchased my 2005 Rubicon with 19,500 miles at the time for 18,995. Minor surface rust as it lived in Ohio and they pour salt on everything there. Anyway look to purchase in a state where winters are salt free and you'll be better off. Only a matter of time before the winter abuse will destroy any TJ. Mine is my daily now and I know the winters are going to kill mine so I had it undercoated with some rustoleum undercoat. We shall see how it holds up.

 

[Camdenst]

Thanks guys... I needed that, I’m going for it. I’m in ct and found an LJ Rubicon Sahara #711 with 112k in tx with the only signs of surface rust being on the drive shaft and front pumpkin for 16 in change.

 

[Starrs]

Thanks guys... I needed that, I’m going for it. I’m in ct and found an LJ Rubicon Sahara #711 with 112k in tx with the only signs of surface rust being on the drive shaft and front pumpkin for 16 in change.

Pics or a link? That sounds great. Those are super rare

 

[Chris]

Definitely post pics if you can. One of us will respond very fast, as long as you post it at a normal time of the day and not 3 AM in the morning, haha.

 

[Camdenst]

That is the tx jeep with 112k

 

[Starrs]

Looks very clean. Wish they would have left the badging on the side, I like it some don't tho. I love the rims.

 

[Camdenst]

Me jeep with 34k. It was a wardens vehicle or park supervisor. It just looks used.

 

[Camdenst]

I’m bummed they swapped the original fender flares.

 

[cliffish]

That paint could be buffed out, being a park vehicle it was probably maintained well. I do see some spots on the floor that look like a rear main seal leak....very common and if handy could be fixed yourself. For an LJ Rubi rust free, not a bad price at all. Offer the guy 14 or 15 shipped to you.