Considering 2005 Rubi

[Brent R]

First time poster and looking to buy a TJ Sport or Rubi within a couple weeks. I found this 2005 Rubicon nearby and need help telling if this is a good deal. I haven't seen it in person yet but will go soon.
Here is the link

http://www.easternshoreautobrokers.com/mobile/details.php?id=15878800

Or...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...pperListingsSearch=33887903#listing=165536577

At first glance it doesn't appear to have been messed with but I'm no expert. Any sharp-eyed professionals see anything of concern? Reasonable price? I'm going to look for rust and leaks when I go see it. Anything specific to Rubicons I should watch out for? Thanks everybody!
Brent R
Pensacola, FL

 

[Shawn]

I paid 13k for my 04 Rubicon 6 weeks ago. 108k miles. Has a lot of aftermarket goodies though.

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[Brent R]

Good to know. I'm leery of 156k miles but it all depends on how well it was maintained. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Bird]

I paid 16k for my 2005 Rubicon with 83k miles.....lots of aftermarket.

 

[Bird]

It appears well taken care of and the milage wouldn't be all that much of an issue given the 4.0 just goes and goes.
I've done a ton of research for that year and the OPDI issue jumps out at me and some nagging about the 42RLE Transmission.
It's a Jeep

 

[Bird]

My apologies, meant to say OPDA " oil pump drive assembly "

 

[Brent R]

My apologies, meant to say OPDA " oil pump drive assembly "

Thanks Bird. Good looking rig!

 

[Chris]

First and foremost, a 03-06 Rubicon is a fantastic choice IMHO. I have a Rubicon with the 42RLE transmission (automatic) and love it.

I've never once experiences an OPDA issue in the years I've owned it, but you should be aware of the OPDA issue just so you know what to look / listen for.

Those pictures don't tell the entire story. It looks clean and nice from the photos, but there aren't any photos of under the vehicle or the frame. That is going to be the biggest issue for concern on any used Jeep Wrangler TJ.

Here's a thread worth checking out: What to look for when buying a used Jeep Wrangler TJ

The big takeaway from that thread should be rust.

If you go to check out this Rubicon in person, get underneath the vehicle and look for rust. If you see lots of rust, WALK AWAY!!!

I'm not kidding you on that either. There's a difference between some light surface rust and major rust. If you see big areas of rust, run for the hills, because anything you pay (IMHO) will be overpaying.

 

[Brent R]

Thanks Chris. Yeah, looking for rust is first on my list.

 

[Chris]

Thanks Chris. Yeah, looking for rust is first on my list.

Good call! If it checks out in the rust department, the next thing I would look for is any major oil leaks.

Be aware the rear main seal on these 4.0 engines is notorious for leaking, but it should not deter you from buying an otherwise clean TJ. The rear main seal is a relatively easy job and most shops won't charge more than $300-$400 for it depending.

 

[derekmac]

I LOVE my 05 Rubi!! I looked for over a year before finding what I wanted.

 

[fourpointzero]

I certainly wouldn't turn down a TJ purchase for a leaking rear main seal. Now if they don't negotiate, that's another story. End of day, it depends on what you want and what you're willing to pay for what you want.


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[Head Lice]

When my friend and I went to look at the '04 Sport I now own, the owner pulled up into his large, well lit double garage.
He handed me a large flashlight and a 'creeper' ........ spent 15 min. under the vehicle.
SOLD !