OH NO!!! 5 Things About Buying a Used Jeep TJ Wrangler // What to look at for your next purchase
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- Опубликовано: 29 окт 2020
- How many times has this happened to you?
You see a really nice used 1997-2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler...
You pull into the used car lot (or someone's front yard)...
You check it out, looks solid...
You take it for a test drive... no strange sounds...
You make the purchase...
Then you take it to your local garage, and next thing you know, there are 15 things that need to be fixed before it can be road legal, and your bill now costs more than you spent on the vehicle??? What just happened???
We've all been there at one point or another. And if you haven't, you know someone who has been.
At SFJ, we believe in being as prepared as possible when picking out your next vehicle, especially in today's times when saving money wherever possible is critical. In this video, Neil takes a look at 5 things to make sure you check out when buying your next used 1997 - 2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler. Is it the ultimate checklist?? Of course not, but for the average person, these 5 things will give you an idea of just how much work you're getting yourself into, and how much money you may have to put in to make it your dream Jeep.
Neil takes an in-depth look at problems affecting the frame/body, the steering/suspension, wiring, tops/covers, and modifications.
If the seller will allow it, SFJ also offers a "Crawl Over Inspection" where we'll give your perspective new vehicle a multi-point inspection and report our expert opinion on the vehicle's condition. To see if this service is still available, reach out to us at www.SFJ4x4.com, call us at (440) 813-3663, or visit us at the shop at 324 Orange Street in Conneaut, Ohio.
Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram to share in all our wild adventures. 
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The key is just to live somewhere where rust isn't an issue, and don't buy jeeps from people that do nasty modifications to wiring and accessories. Not a bad video per say, but it is extremely limited on content as most of the things you mention are solely related to rust.
Here's a few of my tips for people interested in buying a TJ. ( I bought one earlier this year and it needed a lot of work)
1. Check the Cylinder head for cracks between the 3 and 4 cylinders. It is easy to do. Just start the jeep with the oil cap off, let it warm up and use a flashlight to look for bubbling/fluid on the metal right below the fill hole. It will appear on the crack line if there is a crack there. (especially common on 00-02 4.0L engine) Do not purchase if there are bubbles. Engine is already damaged.
2. Check that the air conditioning (if optioned) and the heat is functional. Make sure that you can hear the blend door motor spinning when you change the temperature. It is not uncommon for the heater core to leak and the coolant leak to drip down and kill the blend door motor completely. Also check that the lower foot vents are dry and don't smell sweet like coolant. This is to check for heater core leak as well. Heater cores are not too expensive if you need to change one. But it is not a fun or easy job if you don't know what you are doing. A shop will likely charge you over $500 in labor to change one.
3. Check that the factory fan clutch is there and functioning. Electric fans are a band aid that some utilize to attempt to fix an overheating problem. Jeep TJ's should heat up to about 210 on the temp gauge and never go higher after that. Do not let an overheating problem fly. I live in the 118 degree (Fahrenheit) desert and my jeep never gets over 210.
4. MAKE SURE THERE ARE MAINTENANCE RECORDS for oil changes and other wear items (ie transmission fluid, brakes, shocks, etc)
5. Oil pressure should be above 20 at idle. If it is below, then WALK AWAY
6. Check automatic trans fluid and make sure it is at least slightly pink in color. If its black, then WALK AWAY.
7. Check the tires and their date codes. Be aware if tires are going to be needed and account for that in price.
8. Check the top. Tops are expensive as noted in this video. Best top is a good brand generally. But make sure that everything is functional/zippable. If it isn't functional and is old and rotted, the seller should be giving you a break on price.
9. Make sure that 4WD high and low both engage properly with a smooth fast shift of the lever. (Make sure you know how to shift this properly before going to check out a Jeep)
10. Listen for knocking/ticking noises when driving. If it is an auto transmission, the bell housing bolts may back out and start contacting the torque converter making a knocking sound. Knocking could also be a sign of piston skirt failure or other extensive engine issues. AVOID THESE JEEPS if you're reading this/watching this video. Only those that work on jeeps themselves can make a jeep that is this broken worth salvaging.
