Newbie buying first Jeep

[CG2010]

New to the forum, looking for a little guidance on buying my first Jeep. Been searching for a clean TJ for awhile now which can be a challenge in the Midwest. Most have been rode hard and put up wet. I came across this 06 with 89k miles that came from Florida. Guy said it’s really clean no rust, I’m going to look at it possibly tomorrow. He has it listed for $15k but in a couple texts I’ve got him down to $14,500. What do you all think would be a fair deal given that it is clean and mechanically sound? Thank you for any and all input!


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[TheBoogieman]

What stands out to me is that he hasn't owned it a year and wants to get rid of it..................and it's been repainted.

 

[JKP]

Crawl under it to verify no rust on the frame, etc underneath.

05 and 06 have a know issue with the Oil Pump Drive Assembly (OPDA). You can google it for the info, videos, etc. Not a deal killer, but something to be aware of.

The 4.0 is pretty much bulletproof otherwise if oil and coolant are kept in it. I have about 300K on my 92 and 230K on my 06.

 

[Irun]

Hard to tell, but it looks to me like it has been repainted. Before buying, get the VIN and run a build sheet at the link below. This will tell you what the Jeep came with from the factory.
https://fcacommunity.force.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing
Also, it's a smart idea to pay for a Carfax report. This will allow you to see where the vehicle has been, as well as if there are any issues. It is an expense, but one that is worth it if you're going to spend $14K or more.
https://www.carfax.com/?partner=BNG...p.ds&msclkid=cf5c2f82349316ef77dc4ec92c7eada3
Last, and most important, do a thorough check for rust, especially in the frame. Just because it came from Florida doesn't mean that it won't have rust. As for the price, it's all relative to the vehicle condition and what you're willing to pay!

 

[Gilaguy23]

Flood recovery vehicle, rebuilt title perhaps??? Car fax it at least like the guys said, and something looks funky with the right front fender like its bent down. Far as price its all in what your willing to spend on something you want.

 

[chimmike]

zero photos of the underbody, unclear info about the title, carpet on the inside? I wanna see underneath that carpet. I wanna see the frame and underbody. Easy to tell if the frame has been painted to cover up rust.

Most florida jeeps are really mall crawlers. That one looks to be the same. Usually TJ's for sale in FL either have 200k miles or 80k. And they're either absolutely abused, or never driven and need maintenance from never being driven.

 

[SPECWAR]

Not to sound malicious but if I were asking 15k, and someone attempted to talk me down prior to coming to look it over I would tell them to go pound sand.

 

[chimmike]

Not to sound malicious but if I were asking 15k, and someone attempted to talk me down prior to coming to look it over I would tell them to go pound sand.

Negotiation is the standard when selling items like this. Smart sellers will ask more than they're willing to take to allow for negotiations. It's as much customary as it is an emotional response thing. Negotiate down, buyer thinks they 'won', seller knowing they got what they want also thinks they 'won'.

 

[CG2010]

Thank you for the replies, I really didn’t even negotiate price just asked if it was negotiable and he said he would take $14,500. Obviously I need to look at it. He did send me a few pics underneath, looks clean to me. The repaint worries me though..

 

[CG2010]

Also he says it has a clean title.

 

[Irun]

Also he says it has a clean title.

Trust, but verify!

 

[Ironman]

I would look carefully at the body lines and gaps. A repaint is not a bad thing if it was done correctly. The frame looks like it was painted so like others have said check for rust repair or cover ups.

 

[tr21triton]

What stands out to me is that he hasn't owned it a year and wants to get rid of it..................and it's been repainted.

those new pics came up and yall are right. i wouldnt waste my time . looking at the new pic's even the boot on the steering stabilizer is painted, he has recently sprayed it trying to cover stuff up. i wouldn't pay but maybe 12k for it !

 

[Irun]

View attachment 278674

I'd certainly be worried about that drop pitman arm. I'm guessing there will be some steering issues to deal with. The more I look at this, the less I like it, for the asking money.

 

[PJOJeep]

It’s clear the frame was given a rattle can paint job (overspray on the underside body mounts), but the frame rails look pretty good. I had to repair rusted out frame rails on my 2000. I did note a drain hole in the bottom of the frame rail, something my 2000 was missing. Front suspension looks pretty good, adjustable track bar and sway bar disconnects, couldn’t tell shock brand, but rears look generic without any boots on them.

Do a through inspection on underside, CarFax as other have recommended, maybe pull back the carpeting in the front, floor boards are high rust area on these too. Price, well, these things are in high demand and as such command a higher sale price, good luck!!

 

[CG2010]

Well it sounds like it has been painted and according to him it isn’t that great, so the search continues. I greatly appreciate the feedback from everyone. Moving forward are there any years that I should stay away from?