Trade advice: trade in my 06 TJ for a minty 04 LJ?

[Brannon D]

Good morning folks,

I am new to the forum and seeking wisdom from the all-knowing members.

BACKSTORY: I am 23, and I live in Northern Virginia, an bought my first 06'tj X last December in PA. I have learned a lot since then about what I would have rather had/ should have looked for instead. I bought it at 119k and put about 14k on it so far. I have done a new Wrangler fix PCM, 2.5 in Freedom offroad spring lift with Rancho RS5000x shocks, new front end steering suspension, little sensor fixes and upgrades here and there, new front driveshaft, all new brakes, belt and idler pulley, New wheel hubs assemblies, axle u joints, ball joints, thermostat ETC. Also has a hard top on it. Kicker speakers (no sub ). Thing is pretty solid, the OG owner had the rear control arm mounting brackets welded in when they rusted out at one point (PA jeep).

SCENARIO: I have ALWAYS wanted an LJ ever since I found out they existed. Well, just 40 minutes away from me, A guy is selling a 04 LJ with 181k on it, silver, MINT. Not lifted, brand new BFG's, and soft top and STOCK. There is a small portion of body rust on the passenger side rocker (it's okay, both of my side rockers below the door have small rust holes, hence the rocker guards lol). From his photos, it looks solid. He told me he was open to trades. as well for mine. Only "issue" is that the AC doesn't blow super cold, but winter is coming so I'm not as concerned about that. My jeep isn't perfect either and could definitely use some body work.

QUESTION:
-Is this something you guys would recommend trading for? Especially considering how CLEAN it looks inside, outside, and underside as well (I will be inspecting very finely).
-What are some concerns I should have about an LJ VS a TJ?
-Will you guys forgive me for posting such a long thread with multiple questions?

LINK TO FB MARKETPLACE LISTING (I got dibs lol). https://www.facebook.com/share/17GQMfpmUH/

My jeep^ could use a bath and new paint on the frame (she's got some surface rust). Thanks in Advance.

 

[GATORB8]

Wow, the closest I saw to that price when I was looking had a salvage title.

 

[Longwhitejeep]

There are a few in VA listed now with similar mileage and no rust for only slightly more. I would go with no rust if I was going to switch.

 

[TheBoogieman]

My take, being in Va myself and having bought 20 Jeeps as of today. You live in the rust belt of Va, so you thought PA would have better options? An LJ isn't worth any more than a TJ unless the buyer wants one. I bought an LJ and sold it within days. My Rubi has zero rust, extremely well maintained by the original owner and I, has 147,000 miles as of today and I would sell it for $8,000 if/when I need the cash. That day may be coming soon since my work car costs me money every month.

 

[Brannon D]

My take, being in Va myself and having bought 20 Jeeps as of today. You live in the rust belt of Va, so you thought PA would have better options? An LJ isn't worth any more than a TJ unless the buyer wants one. I bought an LJ and sold it within days. My Rubi has zero rust, extremely well maintained by the original owner and I, has 147,000 miles as of today and I would sell it for $8,000 if/when I need the cash. That day may be coming soon since my work car costs me money every month.
View attachment 650872
View attachment 650873

Wow your frame is way nicer then mine lol. Mine, while solid, is still a bit crusty. I didn't neccesarrily think PA would have "better" options, it just ended up being where I found my jeep at the price that worked for me (7K). But if I had to do it again i would avoid PA completely when looking. But Thanks for the advice.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Wow your frame is way nicer then mine lol. Mine, while solid, is still a bit crusty. Thanks for the advice.

Just look at every Jeep in person and check it out yourself. I've driven many hours only to show up to a POS that I don't even have to get out of the car to know I don't want it.

 

[Brannon D]

There are a few in VA listed now with similar mileage and no rust for only slightly more. I would go with no rust if I was going to switch.

Gotcha, I will definitely keep looking. It was more over the fact that he was willing to trade it in and was closer.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Wow your frame is way nicer then mine lol. Mine, while solid, is still a bit crusty. I didn't neccesarrily think PA would have "better" options, it just ended up being where I found my jeep at the price that worked for me (7K). But if I had to do it again i would avoid PA completely when looking. But Thanks for the advice.

Look at Jeeps near Charlottesville and Richmond for less/no rust. Northern Va is a no-go for even looking at a Jeep, unless @Irun is selling one of his beauties.

 

[Brannon D]

Just look at every Jeep in person and check it out yourself. I've driven many hours only to show up to a POS that I don't even have to get out of the car to know I don't want it.

