Looking at a TJ Rubicon - Thoughts?

[skrelnik]

I'm looking at a 2004 Rubi with 170k miles, decent price, but no frame pics. I asked about the frame and any pics the guy could send me. The response is below. Any ideas about the 4WD light?

Link to Jeep:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/d/jeep-wrangler-tj-rubicon-2004/6722475539.html


The frame is in good condition with about as much rust as you would except on a 2004 jeep wrangler. everything still works, however, the last guy to look at it shifted the car into 4 wheel drive and now the 4WD light is reverse. Meaning that the light is on when in 2wd and then goes off when you switch it back. It doesn't effect anything but just a silly things that jeeps tend to do. And of course right as I am trying to sell it, it happens.

 

[fxrsliberty]

It's in NYC, they salt the roads. I wouldn't buy without seeing.... Looks nice otherwise...

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[Chris]

$7500? What's that saying again???

Oh, that's right... "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't."

I hate to rain on the parade here, but there's a reason he hasn't included frame pictures. I'll bet you dollars to donuts if you go to look at it you'll find a very, very rusty frame.

You get what you pay for. There's a reason he's asking $7500 and not $20,000.

 

[cliffish]

This jeep is located no more than 20 minutes from NYC, south shore near the water and I mean salt water. No one gives jeeps away around here unless it is shot. I can see surface rust on the sway bar and a spot on top of the grill just under the hood in the straight on head shot.

 

[JDS123]

There appears to be a pretty sizable rust hole right under the tailgate hinges. TJ's tend to rot out right there when they have been exposed to salt. I'd bet a good amount of money that the frame is shot.

I'd pass.

 

[cliffish]

Did not even see that until I looked closely at the shot with the tail gate open...good catch!

 

[skrelnik]

Thanks guys appreciate the feedback

There appears to be a pretty sizable rust hole right under the tailgate hinges. TJ's tend to rot out right there when they have been exposed to salt. I'd bet a good amount of money that the frame is shot.

I'd pass.

Great find.

I'm looking for a TJ or LJ up to $8k. The main purpose of this TJ is for snow plowing, a side business, as well as to take advantage of the 2018 tax reform around the Section 179 special depreciation. So I am fine if I need to replace a couple items but I want to stay clear of rust, and the Sellers email kind of led me to believe there are rust issues, and @jodomcfrodo pointed out a big rust spot. Thanks man!

I saw that Rubi and thought it was too good to be true, but also some people like to fire sale stuff for whatever reasons, so I am hunting and looking. The two major turn offs to me are rust and the color lime green.

Anyways, that's why I love this forum, you guys can pick out the flaws, and collectively we can figure it out....amongst many other things.

 

[fxrsliberty]

If I had the money, I'd low ball him at like 3250, and but it for parts..

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[Russ Mullen]

If I had the money, I'd low ball him at like 3250, and but it for parts..

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

What he said. That looks like a very sad Rubi.

 

[cliffish]

That won't happen, I bet he gets between $5 - $6500 for that out here.

 

[skrelnik]

That won't happen, I bet he gets between $5 - $6500 for that out here.

I think so as well, especially when a Buyer is unaware of frame rust issues.

I found a TJ Unlimites way up in Maine but at a dealership. Was talking to the guy via email, asked about frame rust and pics. Response was "I suggest coming to see it person."

My thought is the rust is bad, but once I am in the door he can try to sell me another one. Frustrating, but I will find one

@cliffish do you know anything about this long island dealership? They have a few TJs in stock so trying to see if they are known for "anything".

https://www.autoexpoli.com

 

[Russ Mullen]

Based on my recent experience be super patient and a little flexible. Starting looking for an lj in March. 7 months and 6 test drives later...ended up with a gorgeous tjr that I absolutely love and feel like I stole.

(Secretly still looking for an lj don’t tell the wife)

 

[rasband]

I'm looking for a TJ or LJ up to $8k. The main purpose of this TJ is for snow plowing

If you're looking for a plow truck, there's little reason to pay the Rubicon premium (it would be sad to see a rubicon strictly be a plower...). I've been plowing mountain roads for a decade in an old Ford (1977) with nothing special about the drive train than some sandbags in the bed and chains when necessary. I think any TJ/LJ would do pretty nicely. Maybe go a little higher mileage and further west to get less rust, if that's feasible for you.