Thanks for reading. That's all I can think of for now. Good luck finding a nice TJ. They are hard to come by now.
If you do come across one. Take good care of it! Keep on Jeepin on!
All great information, thanks brother!!!
Decommissioned an old undercover LJ, whatever mechanic or officer wired everything was clearly a functional psychopath.
THANK YOU ! I'm going to print this list out and carry it on my journey/hunt for a TJ. I'm in no hurry just love learning these things.
I don't get why there's so much hate on TJs in the comments. I am no mechanic and this is one of the easiest cars to work on. Installed my own lift kit, sway bar disconnects, winch, new soft top, stereo system, fenders, etc. This is really the GoldiLocks of wranglers, modern enough to be daily driven, oldschool enough to be considered a Jeep... small two door 4x4 vehicle. Very versatile and reliable 4.0L
Honestly, that's part of the problem with them. Anyone and everyone can tinker with them. I just bought a run-and-drive TJ from Copart. It does run and drive. The engine and transmission are great. What's not great: the door and body are bashed in, the front drive shaft is bent, the u joints are shot, the tie rod ends are shot, the steering damper is leaking, the alignment is off, the tires are unevenly worn bare, the battery cable is corroded, the exhaust is leaking, the lug studs are too short for the aftermarket wheels, and there are wires and switches everywhere for aftermarket audio systems and light bars. All of these are pretty easy to deal with, but the mechanic wanted over 4k to get it in good order. The previous owner was hard on it. But worst of all, her sloppy modifications damaged it.
@@---cr8nw that just sounds like you bought a shitty one tbh.
@@ianmontesinos1001, I did. You're right. But I bought it at an auction 550 miles away. If I had seen what the previous owner(s) had done to it, I wouldn't have bid on it.
Some people are just born difficult bro
Mmma
Anyone that tries to hide a rusted frame with bondo should be forced by law to pay the unlucky buyer double what they sold it for.
Great info SFJ! Not just for people looking to buy a used TJ/LJ but also people looking to maintain their current one 👍 0IIIIIII0
Thanks! No year has been more important than this one to make sure you're protecting your investments and making solid decisions about where your hard-earned cash is being spent.
This dude is the Bob Ross inspector of jeeps. Excellent knowledge and delivery of info.
Take that jeep, paint it yellow, and that’s by and large the Jeep I bought. The salt in the wound is I took the trouble to hire a “mechanic” to inspect the vehicle and he gave it the a-ok, and it wasn’t, not by a long shot. By the time I figured this out, too much time had passed for me to sue. This is an excellent video on the areas of a Jeep TJ to be wary of before you buy.
Basically, if you want to save yourself the trouble. Go to a southern state where it does not snow, get yourself a Jeep there so there is no salt damage. Also makes sure its stock, put the upgrades on yourself or pay someone for professional install. So many people have no idea how to build Jeeps and cause severe damage to them trying to upgrade them or trashing their Jeep while off roading. I have a 99 TJ that has a small tear in the driver seat, everything else looks good.
I did just that. Found an '03 in South Carolina from a guy that buys, builds up and flips Jeeps for the love of it. Best move this Bay-stater did for finding a sweet TJ.
@@shorelinedigital Got my 04 TJ from SC as well.
Good advice as long as it's not ran on the beach or through salt water. Or flooded in hurricane.
Lol. I can guess where your tear is. Got the same one. These Jeep's have their nuances.
Just watch out for flooded/rushed title washed cars....
I enjoy fixing those beat up rusty TJ's. It's amazing what you can do with some fabrication knowledge and the right materials/tools.
Do you have any photos of restored TJ s.