Gotcha. Yeah, I have learned quite a bit, and I don't mind body spots at all just want it to be solid and mechanically sound.

and I too have been catfished by FB marketplace listings, one in particular was back when I live in Florida and looking for my first truck, I drove from Tampa to Cocoa beach (across the state) and it looked like a completely different truck lol

 

[Brannon D]

Look at Jeeps near Charlottesville and Richmond for less/no rust. Northern Va is a no-go for even looking at a Jeep, unless @Irun is selling one of his beauties.

gotcha yeah, I don't know if the jeep has been in NOVA its whole life or not, but it looks a lot cleaner than most "affordable" jeeps from up here.

 

[Longwhitejeep]

I second Charlottesville, Richmond to Norfolk or south for rust free jeeps. Norfolk is VA largest city so usually has more options and vehicles from other rust free parts of the country with a lot military there.

 

[hear]

Ultimately it comes down to whatever you want more. But I wouldn't think too hard about getting out of an 06 and into an 04. Seems like the 05's and 06's have some really squirrelly problems, sounds like you've already seen some of that. But like everybody else has said, make certain you have a firm handle on what you have, and what you're potentially getting into. Mechanical issues can be fixed, but rusty frames etc is a whole nother ballgame that most of us won't touch even accidentally.

Just look at every Jeep in person and check it out yourself. I've driven many hours only to show up to a POS that I don't even have to get out of the car to know I don't want it.

On the other hand, I've driven hours to see something wildly underpriced expecting it to be a heap of junk and it ends up being fabulous. I drove ~2.5 hrs to look at an 02 for $3500 that ended up being GREAT and had $2k worth of parts in the back that I sold off. You just never know.

 

[Brannon D]

Ultimately it comes down to whatever you want more. But I wouldn't think too hard about getting out of an 06 and into an 04. Seems like the 05's and 06's have some really squirrelly problems, sounds like you've already seen some of that. But like everybody else has said, make certain you have a firm handle on what you have, and what you're potentially getting into. Mechanical issues can be fixed, but rusty frames etc is a whole nother ballgame that most of us won't touch even accidentally.



On the other hand, I've driven hours to see something wildly underpriced expecting it to be a heap of junk and it ends up being fabulous. I drove ~2.5 hrs to look at an 02 for $3500 that ended up being GREAT and had $2k worth of parts in the back that I sold off. You just never know.

Okay, makes sense, and yeah ive dealt with a few of the 06 "quirks" mainly the limp mode and other sensors causing issues but fixed all those. Thanks

 

[dearchristopher]

if you don't mind an automatic, i'd say go 04. in your 06, there are higher chances of PCM issues, OPDA issues, and a few quirks of late stage 4.0 that jeepers seem to prefer avoiding.

I bought an 06 LJ and have really enjoyed the platform over the TJ. The amount of room is nice.

Since your TJ isn't a vehicle you've known for a LONG time, you really only have a couple years of proven reliability with it. Sounds like it has rust to manage, but has been pretty consistent for you.

I think you might regret going to a soft top, but maybe not. the room in my LJ + functional AC and heat treatment I've done makes for a pretty sweet daily. I would be considering it semi-seriously, as long as you have the means to wrench yourself and can go pre-inspect it.

 

[Dylan_See_TJ]

Mechanical issues can be fixed, but rusty frames etc is a whole nother ballgame that most of us won't touch even accidentally.

I touched. 0/10, do not recommend. I mean, the future frame swap will give me an excuse to gut the drivetrain and upgrade everything again, but I'd have avoided SO MANY headaches if I'd been more patient snagging something and not ended up with a crust bucket I had to wage war against rust to save. Seems like you're (@Brannon D) on the right track carefully considering everything w/ a possible trade; whatever you end up doing, hopefully it works out.

 

[akajibio]

Good morning folks,

I am new to the forum and seeking wisdom from the all-knowing members.

BACKSTORY: I am 23, and I live in Northern Virginia, an bought my first 06'tj X last December in PA. I have learned a lot since then about what I would have rather had/ should have looked for instead. I bought it at 119k and put about 14k on it so far. I have done a new Wrangler fix PCM, 2.5 in Freedom offroad spring lift with Rancho RS5000x shocks, new front end steering suspension, little sensor fixes and upgrades here and there, new front driveshaft, all new brakes, belt and idler pulley, New wheel hubs assemblies, axle u joints, ball joints, thermostat ETC. Also has a hard top on it. Kicker speakers (no sub ). Thing is pretty solid, the OG owner had the rear control arm mounting brackets welded in when they rusted out at one point (PA jeep).

