Buying my first TJ: When to keep looking when it comes to rust?

[RollCage]

Howdy!

New here, and in the market for a TJ. Since I live in New Mexico, and there's very few quality low mileage examples to choose from, I've been looking all over the states to find a clean TJ. You'd think I'd luck out here in the Southwest, but it seems people want an arm and a leg for them...

Anyway, I came across a really low mileage 2005 (only 9700 miles!!!) that's back east, and although they want a lot for it, it is definitely clean. With two minor exceptions:

What do y'all think? Obviously less rust and leaks is better, but what in your opinion is a deal braker? When do you say that you'll just keep looking? Everything else on this guy is mint: body, interior, engine, etc. Just these few things underneath that give me pause, but admittedly, that's because I can't see it in person, and I don't have a ton of experience with TJs. I'm in no rush to buy, and am ultimately trying to learn more and more about these models and their challenges so that I can find the best example possible.

Thanks in advance, and have a great day!

 

[Goatman]

As a New Yorker I am happy to finally see REAL rust on a Southwestern TJ.
Skip that one. It either has real rot going on, or is days away from it. When you see deep chunky hunks of rust on the bottom then it is best to walk away. Sorry.

 

[someguysjeep]

As a New Yorker I am happy to finally see REAL rust on a Southwestern TJ.
Skip that one. It either has real rot going on, or is days away from it. When you see deep chunky hunks of rust on the bottom then it is best to walk away. Sorry.

then i guess you didn't notice the license plate.

looks like it's had quite a bit of oil sprayed on it. but there is witness to rust inside the frame which will mean it's on a timer...how long is up to how established the rot is or how far your willing to go to fix it. the back corner is pretty ate up, and the next hole toward center shows signs of rust. NE jeeps are a deal because of the timers being unattended for to long. your better off saving a few more $ and finding a SWern Jeep.

 

[Claytone]

Wait for a good one on this side of the country.
Un-ass the $$ for a VIN check service just to see where potential Jeep’s have been registered. Carfax is expensive, I used AutoCheck. It was less money for more VINs. The info provided was useful, I didn’t want to spend my time looking at turds. There were a lot of PA and NY Jeeps brought into this area by private owners when I was looking. I bought one that was always registered here and it’s not rusty.
Don’t even bother looking at anything that’s been east of central Nebraska/Kansas unless its from the south. And even then, east of Dallas tends to be really wet vs anything west of there.

And a big hell no on the one in your pics. Even if the frame is (by some miracle) clean, every damn bolt under it will break off as soon as you try to put a wrench on it. When I was working in the dealer world that one would have gotten a substantial up charge on my labor to make up for the fucking disaster it would turn into.

 

[Chris]

Yep, that thing has rot, skip on it.

See this thread for examples of acceptable rust and non-acceptable rust:

What should I look for when buying a used Wrangler TJ?

Keep in mind that when I say, "non-acceptable rust", I simply mean that you shouldn't buy a vehicle with it unless you go into it knowing that you are taking on a huge project.

 

[L J]

A New Mexican looking at a TJ from Vermont?

 

[2005LJR]

Look around SoCal and the area you live. Eventually one will pop up with 50k on it for a good price. Unfortunately I doubt you’ll find a good rust free Jeep on the east coast. Really I’d just avoid all places that get significant amounts of snow.

 

[RollCage]

Good comments all around. Thank you for talking me out of it. I was getting swayed by the low miles and very clean body/interior.

I'll keep my eyes peeled. It's definitely a game of patience. Pushing back on the devil on my shoulder saying "Buy one NOW!!"

 

[RollCage]

A New Mexican looking at a TJ from Vermont?

Yup yup. I'm looking everywhere. I don't mind traveling or paying for shipping if the right Jeep pops up somewhere.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I was born in VT. Stay far, far away from that place (for Jeeps or anything).

 

[Mike_H]

That one has been painted to hide the cancer. Run Away.