TJ with salvage title
- Thread starter NevadaMike
- Start date
I bought a salvaged TJ from the junkyard and its been alright to me, the engine blew up in about 200 miles of owning it so I put a Jasper reman. I redid the interior too. I've basically gone over all of it almost with maintenance required parts, it's basically brand new at this point minus the cosmetic aspect.
LJ’s weren’t available in 2003; They became available in 2004. I personally wouldn’t want an LJ. I like the shorter wheel base better.
Yes they were They were introduced as 2004 models but they started selling them in 2003.
My point was the price seems high for an TJR, was not implying for you to buy an LJ.
April 2004 officially but they didn't reach dealerships until after that. Most early reviews were over two months later in mid-2004. Motor Trend called it 2004.5 in their review.
That’s like the 2022 Jeep is available in 2021. The LJ’s weren’t available until 2004 (model year)
I agree that it is a little high. I think I’ll wait a little longer until I find a Jeep I like in a more reasonable price range.
You could always low ball them. There is no way I would pay 5500 for that Jeep. You'll have to replace the top and I don't see the top halves of the doors. There is rust above the driver side wheel so the paint sucks.
I wouldn't completely rule out salvage title Jeeps. Jeeps are probably the top vehicle I would consider given how easy it is to check things out underneath and you can replace nearly every part on it and still call it a Jeep.
As for insurance, it will depend on the state you are insuring the vehicle since auto insurance is regulated at the state level, in the US.
Mudflat
TJ Enthusiast
I agree! Also, no matter how much money you spend or how nice you make it. That salvage title will likely “haunt” that Jeep & the resale value will be limited.
Now if you never intend to sell it or spend much money fixing it up …
I didn’t even notice the rust. That’s why I posted pics so fresh eyes could see what I missed. I talked to them a little yesterday about the price; they are firm on the price. I’ve added up the cost for the ignition switch, a new top and new upper doors plus the missing bar fir the rear window. I’ve decided that it’s too much for what I would be getting. I’m giving it a pass. I’ve seen another TJ that’s similarly equipped for $9,800 obo. It was posted this morning and in much better shape. The odd thing is the upholstery in the salvage Jeep is in pretty good jeep and the other one needs new seat covers. Neither one is quite what I’m looking for so I’ll wait until I see something I like better for the right price. I’m not in a hurry.
I don’t really plan on reselling my next Jeep unless someone really like it and makes me a really good offer.
TheGanzman
TJ Enthusiast
Do any of us "non-flippers" of vehicles REALLY "plan on reselling"? Many years ago I saw THE most incredible '66 Pontiac Bonneville coupe that had a KILLER hydraulic system on it. Yeah, I know - not many people's idea of "cool"; but the build quality was off the charts! Guy built it himself over the course of 18 years, including a chopped top - not a body seam anywhere, ZERO orange peel, and ZERO evidence of the chopped top - in short, it was dead PERFECT! I told the guy "if you ever want to sell this, let me know". He said that there was virtually NO chance of him selling it; he had turned down crazy stewpit offers. Guess what - ~5 years later I heard from him; he had hit on hard times and had to sell it quickly & for a distress price. By then I had moved on, but that was just one example of what I've experienced of a "I will NEVER EVER sell this labor of love vehicle as long as I live"...
Honestly, I feel the very same way about my current '04 Columbia Edition; and frankly, whatever $ I could get for it wouldn't really impact my financial situation one way or the other. I have it 99% perfect for MY personal needs & wants; plus we all know how hard it is to find an untinkerfucked with TJ. I've turned down $15K for it just before we moved from SoCal without so much as a second thought. Not gonna say that it will NEVER be for sale though, or that it can't "be bought". I've developed a bum left hip ~2 years ago; so far it's not affecting my ability to work the clutch, but all that could change in the blink of an eye. As Stephen King said: "Life turns on a dime..."
There's nothing wrong with getting a Salvage vehicle, if you know what your getting into and the price is reasonable. Before doing so though, check with your insurance company to see if there are any issues with registering or insuring one. FWIW, I've bought a couple and just made sure there was no frame damage.
Depends on why it got a salvage title. One of the most common reasons is water damage from being partially or totally submerged. That is a no go for me, you'll be chasing electrical gremlins forever, and if it was salt water the frame is a ticking time bomb.
And I wouldn't give more than $3k for that one.
And I wouldn't give more than $3k for that one.
Mine being a trail with more than double spent on mods that I paid for the Jeep the title branding didn't bother me. I will have this one a while, and when I do sell it I am sure it will go to another enthusiast who will beat the piss out of it like I do. I might lose some money along the way, but the way Jeeps in general and especially LJR's are going I doubt it. I am having a lot of fun with it in the meantime.
I do agree that flood salvage is a big "NO". Those cars need to be parted. So much drama that can pop up years later even if its "fixed right". Unibody cars hit hard I steer away from too. Not many get fixed correctly. Cosmetic and theft damage, no worries if you buy them right. My shop teacher in high school essentially had a second job fixing and selling late model salvage cars. He had a waiting list, and people requested certain models and colors. He would find them and fix them right. We even worked on some in class. He did pretty well, and had repeat customers.
I do agree that flood salvage is a big "NO". Those cars need to be parted. So much drama that can pop up years later even if its "fixed right". Unibody cars hit hard I steer away from too. Not many get fixed correctly. Cosmetic and theft damage, no worries if you buy them right. My shop teacher in high school essentially had a second job fixing and selling late model salvage cars. He had a waiting list, and people requested certain models and colors. He would find them and fix them right. We even worked on some in class. He did pretty well, and had repeat customers.
I just saw this. As it sits, this is way overpriced. Keep looking, or get them to come down another $2K or more!
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