Yes, they are sweet! I have just almost completed a 98, I still need to replace tailgate hinges, and floor pans. This Jeep will be my Jeep, so I will wait until spring to finish it. I did not go back to stock. It won’t be for the Jeep purest. I installed pipe fenders, replaced both bumpers, and the grill, with a shark grill. I had to repair the linkage, the 4WD switch is bad also, so I will be replacing it. Next to go on it, will be my winch. I looked at allot of Jeep adds, before I purchased this jeep, the thing, I was was looking for, was to make sure, the frame was not rusting out. Most of the Jeep’s out there, that I have looked at, the frames were shot. When the frame is gone the rest is a iffy situation, so I had to hurt there feelings, and say, no thank you. They would always ask me, so what do I need to do, to sell it? I said, part it out, you will get, far more money.
The key is "knowledge"
Tops are consumable. $500 & you have a new Jeep.
Tops are cheap, yes. Someone said the Jeep is junk, with a bad top, I laughed and thought, man you would give someone a great deal.
The truth is, my list of importance is in this order. The only true thing I demand to be good is, the frame and mounts. Without those being in good shape, the cost of repair would be ridiculous for cost. All of the rest is still expensive, but if the bones are good shape, I can justify the rest, the 98 I just almost have finished, I only put $1200.00 for the parts needed. Engine and all moving parts, only had I think 120,000 miles on it. Almost identical to the Jeep in my shed.
1 St- Frame
2 Nd- Engine
3 Rd- Trans
4 Th- Axles, shocks, Springs,
5 Th- hubs, Breaks, lines
6 Th- Electrical
7-Th- Body, Top
TJ - the best made Jeep of all time (99 and prior). Before Mercedes screwed it up, making them the mechanical liability they are today. Arguably the easiest platform to work on off almost any vehicle on the market, and if you can get one with the 4.0L and 3 speed auto, with regular maintenance, it should last for a very long time!
'98 40 I6 TJ here. It is a joy to work on, lots of room under the hood.
Why you say 99 and prior, and not 97-06?
If this was for sale in Arizona it would be advertised as highly desirable and indestructible 4.0 straight 6 with 230,000 miles. $14k firm.
Even though it's obviously the 2.5.. 😂
Truth, although I happily paid 9k for my 02 with 100k miles from an older couple that kept it stock. In AZ we definitely have it all jeepwise.
THIS is the kinda guy you want with you when purchasing a used car. Great video, especially since I am from up north and I am trying to navigate purchasing a TJ with no major frame rust.
Thank you!
It took me three months to find my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn. Ideally you would like a rust free frame, strong engine, transmission and transfer case. 3.73 gears, Dana 44 and well maintained. And this is exactly what I found in this '05 TJ. Despite coming from Ocracoke Island NC with all that salt water/air the frame is immaculate. The original owner was wise enough to get professional undercoating and it shows. I thought I had found my TJ five times before I found this Rocky Mtn. They all had rotted out frames and there's no way I'm paying $4k for a new frame. You have to realize these TJ's regardless of their location will require some tcl. Mine needed a rear main seal and heater core. Also the ac orifice tube and ac compressor were shot. Outside of these, this TJ has been the best vehicle I've had. Modest 2" lift on 32" Bfg ko2's with classic Baja gunmetal alloy rims. With basic routine maintenance, these 4.0's I6 engines will last forever!
O|||||||O
🇺🇸Only in a 2 dr🇺🇸
'41 - '06
Personally, I would of walked away when I saw the upside down tail light. If you don’t have enough sense to put the plate/reverse light down toward the plate, there’s no telling what else you didn’t know how to do.
Rust from Northern states is expected especially after 23 years, I bought mine from GA. 4 years ago with not a speck of rust for 6600, now doing complete restore with new engine$$$$$
Man, you guys just scared me out of a potential buy. I didnt look for half this stuff. Appreciate your knowledge, and thanks for sharing. Great video
Glad to help
"Looks like they cut it with, I don't know, a dull spoon..." ROTFL
That made my day.
