Advice on potential LJ Rubicon "Rubihara" purchase

[DirtyDutchman]

I wanted some input. I am about to buy a 2005 Rubihara in goood condition, no hard too, 6speed. It has higher miles than I’d like (165k) but is priced well I think. Seller wants $12,500. Can I get hurt at that price? I may offer $11,000... deal is happening in a few hours so the clock is ticking for me.
Thanks!

 

[Chris]

You know the saying "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't".

Well, a clean Rubihara would sell for far more than 12.5k. The ones I see for sale in clean condition are around 25-35k all day long.

I wouldn't buy that thing without seeing photos of the frame and underside... the number one thing to look for on a TJ and LJ is rust, and I'm betting for that price the frame is bad.

So, hopefully you have pictures for us!

 

[Starrs]

You know the saying "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't".

Well, a clean Rubihara would sell for far more than 12.5k. The ones I see for sale in clean condition are around 25-35k all day long.

I wouldn't buy that thing without seeing photos of the frame and underside... the number one thing to look for on a TJ and LJ is rust, and I'm betting for that price the frame is bad.

So, hopefully you have pictures for us!

No hardtop and 165k Miles makes it a decent price. It more than likely looks pretty used. Pics will def help.

 

[jtf440]

 

[jjvw]

I've forgotten. What makes a Sahara Rubicon better than a Rubicon? Is it more than color matched fenders?

 

[Chris]

I've forgotten. What makes a Sahara Rubicon better than a Rubicon? Is it more than color matched fenders?

Don't forget the numbered decal on the dash, and the special Moab wheels

In all reality though, it's stupid. Nothing more than some extra trim pieces.

At least on the Recon model JKs, you got some beefed up Dana 44 axles.

 

[Alex01]

I think the seller is offering a great if not way to low of a price. Hard tops are hard to come by and you will pay between 1,600 and 2,000 on an oem top in good condition. I would look for rust and make sure everything functions as it should. Put it in 4 low and activate both lockers to confirm they are working.

 

[cjaama]

I've forgotten. What makes a Sahara Rubicon better than a Rubicon? Is it more than color matched fenders?

Super rare.
I think Chris' perception on pricing is distorted. I don't think there's anywhere with a higher resale than Oregon/Washington.
The most recent case I've come across is on the LJ Nation Private fb group where this guy is selling his LJR and says he can't get a hit, but everyone who replies from the PNW says he'd get $5-10k more easily.
https://waco.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/6756575692.html

 

[cjaama]

Also, if you're from Folsom CA and it lived its life there, I wouldn't be that worried about rust.

 

[jjvw]

Super rare.
...

I figure as long as you are not paying for the rarity compared to a regular LJ Rubicon and the rest looks good...

 

[Mike_H]

Super rare.
I think Chris' perception on pricing is distorted. I don't think there's anywhere with a higher resale than Oregon/Washington.
The most recent case I've come across is on the LJ Nation Private fb group where this guy is selling his LJR and says he can't get a hit, but everyone who replies from the PNW says he'd get $5-10k more easily.
https://waco.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/6756575692.html

Dang...Too bad its yellow. I might risk forgiveness for that.

 

[Alex01]

The deal should be done by now.... Are you the proud new owner? If so, you got a smoking deal. Hope you stick around to share the progress.

I assume this is the one..
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-jeep-wrangler-rubicon/6758298435.html

 

[JMT]

Go get it! Check for rust though. Surface rust is fine, it's interior frame rot you're concerned about. Reach in the frame holes behind where the control arms tie into the frame. I hope this works out for you. That's a good deal

 

[JMT]

Super rare.
I think Chris' perception on pricing is distorted. I don't think there's anywhere with a higher resale than Oregon/Washington.
The most recent case I've come across is on the LJ Nation Private fb group where this guy is selling his LJR and says he can't get a hit, but everyone who replies from the PNW says he'd get $5-10k more easily.
https://waco.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/6756575692.html

That is a fanstastic looking LJR. I'm very tempted. All I'd do to it is paint the poison spyder hood louvre to body match. I've always liked solar yellow TJ's. Probably get in it for 14,750

 

[cjaama]

Yeah, if that’s the one, it seems like a good one to grab… one owner, seemingly well maintained, not beat, daily driven, no rust…

 

[Chris]

That's a good deal

Not if the frame is as bad as the one that @MaloStapalo posted... haha.

 

[JMT]

"if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

FIFY

 

[Chris]

FIFY

FIFY CENT?

 

[Mr. Bills]

Get the VIN and run a build sheet to be sure it is really a Rubihara.

 

[DirtyDutchman]

Hello all and thank you for all the input. I have an envelope with cash for her. There a minor paint issue, quoted by a fr ind that owns a shop for $400 to fix, so no big deal. Looks like I’ll jump on this today. I went and looked at it, bone stock, female owner, purchased locally never off road. I met her and she passed the BS test lol. Haggle at all?