SCENARIO: I have ALWAYS wanted an LJ ever since I found out they existed. Well, just 40 minutes away from me, A guy is selling a 04 LJ with 181k on it, silver, MINT. Not lifted, brand new BFG's, and soft top and STOCK. There is a small portion of body rust on the passenger side rocker (it's okay, both of my side rockers below the door have small rust holes, hence the rocker guards lol). From his photos, it looks solid. He told me he was open to trades. as well for mine. Only "issue" is that the AC doesn't blow super cold, but winter is coming so I'm not as concerned about that. My jeep isn't perfect either and could definitely use some body work.

QUESTION:
-Is this something you guys would recommend trading for? Especially considering how CLEAN it looks inside, outside, and underside as well (I will be inspecting very finely).
-What are some concerns I should have about an LJ VS a TJ?
-Will you guys forgive me for posting such a long thread with multiple questions?

LINK TO FB MARKETPLACE LISTING (I got dibs lol). https://www.facebook.com/share/17GQMfpmUH/



View attachment 650848View attachment 650847View attachment 650846
My jeep^ could use a bath and new paint on the frame (she's got some surface rust). Thanks in Advance.

Brandon,
My personal experience with jeeps and cars in general is this. If you really like a particular model and want one really bad, go for it. However, take caution of your feelings and emotions when buying/trading said jeep or car. Try to do more research on the specific model you are considering. Take a friend with you to look at it and remember you already have a really nice jeep that you've started upgrading already. My point is that just because you've always wanted an LJ does not mean that this is the LJ for you! Take your time and enjoy what you have. Remember that short wheelbase jeeps work well in most scenarios except for hauling things and people. Take all that into consideration before committing to the trade/purchase. Most of all, have fun!

 

[SPECWAR]

My take, being in Va myself and having bought 20 Jeeps as of today. You live in the rust belt of Va, so you thought PA would have better options? An LJ isn't worth any more than a TJ unless the buyer wants one. I bought an LJ and sold it within days. My Rubi has zero rust, extremely well maintained by the original owner and I, has 147,000 miles as of today and I would sell it for $8,000 if/when I need the cash. That day may be coming soon since my work car costs me money every month.
View attachment 650872
View attachment 650873

 

[Brannon D]

I touched. 0/10, do not recommend. I mean, the future frame swap will give me an excuse to gut the drivetrain and upgrade everything again, but I'd have avoided SO MANY headaches if I'd been more patient snagging something and not ended up with a crust bucket I had to wage war against rust to save. Seems like you're (@Brannon D) on the right track carefully considering everything w/ a possible trade; whatever you end up doing, hopefully it works out.

Good morning folks,

I am new to the forum and seeking wisdom from the all-knowing members.

BACKSTORY: I am 23, and I live in Northern Virginia, an bought my first 06'tj X last December in PA. I have learned a lot since then about what I would have rather had/ should have looked for instead. I bought it at 119k and put about 14k on it so far. I have done a new Wrangler fix PCM, 2.5 in Freedom offroad spring lift with Rancho RS5000x shocks, new front end steering suspension, little sensor fixes and upgrades here and there, new front driveshaft, all new brakes, belt and idler pulley, New wheel hubs assemblies, axle u joints, ball joints, thermostat ETC. Also has a hard top on it. Kicker speakers (no sub ). Thing is pretty solid, the OG owner had the rear control arm mounting brackets welded in when they rusted out at one point (PA jeep).

SCENARIO: I have ALWAYS wanted an LJ ever since I found out they existed. Well, just 40 minutes away from me, A guy is selling a 04 LJ with 181k on it, silver, MINT. Not lifted, brand new BFG's, and soft top and STOCK. There is a small portion of body rust on the passenger side rocker (it's okay, both of my side rockers below the door have small rust holes, hence the rocker guards lol). From his photos, it looks solid. He told me he was open to trades. as well for mine. Only "issue" is that the AC doesn't blow super cold, but winter is coming so I'm not as concerned about that. My jeep isn't perfect either and could definitely use some body work.

QUESTION:
-Is this something you guys would recommend trading for? Especially considering how CLEAN it looks inside, outside, and underside as well (I will be inspecting very finely).
-What are some concerns I should have about an LJ VS a TJ?
-Will you guys forgive me for posting such a long thread with multiple questions?

LINK TO FB MARKETPLACE LISTING (I got dibs lol). https://www.facebook.com/share/17GQMfpmUH/



View attachment 650848View attachment 650847View attachment 650846
My jeep^ could use a bath and new paint on the frame (she's got some surface rust). Thanks in Advance.

UDPATE!!!!!

Thanks everyone for the replies. I ended up not going through with it after discovering (YOU GUESSED IT) MORE RUST, specifically a few pin holes in my frame . It was hiding under a thick layer of paint and coating, and I didn't see it until I wired the frame down to metal when undercoating it for winter. So, we called off the trade. Thanks for the advice and I AM NEVER BUYING A PA VEHICLE AGAIN.