What to look for when purchasing

[TommyC39]

I am looking at a 2004 Wrangler with low miles, 26k to be exact. 1 owner, kept in the shed and used only a couple times a year, and in the snow. With it sitting and not being used much what else should I look at the ensure im not missing something major. I know we are already planning on new wheels & tires, door weather striping.

I have never been a jeep owner and wanted to get thoughts on what exactly I should look for. This will be going to my 16yr old daughter and of course we want to protect her as much as possible and to make sure this is a good deal we are getting.

 

[CreepinDeth]

Get it on a mechanics lift and pay them for an inspection
Im guessin thats going for a pretty penny

Check ALL fluids, brake fluid, trans fluid, coolant, etc
Hard to believe a 20 yr old vehicle just sat that much
Be sure to run a CarFax

 

[TheBoogieman]

In PA, look for RUST, oil leaks, smoke, odd noises and RUST. Did I mention RUST?

p.s. I bought an 03' auto with 26,000 miles for $8,900, several Jeeps ago. It was a Hawaii Jeep and the PO's wife said he had to sell it before he bought any more toys. I was pissed that they wouldn't budge on the price for cash money. His wife even made me go to the bank and get HER a cashier's check instead of cash??? WTF. I guess she thought I was laundering my drug money. If Joe can do it so can I.

 

[AndyG]

In PA, look for RUST, oil leaks, smoke, odd noises and RUST.

Ditto/ All day long

If that jeep is really clean it may be a deal-

 

[suicideking]

Check the frame to make sure it's not rusted, in good shape. Many parts will have surface rust, but need to make sure the frame is not rotting.

If you're not sure what to check, I would definitely pay a mechanic in the area to do a used car inspection. They can check everything and let you know what you're getting into.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Ditto/ All day long

If that jeep is really clean it may be a deal-

That depends on the price IMO. No old TJ is worth $20,000 to me. There's an LJ for sale locally with 9,900 original miles for $33,500. Like I said, I paid $8900 for a 03 with 26,000 miles. People point out "post Covid" prices and I point out that that Jeep was 10 years newer when I bought it. Old Jeeps are still old Jeeps. What did P.T. Barnum say? There's a sucker born every minute. He left out the "rich" part. Po folks like me only buy good deals.

 

[AndyG]

That depends on the price IMO. No old TJ is worth $20,000 to me. There's an LJ for sale locally with 9,900 original miles for $33,500. Like I said, I paid $8900 for a 03 with 26,000 miles. People point out "post Covid" prices and I point out that that Jeep was 10 years newer when I bought it. Old Jeeps are still old Jeeps. What did P.T. Barnum say? There's a sucker born every minute. He left out the "rich" part. Po folks like me only buy good deals.

Thats why I said “may be”.

We just saw an X here with 9800 miles- was immaculate- The dealer turned down 35,000.


I couldn’t even imagine much over half that.

 

[MaximusLJR06]

Rust is going to be the main thing you want to look for, especially on and inside the frame. Stick your fingers inside every hole in the frame you can and feel around.

Let me know if you end up needed any help, I'm not far from you. Also if you end up changing your mind on purchasing it, I'd be interesting in the owners info to take a look at it myself.

 

[TommyC39]

Thanks for all the pointers! Before anybody even mentioned getting a mechanic involved, its already scheduled to be looked at on Thursday because I am not a huge car guy by any means, hence why I asked your thoughts which are all appreciated.

Asking price is $9,500 which seems unreal but it is a family friend and do trust them but still totally needs to be looked over.

 

[TommyC39]

Rust is going to be the main thing you want to look for, especially on and inside the frame. Stick your fingers inside every hole in the frame you can and feel around.

Let me know if you end up needed any help, I'm not far from you. Also if you end up changing your mind on purchasing it, I'd be interesting in the owners info to take a look at it myself.

Ill keep you posted on the outcome, but i did hear there is someone already behind me that wants it if I don't take it.

 

[Danarch]

Here is a great write up on what to look for.

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

 

[TheBoogieman]

Thats why I said “may be”.

We just saw an X here with 9800 miles- was immaculate- The dealer turned down 35,000.

Holy $h!t! When did you move to Calibama?

 

[MaximusLJR06]

How did you make out with this jeep?

 

[TommyC39]

How did you make out with this jeep?

Actually just got back from taking it to get looked at, will need some minor stuff like brakes, axles seals and some other non sense stuff that we were planning on doing anyway.

As for rust, frame is a beauty and only rust we found was surface rust on the basic suspension & steering components. Checked under the carpet and its brand new, not even discolored Did find the oil pan to have some rust on it which we will keep an eye on as well as the transmission pan too, there was a little extra fluid in that area as well. My mechanic said both of those pans are commonly changed out with this time of age to it.

So at this point I will be stealing it, run it till the end of Aug when the insp is up and then get it in for the full services with some extras.

 

[Jamison C]

Sounds like a heck of a deal and a solid rig. Just keep the rust away! And post more pics when you can

 

[KennethS]

My mechanic said both of those pans are commonly changed out with this time of age to it.

Is that a regional thing? I have never heard of it.

 

[deadbeat son]

Is that a regional thing? I have never heard of it.

I read it as the gaskets are likely to require change by this point.

 

[AndyA]

This will be going to my 16yr old daughter and of course we want to protect her as much as possible

Get a more modern vehicle with side airbags, etc. if that is the number one priority. Andy

 

[LONGJP2]

This will be going to my 16yr old daughter and of course we want to protect her as much as possible and to make sure this is a good deal we are getting.

A 20 year old front wheel drive car would be much safer.

 

[hear]

I am not a huge car guy by any means, hence why I asked your thoughts which are all appreciated.

You should 100% expect to spend money on repairs, or even just freshening up of things like steering components. It can get expensive quickly if you're paying somebody else to do the work. PERSONALLY, I couldn't imagine owning a 20+ year old car w/o also having the desire to work on it (and/or learn how to work on it, as may of us here have done). But everybody has their own budget so you do you.

Just remember, this forum exists because stuff breaks frequently.

That said, I found an 02 in that same red color that my daughter will be driving next spring when she turns 16. Probably a terrible decision, we'll see how long before I reverse course.