STICKY What should I look for when buying a used Wrangler TJ?

Whatever the outside of the frame looks like, you can be certain the inside of the frame is at least 3X worse. For 15k I wouldn't buy it without taking an endoscope to the inside of the frame (this is something we commonly recommend when purchasing a used TJ), and I do mean that quite seriously.

The rust on the outside isn't terrible, but it really makes me want to see inside that frame just to be sure you're making a good purchase.

The Jeep isn’t local. It’s about 2 hours away. I am driving down tomorrow to check it out for the first time. If it was local, prior to purchase, I could take it to a great shop nearby that specializes in Jeeps and get a great look at the frame. But that isn’t an option.

I don’t have an endoscope. Is there something else I can do to try and gauge the condition of the frame?
 
What do you think is fair?

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In todays TJ market, for that TJ and from what I’ve been seeing (at least here in the NE), I think it’s not a terribly bad price for sub 100k mile Sahara from the south (I’m assuming south since you’re in Georgia) that hasn’t been mauled/“tastefully” modded/relatively stock. I think if you can swing it for $12-13k that would be a fair deal for both of you. From the pics, and only the pics, the frame LOOKS to be in good condition. But confirm it in person. Ideally with an endoscope, like one off Amazon for $30. If not, feel inside the frame holes. The ones by the rear wheels and the center skid plate especially. It should feel smooth. If you feel flakes then that’s a no. Also check the body for rust. Torque boxes, floor pans, fenders, rear panels by the tail lights, etc. Rust is the biggest thing to look for.

If it’s a Sahara it should have the rear Dana 44 which adds value.

Has it been off roaded? Has the clutch been replaced? Is it leaving big oil leaks from a bad rear main seal? Do the winch and lift and wheels have value to you? Do you like the mods? If so, that will save you from spending on them yourself. Do you want to spend less for a less than ideal Jeep and put in the work yourself to save some money or buy a ready to go TJ? Do you love the color? How long have you been searching?

IMHO I think it’s worth the 2 hour drive to check it out based on the pictures. Price is whatever you’d be comfortable paying. All depends on what it is in person. Pics can only tell so much. Negotiate in person and be ready to pull the trigger if it checks all your boxes. Good luck!
 
In todays TJ market, for that TJ and from what I’ve been seeing (at least here in the NE), I think it’s not a terribly bad price for sub 100k mile Sahara from the south (I’m assuming south since you’re in Georgia) that hasn’t been mauled/“tastefully” modded/relatively stock. I think if you can swing it for $13k that would be a fair deal for both of you. From the pics, and only the pics, the frame LOOKS to be in good condition. But confirm it in person. Ideally with an endoscope, like one off Amazon for $30. If not, feel inside the frame holes. The ones by the rear wheels and the center skid plate especially. It should feel smooth. If you feel flakes then that’s a no. Also check the body for rust. Torque boxes, floor pans, fenders, rear panels by the tail lights, etc. Rust is the biggest thing to look for.

If it’s a Sahara it should have the rear Dana 44 which adds value.

Has it been off roaded? Has the clutch been replaced? Is it leaving big oil leaks from a bad rear main seal? Do the winch and lift and wheels have value to you? Do you like the mods? If so, that will save you from spending on them yourself. Do you want to spend less for a less than ideal Jeep and put in the work yourself to save some money or buy a ready to go TJ?

IMHO I think it’s worth the 2 hour drive to check it out based on the pictures. Negotiate in person and be ready to pull the trigger if it checks all your boxes. Good luck!

The seller bought it from a man in FL who garage kept it and only drove it locally. From our previous conversation, it doesn’t sound like it has been off-road much. The current owner bought it for his lake house and for cruising around the local area.

I am driving down to look it over and test drive it later today. I plan on taking my time and looking it over closely. I will poke around the frame to see if it is weak from rust and will check the inside of the drain holes as well. Thanks for the specific places to check.

I don’t believe the clutch has been replaced but I will ask. The seller said it might leak a drop or two of oil in a month but nothing serious. I want to keep the winch but if I buy it, I will likely get different wheels. If so, I will sell the ones on it to recoup some money. Other than that, I like everything on it. It comes with a soft top and hard top.

I am looking for one for my 15 year old to drive when he turns 16. We want to work on it together but I want to avoid the money pit too.

Thanks for you thoughts on the price. I was hoping to get it down to around 13000 - 13500. We’ll see.
 
