Looking for thoughts and opinions on this potential TJ

[RickC137]

I've been looking for a used Wrangler as a third vehicle. I have a line on a 2004 hard top, auto, with 141k miles. New radiator recently installed. Pretty much stock, but will need tires. No apparent leaks. Southern vehicle with no rust. Took her for a ride and seemed to run ok, tracked straight. A/C blows cold but can't get it to blow out of dash (defroster or floor). Older lady owns it and her husband passed. She still drives it around town. Can probably be had for about $6,500.

Thoughts?

 

[tr21triton]

6 cyl or 4 banger ?

 

[AndyG]

If its a 4.0 , that is a very good price generally.

 

[RickC137]

4.0, 6cyl.

I see NADA and KBB and realize those prices are wildly inaccurate.

 

[defenderu]

I paid 12k for a 03 rubicon with exact same mile and an arizona jeep its entire life. Sounds like thats a great deal.

 

[tr21triton]

run, dont walk and buy that thing !

 

[Claytone]

Sounds like a great deal.
The hvac problem is probably a vacuum leak.

Edit: this is only if it’s not rusty.

 

[Chris]

Until you show me photos of the frame, I can’t give you any solid input. For the price, I’m guessing the frame is rusted out.

 

[P man]

If it is exactly as you described its a good deal but as Chris said look over the frame and tub carefully before you commit

 

[Irun]

Get the VIN and run a build sheet. That will help us help you.

 

[RickC137]

It sold. Thanks for the opinions. The search continues.

 

[tr21triton]

It sold. Thanks for the opinions. The search continues.

i told ya to run !!!!!

 

[RickC137]

It's been a while. Bought and sold a JKU for my wife which was a POS since this last post.

Looked at a southern, no rust, no "coating" 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 2003 TJ today. Very clean with no rust, 85K miles. Started right up. But, heard what sounded like marble or rocks towards the front of the engine. Very random "marbles in a blender" sound. Quickly increased then disappeared when "revved". Didn't even test drive it at that point, but it's not far from me.

I thought I remember reading something about "rocks in a blender". Any opinions on this? I don't mind the 4 banger...It's Florida.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Keep looking. Plenty of Jeeps in Fl.

 

[RickC137]

Keep looking. Plenty of Jeeps in Fl.

That is a fact. Thanks.

 

[DuckNut]

It's been a while. Bought and sold a JKU for my wife which was a POS since this last post.

Looked at a southern, no rust, no "coating" 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 2003 TJ today. Very clean with no rust, 85K miles. Started right up. But, heard what sounded like marble or rocks towards the front of the engine. Very random "marbles in a blender" sound. Quickly increased then disappeared when "revved". Didn't even test drive it at that point, but it's not far from me.

I thought I remember reading something about "rocks in a blender". Any opinions on this? I don't mind the 4 banger...It's Florida.

What's your budget? Where you at? I could keep my eyes open in the Tampa area

 

[RickC137]

I'm in Port Charlotte. Prefer under $10K, but could go up to $14K if needed. I've looked at a few between $14K and $7K and only one was "clean" with no frame coating and/or rust. The coatings are really good at hiding issues I guess.

There was an '04 Rubicon right down the street that was super clean but $19K

Yeah, if you want to keep an eye out, I'll buy you a steak dinner if you find a winner.