TJ buying advice

[jeepnjoe]

Hello, looking for advice please....

Looking at buying a '00 TJ sahara 4.0 liter, 5-spd with high miles (180k), but frame has zero rust (texas jeep). The clutch has been replaced and jeep is rust free. It is priced a little higher, so should I be more concerned about the high miles, or would it be worth it since the vehicle is rust free ???

Any input is appreciated!

JD

 

[Shank]

Hello, looking for advice please....

Looking at buying a '00 TJ sahara 4.0 liter, 5-spd with high miles (180k), but frame has zero rust (texas jeep). The clutch has been replaced and jeep is rust free. It is priced a little higher, so should I be more concerned about the high miles, or would it be worth it since the vehicle is rust free ???

Any input is appreciated!

JD

Being in Ohio, zero rust over anything else for the most part. Make sure you check inside the frame and around all the body mounts. Make sure it doesn't have any rubberized undercoating or anything like that. That is used almost exclusively to hide rust.

If you can take it on an extended test drive, that would be helpful. 180k and a 2000, a lot of suspension has probably been replaced at least once.

 

[jeepnjoe]

Ok, thanks for the tip. Has had Fluid Film applied to internal frame apparently, but no rubberized coating.

 

[Shank]

Ok, thanks for the tip. Has had Fluid Film applied to internal frame apparently, but no rubberized coating.

That's not a concern, should still be able to tell if it's rusty inside. I fluid filmed the inside of my frame.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Hello, looking for advice please....

Looking at buying a '00 TJ sahara 4.0 liter, 5-spd with high miles (180k), but frame has zero rust (texas jeep). The clutch has been replaced and jeep is rust free. It is priced a little higher, so should I be more concerned about the high miles, or would it be worth it since the vehicle is rust free ???

Any input is appreciated!

Was the head cracking issue ever fixed? I sold my 00' Sahara auto with 126,000 miles for $9,000 (brand new 33" MT tires and wheels). Bought my current 03' Texas, one owner Rubicon for $9500 a week later.
p.s. Mileage isn't as much of a concern as maintenance. The PO of my Rubicon had every service record from day one. He even had the window decal.
p.p.s. Before I handed him the cash, 20 people called/texted/emailed and offered him more money to hold it until the banks opened the next day (Monday). CASH (on the spot) is KING.

 

[jeepnjoe]

Okay, thanks for the tips, beautiful Jeep!

 

[CreepinDeth]

Hello, looking for advice please....

Looking at buying a '00 TJ sahara 4.0 liter, 5-spd with high miles (180k), but frame has zero rust (texas jeep). The clutch has been replaced and jeep is rust free. It is priced a little higher, so should I be more concerned about the high miles, or would it be worth it since the vehicle is rust free ???

Any input is appreciated!

JD

Doesnt really help anyone know if its “worth it” without numbers to go off of.

Worth is highly subjective and I base it off my expectations, and abilities on what needs to be done and costs associated. If you have to sub it out, costs run away REAL FAST and make this not worthwhile in alot of cases.

I have never bought a vehicle with more then 30-50K on it UNTIL the past few years when I found some steal deals in great condition, and already anticipated motor & cooling replacement costs (the big costs)

I got a 2003 Wrangler X 4.0L 5sp with 250K on it for $3,000 from a merc I know abroad. Had it been a slushbox, I wouldnt have bought it. Only cancer I found was under the fender flares on 1 fender.( $200 replacement cost)

Whole interior gutted,refurbed and replaced
Including whole new stereo (Stereo~ $900)
Whole suspenion is getting gutted and replaced
Whole brake system is being gutted and replaced
Whole engine bay will be replaced eventually

Had I started with a $10,000+ initial cost I wouldnt have taken this as a project

 

[GPK03X]

Hello, looking for advice please....

Looking at buying a '00 TJ sahara 4.0 liter, 5-spd with high miles (180k), but frame has zero rust (texas jeep). The clutch has been replaced and jeep is rust free. It is priced a little higher, so should I be more concerned about the high miles, or would it be worth it since the vehicle is rust free ???

Any input is appreciated!

JD

Look under the carpet for rust on the floor pans. Lots of Jeeps have leaky tops. Carpet gets wet and can cause rust on the floor