Potential TJ purchase (What do you think of this frame?)

[osirhc]

I found a 2004 Rubicon on Marketplace, 5 speed, lifted with 33s, only 124k miles, and otherwise looks clean (it also has the hard top hook up which is a plus). But the seller is asking a suspiciously low price for it. While most Rubicons seem to go for $13k+ in my area, this one is priced at $10,500.

Here's the post - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/509458043561820/

It's over 2 hours away from me, so I asked the seller for pictures of the frame. This is what I got;

It appears to have had a rather large chunk of the frame patched - should I run away from this? I think it otherwise looks clean, but I feel there's a reason it's still for sale after 2 weeks at this price.

 

[BrunoPizz97]

Def a patch job on that frame, if the price is right and she runs good, then buy it. The only issue i see is that patch job not being the best of patches. Maybe look into how much it may be to properly repair that.

Just saw that it was listed for 10,500. imo I wouldnt buy it with that patch.

 

[bromel]

Ask if that is a Safe T Cap. It doesn't look like one. Ask who did the work and if they cut out the rust first. You'll need to feel inside the frame where it curves over the rear wheels because that's also a common rust spot.

 

[Chris]

I’d pass. Cleaner ones are out there.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

I found a 2004 Rubicon on Marketplace, 5 speed, lifted with 33s, only 124k miles, and otherwise looks clean (it also has the hard top hook up which is a plus). But the seller is asking a suspiciously low price for it. While most Rubicons seem to go for $13k+ in my area, this one is priced at $10,500.

Here's the post - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/509458043561820/

It's over 2 hours away from me, so I asked the seller for pictures of the frame. This is what I got;

View attachment 247966
View attachment 247967
View attachment 247968View attachment 247969

It appears to have had a rather large chunk of the frame patched - should I run away from this? I think it otherwise looks clean, but I feel there's a reason it's still for sale after 2 weeks at this price.

That patch looks like a Pocono Metal craft repair. If happens to be done by them is sort of relief knowing is a well done job.
Try to get it for 9500 and get a new frame if the body is not too rusty.

 

[derekmac]

If you do go to see it, have a good look at the torque boxes as well. There's also a chance that those plastic (I assume) covers on the front fenders are covering up rust.

 

[BrunoPizz97]

rust is not fun.

 

[defenderu]

Patched frame for sure. I dont know what your budget is but I would keep looking. I just got an almost rust free frame 141k miles for 12k,

 

[Camdenst]

That looks like a whole lot of NOPE

 

[BrunoPizz97]

That looks like a whole lot of NOPE

rust is bad

 

[osirhc]

That patch looks like a Pocono Metal craft repair. If happens to be done by them is sort of relief knowing is a well done job.
Try to get it for 9500 and get a new frame if the body is not too rusty.

Unfortunately it is not, it seems like it was done by a local shop in Jersey, Select Automotive in Milltown.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

Unfortunately it is not, it seems like it was done by a local shop in Jersey, Select Automotive in Milltown.

Got it. Maybe not a bad shop but not everyone handles this jobs right or keep record of it.
If end up going for to see it put your finger true one of the holes and feel how rough is the inside, aim for the bottom side. You will know right away if go ro deal for a better price.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Also, it should be a 6 speed, not a 5 speed.

It's a 04'. The 6 speed came out in 05'.

 

[glowell222]

Did they send photos of the fuel tank skid plate? Also, I don't understand repairing the frame and then putting back the rusty skid plate bolts. You can see how bad the frame had to have been by the scoops in the transmission skid plate-they were using a pry bar to pull the skid off, it seems, and bent the skid in the process.

 

[derekmac]

It's a 04'. The 6 speed came out in 05'.

Jesus, I swore I read 2005 lol

 

[Rubicon88]

I found a 2004 Rubicon on Marketplace, 5 speed, lifted with 33s, only 124k miles, and otherwise looks clean (it also has the hard top hook up which is a plus). But the seller is asking a suspiciously low price for it. While most Rubicons seem to go for $13k+ in my area, this one is priced at $10,500.

Here's the post - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/509458043561820/

It's over 2 hours away from me, so I asked the seller for pictures of the frame. This is what I got;

View attachment 247966
View attachment 247967
View attachment 247968View attachment 247969

It appears to have had a rather large chunk of the frame patched - should I run away from this? I think it otherwise looks clean, but I feel there's a reason it's still for sale after 2 weeks at this price.

Frame is fine. Being in the rust belt I see this shit all the time.

As far as the 2 week thing...

Jeeps...real Jeeps...are a funny sort in selling them.
They're the biggest bitch to sell as a dealer. (Used to manage a lot for a few years)
You can't buy them right at auction. Ever. To get one you have to bail all the way in. Leaves littke room to negotiate.
If the slightest thing is off...color..top...tranny...the potential customer moves along.
They don't sell like Camry's, accords and F-150's. It's a special buyer.

The fact it's been listed for 2 weeks doesn't mean shit.
Now the Jeep might ultimately be junk but not because it sat for 2 weeks without selling.

If it's exactly what you want....buy it. If it isn't...move along.

 

[osirhc]

Did they send photos of the fuel tank skid plate? Also, I don't understand repairing the frame and then putting back the rusty skid plate bolts. You can see how bad the frame had to have been by the scoops in the transmission skid plate-they were using a pry bar to pull the skid off, it seems, and bent the skid in the process.

They did not, but I can ask. I noticed that too about the skid plate, seems like they might have half assed it a bit if they reused the old rusty bolts. I don't understand that either.