My next Jeep - Help me decide

[AMS417]

Looking to buy rather than build right now. Prices on new parts versus picking up someone else build and putting my twist on it just makes more sense time and money wise. I missed out on the awesome LJ that just sold here in the classifieds, it was a smoking deal, but I found it too late. What I am going for is a sold trail rig I can drive on the highway, and wheel moderate to difficult trails without breaking all the time. I know stuff breaks, but I want durability and drive-ability in equal measure. I have approval from the War Dept. to spend about $15k now, with the understanding there will be upgrades made. Rust is an issue here, but mainly to the north of where I live so Illinois and Iowa Jeeps are out if I see rusty hinges or visible rust. I will inspect anything thoroughly before handing over cash.

Some contenders:


1. Looks clean, and its a Rubi. Don't know how nice its going to drive, but looks like it could wheel some. Lots of expensive mods.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/581659879091809/
2. Less money up front means more for upgrades. Has some good mods, and some cheap stuff. Looks rugged. RCV in the front Dana 30 what the what?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/503429617260588/
3. I like the two piece top, but it needs a diff. and thats like $2-$3k from ECGS. Has Dana 30/Dana 35 on stock shafts. I prefer the auto trans, I can drive a manual, but for wheeling seems auto is best.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1834905366644220/
4. Top of the budget, needs a tire carrier and a spare and the stock lockers worry me being pretty much irreparable. Plus its in Illinois, could have rust but the owner says it does not. I like the LJ, its a Rubi, and its an auto.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/575780672989889/
What do you vote for and why?

 

[someguysjeep]

i think you could do better than all those.

take a peek into the "for sale finds" forum. guys find some nice jeeps in the SW that'd at least be a solid platform to start with.
looks like you want the lift and like big wheels, but if it's not built to support them correctly your could be buying a money pit.

 

[TJ2]

None of the above. Keep looking.

 

[Chris]

None of the above. Keep looking.

Yep, I agree with this.

There's so many better ones out there than the ones you just showed us

Those things all look haggard and beat to shit. For that amount of money you can get one that is clean, rust free, not beat to shit, and probably pretty low miles as well.

I'd stay away from ones that look like that, since it most likely is an indicator they where wheeled hard by people who didn't care for them.

I also wouldn't consider any Jeep unless the seller provides a number of detailed photos of the frame and underside. Those people can't even seem to figure out how to take a single good picture.

 

[Noreaster1967]

I looked at over 60 different Wranglers before finally finding the 'right' one. Patience is a virtue.

 

[AMS417]

i think you could do better than all those.

take a peek into the "for sale finds" forum. guys find some nice jeeps in the SW that'd at least be a solid platform to start with.
looks like you want the lift and like big wheels, but if it's not built to support them correctly your could be buying a money pit.

I want a good lift and supporting components, I don't care about big wheels at all 15" is fine. 3-4.5" in lift and 32-33" tires would be great, but all the jeeps around here have 35's or more on stock Dana 30/35's. I can fix that, but it adds a lot of cost. Would like selectable lockers and auto trans. Might have to give this up and buy a stock Rubi for now. I need to find something semi local within 6 hours away so I can inspect it and drive or trailer it back. Buying out of the SW is pretty much out with travel right now being restricted. Limited options and I don't want to buy a mistake.

 

[AMS417]

I looked at over 60 different Wranglers before finally finding the 'right' one. Patience is a virtue.

I agree, I have looked at several and still haven't pulled the trigger. Its tough because I live at the bottom of the rust belt. 50/50 shot around here on frame / body rot.

 

[TJ2]

Why buy now that we are restricted in traveling?
Keep looking and by the time you find one, the stay home is already lifted.

 

[Goatman]

You will find that most highly modded Jeeps have been beat to when they go up for sale. You will find a much better selection of quality Jeeps if you concentrate on stock, or slightly modded Jeeps. Ones with a 2" lift and 31's or 32's on them. When they are built to bang off rocks they probably have been. Any 'built' rig is only as good as the guy who did the work. And that is often the problem. I only sell a vehicle when it no longer is cost effective to keep it. Meaning worn out. You will find most Jeeps with 35's are in that category too. Not all, but most. And then you have to fix whatever the previous guys hacked into the Jeep. Build it your way with your parts and be sure it is safe and right. Good luck. Around here Jeep prices always go up in Spring.
Rust is the most important thing in selecting a good Jeep. There are a lot out there. Take your time. You will know when the right Jeep finds you.