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Hello! Hoping to get some expert eyes and advice on a Jeep I am considering. 2004 Wrangler Sport, 4.0 with 5 speed manual with 49k miles. Asking $16.5k. What do you think of the engine bay and undercarriage for rust or any obvious deal breakers. Let me know what you think. Thanks! BTW- Love this group and the wealth of knowledge shared for us DIYers.

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Hello! Hoping to get some expert eyes and advice on a Jeep I am considering. 2004 Wrangler Sport, 4.0 with 5 speed manual with 49k miles. Asking $16.5k. What do you think of the engine bay and undercarriage for rust or any obvious deal breakers. Let me know what you think. Thanks! BTW- Love this group and the wealth of knowledge shared for us DIYers.

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You should post this to general discussion. You'll get alot more responses. This section is for resources.
 
Hello! Hoping to get some expert eyes and advice on a Jeep I am considering. 2004 Wrangler Sport, 4.0 with 5 speed manual with 49k miles. Asking $16.5k. What do you think of the engine bay and undercarriage for rust or any obvious deal breakers. Let me know what you think. Thanks! BTW- Love this group and the wealth of knowledge shared for us DIYers.

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Frame rust doesn’t look bad from the exterior but you must verify the interior of the frame, especially by the rear control arms and the section where the skid plate bolts up to the frame. Ideally you would have an endoscope to visually verify it but you can use your fingers. It should be smooth on the inside. Any rust flakes and it’s an easy pass.

Price seems high. That’s rubicon asking price. I assume because it only has 49k miles but IMO it’s priced to high.
 
Frame rust doesn’t look bad from the exterior but you must verify the interior of the frame, especially by the rear control arms and the section where the skid plate bolts up to the frame. Ideally you would have an endoscope to visually verify it but you can use your fingers. It should be smooth on the inside. Any rust flakes and it’s an easy pass.

Price seems high. That’s rubicon asking price. I assume because it only has 49k miles but IMO it’s priced to high.

Thanks!
I wondered..it's posted in the general thread now. Since my post, I pulled the history. The Jeep has spent time in NY, HI, Guam, Utah and now Idaho. 6 owners. Not sure I feel good about this one any longer.
 
Hello! Hoping to get some expert eyes and advice on a Jeep I am considering. 2004 Wrangler Sport, 4.0 with 5 speed manual with 49k miles. Asking $16.5k. What do you think of the engine bay and undercarriage for rust or any obvious deal breakers. Let me know what you think. Thanks! BTW- Love this group and the wealth of knowledge shared for us DIYers.

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For the price I'd pass. The surface rust on the body bothers me a bit as well.
 
Its not had for Idaho. But I would still check the inside of the frame. It was obviously garaged thru the winter for some time. Or it would be way worse from the snow and salt.

Verify mileage etc via Carfax. That is very low mileage. But he us still asking to kuch. Outside of LA that is a pretty high price. I'd say sub 15k. But I'd still offer 13 or 14k.
 
Hello!
Looking into getting back in a Jeep and I came across this 2003 X that's about 3 hours from me, and has about 73000 miles on it. Nice older couple, asking 10k. Rust in all the usual places, and they sent me what pics they could. Now the question is if it's worth the time to drive down depending on how bad the rust is, or how easy it is to fix just to check out. I don't want to start off with a money pit, rather I wanna get there naturally 😂
Here are the pics from the listing and a couple more they sent. If I do go down to check it out, I already have the names of some mechanics to take a look recommended by some friends.

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Hello!
Looking into getting back in a Jeep and I came across this 2003 X that's about 3 hours from me, and has about 73000 miles on it. Nice older couple, asking 10k. Rust in all the usual places, and they sent me what pics they could. Now the question is if it's worth the time to drive down depending on how bad the rust is, or how easy it is to fix just to check out. I don't want to start off with a money pit, rather I wanna get there naturally 😂
Here are the pics from the listing and a couple more they sent. If I do go down to check it out, I already have the names of some mechanics to take a look recommended by some friends.

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10k is quite steep with rust.

It'd be much cheaper in the long run to buy a tj outside the rust belt and bring it in.

I do like the color though.
 
10k is quite steep with rust.

It'd be much cheaper in the long run to buy a tj outside the rust belt and bring it in.

I do like the color though.

While i agree with you I'm also conflicted. My kneejerk reaction is to tell folks in the rust belt to buy a jk and save all the nice vehicles for the rest of us....
 
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