Dude, I absolutely LOVE my 2001 TJ. It has a couple spots on the frame that are somewhat questionable but it’s very fixable and NOT severe, I just have to take it to a place when I have time to get it fixed.
I’ve learned how to do a lot of regular maintenance on it, and it’s very easy to work on. The 4.0 is super reliable as long as you give it regular maintenance, just like any other solidly built engine. Idk why people are giving it crap lol
People will give anything crap. I had a TJ 3 years ago and am picking up another one this Monday. I’m so stoked lol
I bought my 04 TJ Rubicon 4 months ago no problems no rust it's been well taken care of, and it continues to be well taken care of. Awesome video
Great information. Videos like these were what I used for reference when I bought my 97 TJ last year with 210,000 miles on it. Checked frame, suspension, engine performance and handling to figure out it was a steal since it had about 10 grand in custom work already done to it. You can never get enough information when it's your hard earned money your spending.
What did you pay for it?
Glad I live in Idaho. I looked for 2 years for my 2005 LJ. Bought it in 2015 no rust at all original paint on Body and frame. With a lot of the original part number stickers. Still own it very happy with it. Will never get rid of it.
Haha same story with me, 2006 Rubicon. Believe it or not, I got mine in Chicago area, not a spot of rust on the frame anywhere. Lucky for me the original owner got this Jeep in Texas and only had it up north for two winters. And he did not drive it one time in the salt, kept it in a garage for only $1000 a month. First thing I did was rustproof the hell out of the frame inside and out.
As long as that Jeep has solid frame and engine, the top is not a problem.
I totally agree. The frame is where it can get sketchy.
@@michaelblock4397 Rust can also be a problem. Other than those, you can strip a Jeep of everything and put it all back together.
Your right, rust always breeds rust. If the spot being repaired, isn’t completely clean of rust, such as a floor pan repair. Rust must be removed, other rust must be neutralized, then totally sealed, or the repair will rerust very quickly. I don’t have the energy any longer, to totally strip, a Tricycle, let alone a total Jeep 😆. Your very correct! I guess I fix the worst, and hope, for the best 😂. Seeing how I don’t tare down, the entire Jeep, but I do replace many parts. When rebuilding, fenders are replaced, rockers are replaced, floor pans are replace, corners are replaced, almost every time these things are shot. I like rag tops, so if they are bad, they will go and be replaced. If someone pays for those repairs it could reach 10,000 or higher. Cost is1/4 if you do your self. What ever parts stays, I then spray rust neutralizer everywhere, it’s a dripping mess for a while. Repairs can take over a month. Jeep is prepped, primed repainted. After it is completed and paint is hardened for a while. The Jeep will be taken in for crown coating, this needs to be done yearly. I just bought a 98 TJ, that wasn’t in bad condition, but it still needed fenders, bumpers front and back, grill, Floorpans are shot, so this spring I will replace them, I still need to replace rear hinges, they are very tight, gate is hard to open. I just don’t feel it right now. It’s my personal Jeep. I have been lucky, over the years, it seems to have worked well. There is much to go wrong with a 20 to 30 year old vehicle. If someone is willing to pay or do a complete tare down. That would be the only way, to be sure, but wow would that cost the big bucks. I have only done rebuilds with friends on there Jeep’s. I have never done these things as a living. At that point everything would change.
Own a 1998 TJ Sport and I’ll take it to my grave with me.
You type well for a 95-year-old.
Love my 1999 TJ.
Really miss my 1999 TJ. Sold it about 10 year ago best thing i ever owned, wish i didnt sell it. Looking to buy another and will never let it go.
Same here
Sooooo... your planning a early death??????
The number one issue with TJ's is frame rust. If the frame is solid, everything else is easy.
Good video, every vehicle has problem.
