Looking for input on a potential TJ purchase

[Merckinator]

Hi,

I've never owned a Jeep before and I'm considering buying this
1998 Jeep Wrangler SE Sport Utility 2D. I live in New England, so just about everything rusts. I know the current owner and she's kept it in the garage the past 9 winters, but the first owner used it as a daily driver, I believe.

Any advice is appreciated. I'm taking it to a mechanic on Wednesday to get it looked over, but I figured you guys might have some good advice too. I have it in my possession until at least Wednesday, if better/different pictures would help at all.

Thanks!

 

[Merckinator]

Oh, I forgot to say it has 142k miles on it.

 

[Alex01]

Take some photos of the frame. Particularly where the control arms are attached.

So far it looks good.

 

[Strngmn81]

Maybe some pics looking down the outside or the frame looking at the body mounts...

 

[Strngmn81]

'Of' the frame...dang spellcheck..

 

[jazngab]

Also what is the asking price

 

[Merckinator]

Asking $5,000. I'm not sure if these are exactly what you were looking for or not.

 

[Strngmn81]

What engine & trans?..if you said I missed it..

 

[Merckinator]

It's a 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed manual.

 

[Strngmn81]

Looks good to me...although I'm a Jeep newbie too. But I did work as a mechanic for 27 years. Would check inside the frame through the holes for rust inside the frame. Also would get rid of the rust, but I think I'd buy it at that price.

 

[jazngab]

It's a 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed manual.

Doesn’t look bad at all for a northeast jeep. But you would have to see it in person and feel inside the frame holes for flakes. $5k isn’t a bad price. Would it be your daily driver? Are you ok with it being 4cyl vs 6cyl? I’d offer $4500 and see if they bite. Otherwise $5k is a decent deal if the frame is solid and it lacks body rust.

 

[Alex01]

Looks solid. Also, 5k seems like a good price. If they salt the roads near you I would add some por15 to the frame rails and some eastwood internal paint to the rails as a long term precaution.