Looking for input on a potential TJ purchase

[NJTJ85]

Hi everyone, new here and looking to buy a TJ. Had one about 15 years ago and miss it. I came across the following local to me in NJ. This would be a spare car to us right now, possibly turning into our sons first car.

1999 Sahara
4.0, 5 spd
Appears to be all stock
69k original moles
Waiting on title/vin pic to run history report.

Seller says newer top, new brake lines, regular oil changes, their mechanic said things are fine last time they had it in (whatever that’s worth). Confirmed ac is ice cold and heat hot. No dash lights.

Going to share some photos and would appreciate some input. I, of course, will see it in person, check things out, drive it, etc. before making a deal.

Body/paint looks pretty clean
Interior looks like it needs a detail
Frame has some surface rust, couple spots look a little thick.

Thanks in advance for feedback.

RJ.

 

[N757KF]

Picture #7 looks like the frame is rusted through.
That, (and the ret of the rust) would be a hard no for me.
There's better out there.

 

[Suss]

Too bad about that rust

 

[Apparition]

Ticking rust bomb

 

[chimmike]

Too much frame rust.

 

[NJTJ85]

Picture #7 looks like the frame is rusted through.
That, (and the ret of the rust) would be a hard no for me.
There's better out there.

Picture 7 was my major concern. Thanks for confirming. Likely not worth the hour drive based on ur reply and those that quickly followed.

Thanks u to everyone.

 

[NJTJ85]

Picture 7 was my major concern. Thanks for confirming. Likely not worth the hour drive based on ur reply and those that quickly followed.

Thanks u to everyone.

Here is another I found, 2002 sport with 135k. Again claims no issues except windshield is cracked.

Not getting into price till there positive feedback.

Pictures attached. Note red circle of concern.

 

[Chris]

I personally wouldn’t touch that thing with that frame.

 

[SvtLdr]

The tendency on this forum is to run from any sort of rusty frame. The question should be asked of any perspective buyer, Are you prepared to deal with a possible frame repair situation? And if so, does the price of the Jeep reflect that?
Having been down that road myself, I can say it's not as bad as most people think. It's also not a road everyone is prepared to travel down.

 

[NJTJ85]

The tendency on this forum is to run from any sort of rusty frame. The question should be asked of any perspective buyer, Are you prepared to deal with a possible frame repair situation? And if so, does the price of the Jeep reflect that?
Having been down that road myself, I can say it's not as bad as most people think. It's also not a road everyone is prepared to travel down.

Appreciate this reply too. I can’t say I do not have the ability to do it myself nor am I prepared to drop another $3k or so on top of a $9k price. Again, that’s me tho.

 

[SvtLdr]

Here is another I found, 2002 sport with 135k. Again claims no issues except windshield is cracked.

Not getting into price till there positive feedback.

Pictures attached. Note red circle of concern.

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A rusty windshield frame is easier to deal with than a rusty Jeep frame. It could, however, also be indicative of other hiding rust issues.
LOVE that Gunmetal though!

 

[NJTJ85]

A rusty windshield frame is easier to deal with than a rusty Jeep frame. It could, however, also be indicative of other hiding rust issues.
LOVE that Gunmetal though!

Kind of what I thought too. Jus started looking this past week, so it seems like my search will continue.

Really appreciate the quick feedback from everyone.

 

[1Salty Dawg]

Come down to FL, there's a s@#$ ton of non rusty Jeeps for sale.

 

[JMT]

Come down to FL, there's a s@#$ ton of non rusty Jeeps for sale.

This^^^

 

[sourbluff]

If you don’t have one, get a bore scope so can look inside frame when you do go to look at one. They are cheap on Amazon.

It scares some people but consider looking in non rust areas. Have Jeep shipped back to you. I did this for my LJ and wasn’t horrible. Granted that was right at start of Covid so shipping might be more now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[pagrey]

You can find a rusty frame from pictures but you can't find a clean one. If you can't determine if a frame is sold then you need to bring somebody that can with you when you look at the Jeep. Try to find somebody to bang on that frame and tell you the situation when you have cash in hand or you could make a costly mistake and rust can be an expensive mistake.

 

[NJTJ85]

You can find a rusty frame from pictures but you can't find a clean one. If you can't determine if a frame is sold then you need to bring somebody that can with you when you look at the Jeep. Try to find somebody to bang on that frame and tell you the situation when you have cash in hand or you could make a costly mistake and rust can be an expensive mistake.

Appreciate everyone’s feedback. I’ll be keeping all of this advice in mind.

 

[chimmike]

Here is another I found, 2002 sport with 135k. Again claims no issues except windshield is cracked.

Not getting into price till there positive feedback.

Pictures attached. Note red circle of concern.

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pic #4, is that a frame crack?
looks like they painted the frame/underbody with underbody coat. Used to mask rust? Maybe.
The windshield rust spot is a telltale.

 

[AndyG]

Here is another I found, 2002 sport with 135k. Again claims no issues except windshield is cracked.

Not getting into price till there positive feedback.

Pictures attached. Note red circle of concern.

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Frame appears doctored and painted. Possibly your best bet is to reach out of area to avoid rust if you feel you need to.

 

[duncanator]

Rust issues aside, maybe it's just me but when I am selling a vehicle, I at least vacuum and clean up the vehicle. To not put in the minimal effort of doing that makes me think of everything else they're not doing as far as maintenance. When I see a dirty car for sale, I just walk away.