Even the space shuttle.
This dude is very correct! I would hope the average person, wouldn’t dream of purchasing a vehicle, of this age. The only people who should, are those who can rebuild it themselves. A Jeep is very easy, to bring back to new condition. The parts for a TJ are super easy to get, and on the more reasonable side, to purchase. Bottom line is, If you can’t do the repairs for yourself, don’t consider a vehicle of this age. To have someone else do the repairs, will cost a fortune. Just replacing both Front Fenders. Fenders will be about $350.00 for both, now body shop markup $200.00 so ($550.00) just for the fenders. A body man will charge a additional ($500.00) to hang them. Then for painting, add another ($150.00). You most likely would have about ($1800.00) into it, but I’m just guessing, but I’m not going crazy off. Besides the body shop to make money or they won’t be there for very long. Now is my way, doing it for myself, I’m going to use pipe fenders which are more of a off road fender, they are also pre painted, they can be purchased as low as $75.00 to $125 per fender. High side is $250.00 pos $300.00, for both fenders. Stock aftermarket fenders, are cheaper, but you still need to paint them. What I’m trying to say is, there is no comparison, for having a body shop do the replacement of parts, or doing it yourself. I replaced both fenders, both bumpers, new grill, floor pans Drivers and Passenger, also Hinges for Rear Tailgate. I did all, of those things, for less then the Fenders would have cost, being rebuilt by a body shop. In the end what would be a terrible thought, for a Jeep purchase, done by the average person, ended up being a very reasonable purchase, for someone like myself, who did the repairs for myself. If your just someone looking, for the coolness of this Jeep, without understanding, what is ahead of you for repairs and the cost of doing so, walk past this thought unless you are ready, to hand out the cash. Listen to this man he is 100% correct for you. What I would do is, follow this car inspector around, and say to the seller I have cash, for you, and buy that Jeep, now that is depending on how bad, that frame is. There is a time to just walk away, unless you have a good frame, to replace that frame with.
Your comments are on the spot! I’m an original owner of a spec-ordered 97TJ…145k+ on the clock. I’ve replaced the windshield frame, the two front fenders, and had the frame professionally capped. It’s still driven regularly-bought in VA Beach, but spent its entire life in Rhode Island, MA and ME. Except for the past ten years, the TJ always had a garage, but was an all season commuter and now stays outside. Great comment--that others unfamiliar with TJs-would be well-advised to consider pre-purchase. But, if one is still ‘hot to buy’, consider a PPI (pre purchase inspection) by a savvy or trusted professional - I own an older Porsche. PPIs are expected by both owners and buyers…due to the nature of the car. Aging TJs--costs are rising….but so is the popularity of model, so asking prices are as well. Anyway, when car buying, it’s sometimes hard to have the brain control a gut feeling and override the emotional high that car people feel when buying. Again, Good comment! Best of luck to all…be careful out there.
I go to the dealership with a hammer and start smacking frames... if they don't like it I leave lol
Jeep wave from South Africa 🇿🇦 👋🏽
👋 from Australia
Thanks Yall ,I ALMOST bought a Jeep today ,Long Story Short ,I didn't, Came home watched the video,Glad I didn't, Definitely a 20 footer,I'll still get one but I'll definitely look it over,Great info
Have had a 2006 65th anniversary edition since 09 currently painting the frame and plan on doing necessary body repairs i love it wont sell it
Good video sir. I've been bitten twice by "20 footers". I've also had a 2001 Cherokee that was the best vehicle that I've ever owned. Wires hanging down in the dashboard area is also a dead giveaway. If there are some mechanical issues and you can do your own work to save the labor costs you're ok, but you can't fix rust.
You can fix rust if you know how to weld.....
I love my tj (2000, 4.0L) the rear bearings went to shit and were in the process of replacing. Some minor surface rust nothing that can't be cleaned up easy. She's an old girl and needs some tlc but I am sooo happy we bought it
Thanks SFJ! I appreciate the technical support and you taking time to return my call today!
