Need advice on possible TJ purchase - too much rust?

[JWalker]

Hi Everyone,
I'm still trying hard to find my first TJ (and trying to be patient!) and came across this one that looks good on the exterior and interior, but I'm a little concerned about what's underneath, specifically rust. I've already been told to look for rust, and then more rust, and finally more rust! It also looks like there are some oil leaks. It's kind of hard to tell because it's so dirty! It spent it's first 10 yrs in Michigan so yeah, salt. It's an 03 with 112,000 miles and 4.0L automatic, asking $11k. Unfortunately it's a couple hrs away from where I live so I can't just go see it in person so have to rely on pics and videos.

What do you guys think? Too much rust and just let it go?

Thanks in advance!

 

[2001slvrstntj]

Most looks good to me but this spot says check the inside of the frame. Stick your fingers in all the holes and feel the bottom of the frame for rust.

 

[WallyWest]

Take a hammer to the frame, one end to the other. If you can get access to a scope that can be fed through the holes and actually see the inside of the frame that's ideal. But feel around for rot, see if you can find any soft spots. Most common places for advanced rot will be near the exhaust pipe.

Just based on looks it's pretty good.

 

[CodaMan]

What is this?

 

[JWalker]

What is this?

View attachment 190549

I was wondering the same thing? It looks like the metal has split?

 

[scottgraham]

What sub-model is it? $11 seems a tad on the high side for a non-rubi, at least where I am.
Looks pretty clean other than what @CodaMan pointed out.

 

[taylormade73]

What is this?

View attachment 190549

Didn't catch that because of this...

 

[CodaMan]

Didn't catch that because of this...

View attachment 190554

Yeah, I didn't go there LOL

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

It took me a bit to see it, but I was wondering the same thing. Really though, 11K for a stock 03 seems a bit high. That's a 7K jeep here in Newer Mexico especially coming from MI. There's a lot of Jeeps in CO keep looking

 

[Steel City 06]

Nothing I see is a deal breaker. Looks like your average 7 year old car around here.

Though it may need some refinishing of you plan to keep it long term. I would strip it down, grind any rust out, and repaint once I had the time.

I agree it does seem a little overvalued.

 

[CodaMan]

If you're willing to pay that price, go south or west and get something better.

 

[AndyG]

There are too many good TJs to start with any rust. Also there's usually enough to work through getting one dialed in , adding that to the mix is a bridge too far.

I've seen someone to completely through one ..tires, lift, shocks, parts, parts.. and more parts...and in the process determine it had so much rust they needed a frame swap.

There were just under a million of these sold... And there are some jewels just south of you in Arizona as well.

Living in Colorado and getting one from Michigan is like being a conservative guy and shopping for a wife at a strip club.. it might be fun at first, but when the lights come on...

 

[scottgraham]

Living in Colorado and getting one from Michigan is like being a conservative guy and shopping for a wife at a strip club.. it might be fun at first, but when the lights come on...

What lights?

 

[2001slvrstntj]

What is this?

View attachment 190549

Yeah, wondered that too....not clear but looks like spilt metal.

 

[2001slvrstntj]

There are too many good TJs to start with any rust. Also there's usually enough to work through getting one dialed in , adding that to the mix is a bridge too far.

I've seen someone to completely through one ..tires, lift, shocks, parts, parts.. and more parts...and in the process determine it had so much rust they needed a frame swap.

There were just under a million of these sold... And there are some jewels just south of you in Arizona as well.

Living in Colorado and getting one from Michigan is like being a conservative guy and shopping for a wife at a strip club.. it might be fun at first, but when the lights come on...

Your talking about a woman/girl called "butterface". Everything looks good "but her face".

thread derail over...

 

[scottgraham]

Here, too:

 

[JWalker]

Thanks for all of the feedback, everyone! I really appreciate it! I'll probably pass on it and keep searching. I really don't want to deal with any rust issues.

I've also been looking at surrounding states, especially AZ and NM. These things are crazy expensive here in CO!

 

[scottgraham]

An $8k clean TJ and plane ticket will save you a ton, over that one.