Quick question regarding a Jeep I'm looking at

[JP.Mongo]

I'm going to trade in\well my 2010 Ram 1500 and the top end of my budget is going to be about $15000. I found a listing for an '05 T J with only one previous owner with 61k mi. I'm on the east coast and am trying to keep my search within SC, NC, and VA. Rust is my #1 concern when looking in this area.

This is the listing https://kadsautogroupllc.com/2005-Jeep-Wrangler/Used-SUV/Chantilly-VA/11806833/Details.aspx

Is that a decent price for what it is and with the pictures of the underside should I be concerned with the rust that is visible? It's about a 7 hour round trip for me, so before I head anywhere to look at any jeeps i want to make sure that it would be worth my time based on what I can see online.

Thanks and can't wait to join this awesome community! I've caught the TJ bug like you read about.

 

[Chris]

It looks pretty decent. However, they didn't really post any photos of the frame rails, which are definitely the most common area to become rusted out. That being said, I'd need to see more photos of the frame rails themselves to know for sure. If it looks like the rest of the Jeep, then I wold say there's nothing to worry about.

 

[JP.Mongo]

It looks pretty decent. However, they didn't really post any photos of the frame rails, which are definitely the most common area to become rusted out. That being said, I'd need to see more photos of the frame rails themselves to know for sure. If it looks like the rest of the Jeep, then I wold say there's nothing to worry about.

Do you think $14,999 is a fair price barring any major rust issues with the frame rails?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I personally would avoid buying an unknown 05 or 06 TJ with the 4.0L engine. There exists two potential problems with 05-06 models... 1) The oil pump drive assembly has a potential for a lack of lubrication problem. So-called "fixes" like the Crown OPDA repair kit are not a 100% sure fix, they don't permanently fix the problem for everyone. 2) The automatic transmission computer has problems in 05-06 when they integrated it into the main engine computer. It can be forced into Limp Mode or it won't shift properly when this problem exists. A firmware flash can sometimes fix it but not always.

So unless you're willing to live with those potential issues that admittedly don't occur with 100% of them, I'd look for a 2004 or older that does not have either of those problems. Some will disagree as to the severity of those issues but those will simply be those who aren't experiencing the severe problems that others are experiencing. Not everyone experiences those issues but many do. Both are big problems for many 05-06 owners.

 

[Chris]

Do you think $14,999 is a fair price barring any major rust issues with the frame rails?

Yes, I do. I paid 20k for my 2005 Rubicon with 65k miles and zero rust, so I think that is a fair price. I suspect you could get them to go down $1000, only because it's Winter, and no one is buying a Jeep in Winter (well, not most people at least). Come Summer, it will be a hot seller.

 

[Willys LJ]

Winter is always the best time of year for buying boats, motorcycles and Jeeps. Not so good for selling them though.

 

[jazngab]

In my experience shopping for a TJ on the east coast, I think it's a bit on the pricey side. I came across an '05 TJ with 61k miles manual that came from California and Texas that sold for $12k near me. This was when I was rather new to looking at them and I was too scared to pull the trigger. Knowing what I know now I would have bought it on the spot upon seeing it. If I was you, I would either offer a couple grand lower or keep looking for a better deal.

 

[Starrs]

Looks pretty good. Jk Moab wheels with newer KO2 tires. No frame pics really. Just wait for the barrel of monkeys sound aka OPDA that hasn’t really affected anybody on this forum. Appears to be in good shape. Hinges don’t have any rust either.

 

[TJ2]

Do you think $14,999 is a fair price barring any major rust issues with the frame rails?

From Amarillo Texas, you can get $15k way better than that. I see your pics inside the engine bay and it has a lot of rusted hardware. That is a red flag IMO.

 

[TJ2]

I personally would avoid buying an unknown 05 or 06 TJ with the 4.0L engine. There exists two potential problems with 05-06 models... 1) The oil pump drive assembly has a potential for a lack of lubrication problem. So-called "fixes" like the Crown OPDA repair kit are not a 100% sure fix, they don't permanently fix the problem for everyone. 2) The automatic transmission computer has problems in 05-06 when they integrated it into the main engine computer. It can be forced into Limp Mode or it won't shift properly when this problem exists. A firmware flash can sometimes fix it but not always.

So unless you're willing to live with those potential issues that admittedly don't occur with 100% of them, I'd look for a 2004 or older that does not have either of those problems. Some will disagree as to the severity of those issues but those will simply be those who aren't experiencing the severe problems that others are experiencing. Not everyone experiences those issues but many do. Both are big problems for many 05-06 owners.

x2 on Jerry's comment.
But I have the '05 manual Sport Dana 44 (replaced my OPDA @160k miles). There was no problem, but I replaced it anyway.

 

[Clint Rivera]

Someone used about 3 cans of spray paint on everything on the bottom of the Jeep. I would take a good look at the frame, especially by the rear lower control arms.

 

[JP.Mongo]

Thanks for the replies! Already decided to pass on that one. Researched further into automatics for the '05s and 6s, and I'm gonna stick to manual only in those years.

 

[JP.Mongo]

If yall dont mind I'd love to use this thread to bounce the top listings I've found off of you guys.

I'm currently looking at an '04 Rubi w/ 62k miles on it.

https://www.neuwirthmotors.net/used...lmington-ab1ab0f30a0e0adf052ed355f4a049c1.htm

Looking at the carfax it did have an accident listed but it was at around 6000 miles. Also it spent the first 10 years of its life in NJ so I've asked the dealership for some underbody pics as well.

Any opinions from anyone on this listing right off the bat?

 

[Starrs]

https://www.gkfsales.net/details.php?vehicle=325181

Will need frame pics. Spent whole life in NJ, but price is very good with hard top.

 

[Hap337]

I would say that was a good pass on the first one. Definitely need to inspect the frame on whichever one you decide. It's very easy to fall in love with a Jeep and overlook some things, especially if you are mechanical and handy, but a rusty frame is not one of those things to overlook