Great information, thank you for taking the time to put this video together and sharing…
I’m still looking for a first Jeep, have been for quite a while. I’ve revised what I “need” against what I “want” several times and it just keeps getting simpler each time.
A thousand thank yous sir for taking the time to teach me what to look for. I had no idea. Now I feel empowered with more knowledge than before I watched. 👍
340k on my ‘99 TJ original drivetrain...no leaks and performs flawlessly. For the last 23 years I’ve laughed all the way to bank.
beleive it all but no leaks, if its a 4.o something leaks
@@taylorwelsh149
Don’t know what to say, no leaks whatsoever. I find it as unbelievable that so many say they all leak...maybe I’ll do a video and do a full review of my beloved TJ because I get this response often. Incredible machine. Over time it has leaked when a part wore out such as the oil pressure sensor
/sending unit or when my steering box wore out (power steering fluid). Simple fixes and easy to repair and always gives me early warning so I know something needs replacing. I have one video up of Pokey going thru 6” of snow but I should do more because it’s a point I think needs to be made. Perhaps an 8 hour time lapse on my white driveway will silence my doubters 😇 peace✌️ruclips.net/video/vsd9ybvtmxI/видео.html. In that short I’m going from 500’ elevation to 1,000’
@@KenSiefert right on no doubt 4 litre is a beast my 2005 rubicon unlmitd sits at 204k runs like it did at 100k
@@taylorwelsh149 I saw your screenshots...beautiful vehicles
i have got 220k on my 2000 sahara tj and most "repairs" I have needed to do in the past year is a tune up and replacing the stock alternator
Thank you for much for the in-detail demonstration. It will be constructive for my near-future purchase of a TJ!
WOW, some people! Thanks for sharing even if worst case things to keep in mind when buying.
I just bought a 2005 tj with 28k original miles for $10,700 ! Drives like a new one no rust or dents
fuckin stole it
Had to be a family car. No way you found that publicly. Good for you either way
EXCELLENT review! You opened my eyes to how bad these Jeeps can get when not maintained properly! Keep up the good work!
Just bought a 06 with skyjack lift with 35,000 original miles. 6 speed manual with a 4.0 .. I stole the dam thing... I got it for $3000 it has new DC rims and tires the tires and rims alone cost at least $5000 and maybe 200 miles on them. This thing sat in a garage for 18 years only driven 200 miles a year. It was supposed to be a gift to the owners son but he didn't do what his dad said so he sold to me. He was original owner. Zero rust I love this thing. I had some clown at gas station offer me $12,000 other day. I could probably get 2 times that.
So you got it for 3k….. someone offers you 12k but you think you can get 24k?
But once again you paid 3k
I feel like this story is FAKE.
@@cinnreds18 he just has to sell it in europe. TJs can go for 15-25 k € there.
I’d suggest paying close attention to mods and upgrades. My 98 TJ had a 3.5” Rubicon Express lift and Fox 2.0 shocks, but it also had a stock track bar and mounting bracket which had been welded back onto the axle numerous times rather than upgrading/replacing for a longer track bar and welding a HD bracket. Steering box was shot, and all the bushings needed to be replaced. Other confounding things popped up like $400 LED tail lights, Rigid LED pods up front, but stock halogen headlamps and flasher relay. Turn signals were erratic till I installed a proper LED flasher relay. Wiring for the ARB up front was about to short and the air hoses were cracked. Now I’ve got an exhaust rattle that I suspect is a bad cat. I’m hoping that the last bug I have to squish, or at least the last big one. This TJ was a rich man’s toy and came with a pedigree, been over the Rubicon, yadda yadda, but it was misrepresented and pawned off on me. It’s still a damn nice TJ and I love it, but it’s much more of a project than I had expected. Whatever I thought I had saved in the deal I got has been more than put back into it.
