Mixed signals on 2004 Rubicon

[rjansanft]

Hi Jeeple, this is my first post, so I am sorry if don’t follow proper formats, am long winded etc. I could really use some help.

Diving in
I found a 2004 Jeep Rubicon 4 liter 5 speed manual for sale, it is in superb condition. No ridiculous mods, well cared for with 93k miles on it. It’s being sold for 12,000

Anyways, I’ve spoken to some folks that have owned rubicons that consider themselves as Jeep people, and they tell me that the rubicon is junk, and isn’t worth it. But I can’t find much to confirm there experience. The Jeep is very affordable to me and I thought it was a good deal. Does anybody have experience with this particular model? If so what was your experience? Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[twistedlv]

Those folks are what we like to call, "idiots".
Thats a solid deal, barring any unseen issues like rust.

 

[rjansanft]

Those folks are what we like to call, "idiots".
Thats a solid deal, barring any unseen issues like rust.

No I got photos of the undercarriage, everything is spic and span. The only thing wrong with the body is a small crack on inner door plastic, but it’s an 04. Thanks for the reply it helped a lot!

 

[Fouledplugs]

The Rubicon is a waste of money. It is a waste of money to a buyer who has it in their plan to swap axles or swap trans cases.

The front axle, the lockers, and the transfer case are the parts that separate a Rubicon from the other TJ packages.

Some folks set out to build a TJ on a wheelbase and tire size to fit their needs/trails. If those parts I mentioned are gonna be swapped, why pay the premium?

If you plan on staying with a 35 inch tire or smaller, plan on hitting the trails often, the Rubicon carries a great benefit and is not a waste of money.

 

[rjansanft]

The Rubicon is a waste of money. It is a waste of money to a buyer who has it in their plan to swap axles or swap trans cases.

The front axle, the lockers, and the transfer case are the parts that separate a Rubicon from the other TJ packages.

Some folks set out to build a TJ on a wheelbase and tire size to fit their needs/trails. If those parts I mentioned are gonna be swapped, why pay the premium?

If you plan on staying with a 35 inch tire or smaller, plan on hitting the trails often, the Rubicon carries a great benefit and is not a waste of money.

That’s what I thought. I had major surgery on my spine last year, I can’t really put in the work to do my own mods, that’s why the Rubicon was appealing to me. It’s good stock.

 

[rubicube]

I love mine, just bumpers winch 3"lift I live in the mountains and it goes everywhere.....

 

[MaloStapalo]

Perfect for what my end goal was. That 4:1 low makes me smile.

 

[AndyG]

For starters , all real , true Jeep and 4x4 people know Dana 44 ‘s are good stuff.

Lockers are good stuff .

A 4:1 crawl ratio is good stuff .

As a production vehicle , a Rubicon is awesome .

I’m not saying you can’t build something better ... but head to head a stock Rubicon will eat a stock CJ,YJ, TJ OR JK/JL alive...all things being equal.

 

[rjansanft]

Thanks everyone for the input. My heart wanted this Jeep and y’all helped clear up my doubts. The freedom that comes with the rubicon is really appealing, and I just can’t pass up this beauty. I’ll be purchasing tomorrow and am really excited for all of the adventure coming my way. Ready for that wrangler smile. If I see you I’ll wave.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

There is nothing at all wrong with the Rubicon. Haters gonna hate.

I see you mentioned that everything is spic and span. Just make sure the frame doesn't look that way because someone painted over the rustiness.

Good luck!

 

[Jeep Joe]

Hi Jeeple, this is my first post, so I am sorry if don’t follow proper formats, am long winded etc. I could really use some help.

Diving in
I found a 2004 Jeep Rubicon 4 liter 5 speed manual for sale, it is in superb condition. No ridiculous mods, well cared for with 93k miles on it. It’s being sold for 12,000

Anyways, I’ve spoken to some folks that have owned rubicons that consider themselves as Jeep people, and they tell me that the rubicon is junk, and isn’t worth it. But I can’t find much to confirm there experience. The Jeep is very affordable to me and I thought it was a good deal. Does anybody have experience with this particular model? If so what was your experience? Any feedback is appreciated.

Absolutely adore my 04 rubicon, it has become my baby.... my girlfriend is jealous of our relationship

 

[glwood]

Not only are the Rubicon models the stock TJ to own, the '04 model year is considered by many as the best year of the Rubicon to own. If everything works as it's supposed to, and it's in the condition you state, that would generally be considered a steal. Better jump on that one before it's gone.

Oh, and by the way,

 

[rubicube]

dude I paid 14 in phoenix almost a year ago w/135k and it has run perfect.....I'm so glad I waited till I got a rubi,thays what I wanted, now you can't hardly find a tj rubi on cl in az in good shape for under 20k.

 

[rjansanft]

Not only are the Rubicon models the stock TJ to own, the '04 model year is considered by many as the best year of the Rubicon to own. If everything works as it's supposed to, and it's in the condition you state, that would generally be considered a steal. Better jump on that one before it's gone.

Oh, and by the way,
View attachment 98517

 

[Jamison C]

Wow, has that thing ever seen a dirt road in it’s life? Underside is incredibly clean including the frame.

That’s a heck of a find, snatch it up!

 

[rjansanft]

Doing exactly that.

 

[Daryl]

Nice find! Get it before someone else does.

 

[Jeep Joe]

View attachment 98522View attachment 98520View attachment 98521View attachment 98522

Personally I don’t like chrome accents on jeeps, but it looks great! And the chrome isn’t too over the top. Definitely a yes!

 

[AndyG]

Win.

 

[Brian Alcorn]

Got my 04 Rubicon for 5000 about 4 months ago had 304994 miles when purchased currently has over 311000 ...had to rebuild the rear end when purchased but everything and I mean everything works...cruise lockers ac CD player intermittent wipers fog lights... all with no issue whatsoever...checked the frame body mounts rear bumper and floorboards and no rust anywhere either ...feel like I stole it