Hey everyone, I’m new here but I wanted to see if anyone could give me some advice on a potential purchase of a 2001 tj. Before this I had previously owned a 95 yj which sadly caught on fire and that was the end of that, but recently I had been approached with an offer to buy a 2001 4.0 tj sport with 154k miles for 4500. This car was fbi seized and the owner of the tow lot (buddy of mine) was able to acquire ownership of the vehicle, I was able to check it out and it started great with a nice interior and no visible rust or actual damage (besides cosmetic) that I could tell. I wasn’t able to drive it as it had no plate, but the car seemed to be a hidden gem. My only major issue is that there’s no records on how the car was previously taken car of or what it issues it had and the fact that it’s been sitting in a lot for a good amount of time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated or key things to look for as I’m new in the world of TJs, thank you !
Should I buy this TJ?
- Thread starter Deylude
- Start date
I'd run a Carfax on the VIN, that will tell a lot about it's history and where it's been registered. If it's a flordia jeep, you are probably in good shape on rust however you want to really look over the frame, including checking the inner frame rails with your fingers.
You can also run the VIN on Jeeps website https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html to tell you what gear ratio and axle setup it has.
You may have a good find assuming your buddy will give you a sweet deal.
You can also run the VIN on Jeeps website https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html to tell you what gear ratio and axle setup it has.
You may have a good find assuming your buddy will give you a sweet deal.
And sadly no the one and most important thing I forgot to take a picture of, got too excited to see it lol. Looked go but I’m gonna go back and check it out again
If the frame is clean and rust free, then $4500 is a great price. Sure, it could use some TLC and maybe some new paint, but even then, $4500 for a rust free TJ is great no matter what!
Keep in mind Carfax ONLY shows the reported issues & damages. Such as anything reported to municipalities, like police, etc. If the previous owner paid cash for any repair minor or otherwise that won't show on a Carfax!
If no rust, you make a bee line to that jeep with cash in hand before someone else does. Get it now. 
Scott Mccain
New Member
Looks all good. I’d take off the plastic bumper caps, the sidesteps, and the fender wells. Replace only the fender wells. Take out the carpet and rhino line it. Take off the hardtop and rhino-line it. Replace spark plugs, fuel injectors, and engine mounts. Change brake pads. Change oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering and diff fluid. Should run and almost look like it’s brand new.
Why would you want to take off and replace the 'fender wells'? What exactly are you referring to?
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Great price! Would be a steal. The only caveat: frame has to be good. Stick your fingers inside the lower frame holes (frame area, just below the doors) and check the rear arches of the frame, where the upper rear control arms attach. Def under the carpet too. Primarily the foot wells of the front and rear seats.
Best of luck. Im actually in Miami now visiting family. In Jersey, where I live, a 6cyl TJ at that price is a unicorn.
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Best of luck. Im actually in Miami now visiting family. In Jersey, where I live, a 6cyl TJ at that price is a unicorn.
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either get out now or wait out the incoming hurricane..be safe.
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Not in the least bit worried. Been through many. Im hoping it causes me to stay longer
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That is the best way to look at it!Not in the least bit worried. Been through many. Im hoping it causes me to stay longer
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Thank you all for all the feedback and suggestions, was able to test drive and it drove like a Jeep, no rust on the frame and all fluids were good and clean. Found out that it only had one accident (small fender bender) and in the last 12 years it’s only had 54k miles on it so it’s been sitting for a bit. Now onto the insurance and hopefully signing some papers
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