AHMEN.
I love Jeeps, had a 2003 Wrangler Sport. I bought it brand new and never was taken off road, but got the Death Wobble at 20,000 miles! After several unsuccessful repairs, it turned out the factory tires were defective. I replaced the tires and the vibration went away! Please, do a video only on the issue of Death Wobble which is the most common problem even with the new models.
Wow! What mega-breakdown! If you're not busy next week I'm gonna swing by and you can go with me to look at a couple of jeeps. 😎👍
I've owned my tj for 24 years ...daily driver. I replaced the radiator... that's it.
Unfortunately not all Jeeps are created equal
You mean not all owners are created equal
Good eye with the bondo covering up the rust towards the rear control arm. Good video.
Thanks 👍
TJs Kick ass! I'd trade 2 Jus Kidding Jeeps for one TJ any day! 2004 Rubicon, 4spd automatic,237k miles still going strong!
Thanks for the extra info. Looking to get back into the Jeep world... you gave me some awesome info 👍
Excellent video! I understand there are lots of other small things people could look at while inspecting a vehicle at a lot or someone's house, but I feel like these are the big-ticket things that can really be a problem down the road. It actually stopped me from going to look at a jeep I had just found. Everything looked amazing in the pictures as far as the body and interior are concerned, but then I started seeing everything this video pointed out in the frame and underside. I'm not a welder or metal worker, so I would have sunk even more money into getting the frame fixed. Thanks!
I'd re-cut, scrap some of the top-talk but otherwise, killer video, man. I've owned my TJ for over 20 years and this video gave me chills!
Most people don't have the space, skills or patience to work much on a vehicle. Car dealers have deceived the public for so long I'm surprised there isn't an industry standard letter grade for vehicle condition like a food inspection they have to abide by.
I bought a 1997 Jeep TJ SE this year and it had several issues that were easily fixed including a horrendous wiring job of some aftermarket fog lights. One issue I did not realize till after I bought it was the HVAC Door Lever was sheared. The part was cheap but it was in a difficult spot to replace and since the panel vents were not working the AC was disconnected. After the repair I had my vents and AC working. Other issues were a bad upstream O2 sensor causing it to run rough until the engine got warm which was another easy fix. There were also several top parts installed either wrong or for the wrong top. As a new Jeep owner, it took me a while to sort that all out, as it came with a Hard Top, Soft Top, and Bikini Top. Overall it was in excellent condition with zero rust, good bushings, no leaks, and never used off road with relatively low miles. Great Video!
Sounds like your jeep is in nice shape. :) I also own a rust free jeep because I live in AZ. Keep yours that way. It will be worth its weight in gold sooner than later. :)
Great tour, thanks! You could do the "magnet test" to show Bondo areas.
I so appreciate you taking your time and going over this slowly so that we can follow. Great job on the video. 👍👍. But I have to admit I now scared to even get one LOL. My buddy has a 1997 Wrangler TJ-SE I think that he bought a few years ago but he barely drives it, only close by to take his bike to ride. I’m thinking of buying it from him.
I actually liked his comments. Nitpicking? sure. However, he identified quite a few of the issues I've already repaired on my Ohio 1999 TJ. Ignoring the "small" stuff shows ignorance about how cascading problems can and do develop. Thanks for the review!
This guy is why I hate getting my Jeep fixed. I have a 97 Wrangler that knew was beat up when I bought it, but it runs great and I got it for a good price. I go in for a simple brake job and I get a dissertation on everything thats wrong with it. Just give me new brake pads.
Brake pads are simple to do yourself Bro... no special tools needed. Completely agree though... go to a garage for something and they hand you a Christmas list of what THEY want to fix and bill you for, lol.
