Which of these would you pick?

[grantg2002]

Hey all, prospective buyer here. I had a couple listings pop up in my area that looked interesting. Let me know if you'd recommend one (or if you see red flags from the listing that I've missed). I'll probably go see both of them in person anyway to check the frame/test drive, but wanted to get some other opinions beforehand. Just automatics for now, as neither me or the wife know how to drive manual, and we would like to be able to get the jeep home (if this is a grave mistake let me know). My first car was an '05 BMW E46 that I drove from 140k-200k miles before selling, so I am comfortable (and quite happy) doing some wrenching to fix issues/install upgrades, I just don't currently have the skills to do something drastic like an engine/trans swap.

Option 1: $6500-2002 Apex Edition. 135k miles.
Description: 2002 Jeep Wrangler Silver APEX Edition, 4.0L I6, 4 Speed Automatic w/ Overdrive 135k miles. Lifted, Hardtop, Pioneer Bluetooth/AUX radio, Soundbar, APEX edition hood and leather seats, Nilight LED Front Bumper Off-Road Lights. Still Good Tread - 33’s - BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 All-Season LT285/75R16 tires on Vision 353 Turbine Wheels. Minor interior and exterior blemishes/rust, perfect glass. Known issues: Small radiator leak, oil leak, and power steering leak. Overall in good/fair condition. Presale mechanic inspection from Christian Brothers Automotive was done 11/13.

Option 2: $7000-2005 Sport, 195000 miles
Description: Just installed new tires and wheels. Will come with original wheels and really good tires I took off. Modified hood and fenders. No rust. New brakes plus brakes with lifetime replacement pads. New cowl intake. New computer. New speed sensors. Runs and drives awesome. No issues. Pretty firm on price. Open to trades

 

[Duck Doctor]

Of the two rigs I would choose option 1 due to lower mileage, no cheap fenders, and no fish on the hood. I would verify the frame is not rotten. Expect to replace the radiator, rear main seal, and regear to match the tire size. The 42rle transmission wasn't available in 2002 so the owner either swapped in the 42rle or the rig actually has a 3-speed auto, which I'm my opinion is a better transmission.

 

[ColoJeep]

#1

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Option 1 does have visible rust on the frame shown in the pics... you need to get your fingers in all the holes in the frame to feel for major rust. A camera, such as a borescope, in the frame would be good to look deep in the holes for issues would be beneficial/required.

 

[lBasket]

Peanut butter interior?? Is this even a question!

 

[GaTechTJ]

#1...fewer miles, lower price. Win win.

 

[Sam410]

I like the first one. Like others said get a really solid understanding of the rust you are dealing with. In addition to the Frame inspect the torque boxes (channels welded to underside of body where the body mounts bolt to). If they are rusted out they are not fun to replace and/or expensive to hire out the work.

Every jeep I pickup I replace the whole cooling system anyways, not a big or expensive endeavor for these rigs. everything can be had pretty cheap off rock auto.

The fenders and hood on the second are a big red flag to me. Is that a hood vent with no ventilation holes cut??

If you have any other questions feel free to reach out!

 

[Rickyd]

Whichever has less rust. All the ugly crap on the second can be replaced

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-much-money-is-my-2002-apex-edition-tj-worth.69382/

Do a little search on here, good info. Keep looking, some good TJ's in CO with very little rust. Patience !!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/579963318350140/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:d1757c64-76bc-479a-8f42-fddfebdcce47

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/563652656318387/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:d1757c64-76bc-479a-8f42-fddfebdcce47

Kind of like this one, manual, but good to learn to drive ! Never too old to learn, good AX15 ! Would guess negotiate better $$ ??

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:d1757c64-76bc-479a-8f42-fddfebdcce47

Miles, but well kept. Worth going to see. (might sell cheap, has been listed for a while !)

 

[Ashim]

I'd pick #1 but only after verifying trans was the original 3 speed auto. If someone put a 42RLE in there I'd pass.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I don't think putting the 42RLE is even possible to put into the older TJs, or anything really, without so much ECM TCM BS(CM?) and wiring swaps that anyone would bother.

Beyond that, I don't see anything on that second Jeep that would have me offer more than maybe $2500. Honestly I'd probably start with $1800 through a text and ignore the seller's outrage.

 

[tnjeepguy]

I don't see anything on that second Jeep that would have me offer more than maybe $2500

The hardtop and transmission are worth that. (the PA and OH air has you dizzy) From south of Pittsburgh, Bethel Park; long ago.

 

[L J]

Of those two options, I'd go look at #1. #2 looks like #2. Nothing but junk catalog "mods". Likely owned by a teen or early twenty-something so maintenance history would be questionable at best.

 

[97' 4 Popper]

I would also go with number one. The early model TJ's have the better trannys.

 

[TheBoogieman]

The Apex edition was made 02-03'. Maybe you got the years or transmissions mixed up. I'd take that one either way. Offer them $5,500 so you can buy a radiator and fix the leaks. The second one is a NO-GO just because of the Fishbone Offroad hood louver.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Peanut butter interior?? Is this even a question!

They prefer to be called "Cognac Ultra-Hide" seats. It translates to fake leather.

 

[Westtown Willy]

as mentioned above the rust is a big issue to check for, that goes for all TJs. Jeep #1 obviously spent a lot/most of its life pre skid plate drop because it has the telltale rot between it & the rails. While it may be 'surface' it's very possible if not likely that it's worse inside. After doing the recommended probing & viewing inside with a camera I'd pull that skid off & make sure the bolts come out. If not it can be fixed, but that's just one more headache. It looks pretty good from the outside but I wouldn't end the probe at the skid, I'd check every inch of the interior of that frame, just to know what you'd be getting yourself into.

 

[ColoJeep]

They prefer to be called "Cognac Ultra-Hide" seats. It translates to fake leather.

That's fine , but does your butt burn and sweat in the summer and freeze in the winter ? That's the important part about leather.