Similarly, I was watching the local markets and stumbled into mine and literally had a few guys behind me wanting to test drive/deal on the thing.

 

[skrelnik]

If you're looking for a plow truck, there's little reason to pay the Rubicon premium (it would be sad to see a rubicon strictly be a plower...). I've been plowing mountain roads for a decade in an old Ford (1977) with nothing special about the drive train than some sandbags in the bed and chains when necessary. I think any TJ/LJ would do pretty nicely. Maybe go a little higher mileage and further west to get less rust, if that's feasible for you.

Similarly, I was watching the local markets and stumbled into mine and literally had a few guys behind me wanting to test drive/deal on the thing.

I wholehesrtedly agree with you, and the only reason I posted that Rubicon was for the price. Figured I could take some parts off and swap to my LJ.

Anything is feasible, and I do not mind travelling to go after a good one. I found a couple close to me but frame rust is a big deal and was present on them. The hunt continues.

 

[rasband]

I wholehesrtedly agree with you, and the only reason I posted that Rubicon was for the price. Figured I could take some parts off and swap to my LJ.

Anything is feasible, and I do not mind travelling to go after a good one. I found a couple close to me but frame rust is a big deal and was present on them. The hunt continues.

Oh I missed the part swap idea, that’s definitely compelling! If you see any around the Denver area you need someone to check out, feel free to ping me. Though they move quick here.

 

[cliffish]

I think so as well, especially when a Buyer is unaware of frame rust issues.

I found a TJ Unlimites way up in Maine but at a dealership. Was talking to the guy via email, asked about frame rust and pics. Response was "I suggest coming to see it person."

My thought is the rust is bad, but once I am in the door he can try to sell me another one. Frustrating, but I will find one

@cliffish do you know anything about this long island dealership? They have a few TJs in stock so trying to see if they are known for "anything".

https://www.autoexpoli.com

I have no first hand knowledge of the place, I have passed it. They are in the middle of all the new car dealerships in that town and I see their ads on craigslist. Always seem to be decent prices but have not looked at any of their cars in person.

 

[skrelnik]

What feels like a never ending search for a decent TJ just keeps getting frustrating. Another day, another scam. Here is the latest:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in buying my vehicle. My 2005 Jeep Wrangler has 108k Miles, 4.0L V6 cyl. engine, Automatic. It is in perfect condition, no need for additional repairs, no scratches, dings, rust, special marks whatsoever. The interior looks great. It runs like new and all services are up to date. Also, I need to mention that it was never involved in any accidents, pets free. The price is $ 2800 (non-negotiable). We're selling the car because our son died 2 months ago in a car accident. A drunk driver hit him. He was with his fiance's car coming home. The car belonged to our son and it brings us bad memories and that's the reason we want to sell it. The car is here in Oklahoma City, OK at the shipping company sealed and ready for the shipping. Me and my husband travel a lot with our business and we want to make this deal through eBay's Buyer Protection Program. The deal includes free delivery and it will arrive at your address in 3 days. You will have 5 days to try out and if by any reason you find something you don't like about it you can send it back on my expense.

If you are interested in knowing more info about how the whole process works, I can ask eBay to send you an email with more information on how to purchase it. eBay will contact you shortly after they have the details with all the information that you need to complete this deal and you will also have proof that I am covered by them and a legitimate seller.

If you're interested to purchase just email me with your full name, full shipping address and your phone number, so I can notify eBay that you are selected as my buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.

Here you have more pictures:

 

[Chris]

Okay, that sounds like a scam for sure! Especially that price... give me a break!

But @skrelnik, I thought you already had a TJ?

 

[skrelnik]

Okay, that sounds like a scam for sure! Especially that price... give me a break!

But @skrelnik, I thought you already had a TJ?

I tried messing with the person and saying I would be in Oklahoma but they said send the payment first...such a scam.

Correct, I do have my 2005 LJ, but I am looking for another TJ or LJ. Would like to use initially as a snow plow jeep, and take advantage of the new tax reform, and then have some fun with it in a couple years.

 

[cliffish]

you can get this one already set up...I can tell you they have had it listed since summer.

https://www.certifiedheadquarters.com/used/2002-jeep-wrangler-2dr_sahara-738992/