rockhound Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 I'm looking to buy a used 1997-2006 Jeep "TJ" Wrangler. I have owned a TJ once before (The LJ model) and absolutely loved it. I have been looking around for a clean used model and to be honest I'm shocked at the prices on these. They go from moderately priced to stupid high. I would be interested in hearing from other TJ owners about things to look for when purchasing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JL Sargent Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 We have a 97 model. TJs are notorious for cracked exhaust manifolds. We bought one with the 4.0 L straight 6 and manual 5 speed. It had a bad universal joint, cracked exhaust manifold, bad brakes, bad top, and worn out transmission sychronizers and tires for a reasonable $3,300.00. I've repaired all that (less synchros) and its been real good now for several years. Lay under it, look at the bottom side of the trans, transfer case, engine. Look for leaks, cracks, or damage to these expensive parts. People abuse these things. Jeeps are fun to drive around the house or at the beach or to a nearby lake. Not something I want to drive for hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 I would like to have my old 1968 CJ5 with fat herbies, Torson in the rear and posi in the front. Top speed was 50 but I could pull a house down the road. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted October 23, 2019 Author Share Posted October 23, 2019 5 hours ago, JL Sargent said: We have a 97 model. TJs are notorious for cracked exhaust manifolds. We bought one with the 4.0 L straight 6 and manual 5 speed. It had a bad universal joint, cracked exhaust manifold, bad brakes, bad top, and worn out transmission sychronizers and tires for a reasonable $3,300.00. I've repaired all that (less synchros) and its been real good now for several years. Lay under it, look at the bottom side of the trans, transfer case, engine. Look for leaks, cracks, or damage to these expensive parts. People abuse these things. Jeeps are fun to drive around the house or at the beach or to a nearby lake. Not something I want to drive for hours. Thanks for the info nice looking TJ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted October 25, 2019 Author Share Posted October 25, 2019 Found a 2002 X model with 34k original miles on it a couple hours from me. It has a rhino lined exterior and interior not sure how I feel about the exterior being rhino lined, might be a real pain to keep clean. If everything else is solid this will probably follow me home as finding these for a good price with low mileage is next to impossible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JL Sargent Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 I would suggest being patient and waiting for a Jeep that is closer to you if possible. You won't be under the gun so much to buy it. Rhino is very good at hiding imperfections in the body work such as rust. That's bad if you're buying, good if you're selling. I don't like that or "tread bright" attached to the corners and door bottoms of the Jeep. Who knows what's under that? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 2 hours ago, rockhound said: Found a 2002 X model with 34k original miles on it a couple hours from me. It has a rhino lined exterior and interior not sure how I feel about the exterior being rhino lined, might be a real pain to keep clean. If everything else is solid this will probably follow me home as finding these for a good price with low mileage is next to impossible. Send me the VIN and I'll look at it's history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted October 25, 2019 Author Share Posted October 25, 2019 50 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: Send me the VIN and I'll look at it's history. Check text! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 40 minutes ago, rockhound said: Check text! Check yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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