Work on your jeep your self
TJ's are not hard to work on. Lots of DIY RUclips videos
Sorry that's the nature of the job. We call things the way they are. But I'm in the same boat. I have a 97 jeep wrangler that has rust that flakes off of it as I'm driving. I'm considering a complete frame replace due to the nature of the frame in its current state. Right now I already did the blower motor and the shocks. I'm gonna end up doing coil springs, sway bar links, ball joints, tie rods, trailing arms, pitman arm, coil bump stops, u joints for the rear diff, probably a drain and fill on both differentials, new spark plug wires, new distributor, and a new muffler with exhaust mounts. So in honesty I'm just getting started. But it's a labour of love.
I’ve been driving a 93 YJ as a daily driver until 2019. I gave it to my son and he drove until last month when he bought a new car. I have my YJ back now. Time to restore it as it still runs and drives great.
The number one thing ive learned with owning a used TJ is you better be ready to lay some oildry down on the driveway
This is a great video ! I’m the market for a jeep and I was worried cus I’m not super car savvy …. This video is so informative and perfect thank you !!
Great information. Thanks for the walk-around and explanations. I ordered a new Rubicon the very first day it was possible for my dealership to do so. I had followed the Rubicon concept vehicle online and in literature as closely as possible. When my 2003 Rubicon came in I was extatic. For a few days. After a short honeymoon I became disappointed in the overall fitment of body and interior components, and the final disillusionment came within a few months. The paint began to bubble at a lap weld seam between the driver's side rear quarter panel and the tailgate panel. I had taken it to be rustproofed the first week I owned it, so you can imagine how bummed I was. Daimler-Chrysler said it was not possible for it to rust there because the body had been dipped (galvanized) at the factory prior to assembly. The dealership backed me up, and my new Rubicon went to the body shop. The bubbling due to rust inside that lap joint would rear it's ugly head twice more. I took my family to Camp Jeep that summer and had the opportunity to discuss it with D-C Jeep engineers who were working on the Lara Croft Tomb Raider special edition. Alas, I can't tolerate rust on a vehicle so I traded it in on a new Rubicon that I also ordered. Lucky me. I got the first model year that came with the V6 replacing the beloved 4.0 inline six cylinder. By then the Rubicons had evolved into even higher-tech, ridiculously plush, hipster magnets. I was afraid to get it dirty. I sold it back to the dealership at a break-even level because they already had a buyer. Lately I have been toying with the idea of buying a used Wrangler of some sort since I'm now retired and do not have to drive one daily or on long trips. This video probably saved me a small fortune, and headed off a nervous breakdown. Now I'm sure. No more Jeeps for me.
A great video… Thank you!
I’ve had my 2006 Jeep TJ since it was new and I’ve done my very best to take top-notch care of the vehicle… Having said that, it would be interesting to bring it into your shop to have you identify any problems or shortcomings of which I’m unaware… Everything is under coated, to try and keep the rust at arms length, but in Atlantic Canada, they love to use copious amounts of road salt in the winter, so it’s an uphill battle…
I have a little bit of rust on the fenders, but I have two brand new Mopar fenders on standby waiting to be painted and mounted.
I love my Jeep… It’s been extremely reliable, with only wearable items needing repair or replacement… Not including the clutch, which is original and still works great!
Nice video love my Tj.Jeep was a little behind the times in the suspension stakes, putting coil springs in. Range rover had them in 1967.😂
I hope people who need to see this get to
Living in the South, it is astounding to me how completely rusted out and rotten the frames of vehicles up North are due to salting the roads.
I would never even consider buying a used Jeep from anywhere salt is used of the roads in winter time. I have an '07 Tacoma with a frame rust issue covered under warranty and my frame is totally free of rust.
Thats a clean jeep compared to what I have....18 years old and still going strong
Great video! Wife & I are new to jeeps. This video is very helpful!
That's awesome, glad we could help! Thanks for watching!
Nice video. That is probably vinyl tape, packing tape would come right off. My daughter got my jeep when she was 14. She put holes in every window trying to shove stuff in the jeep. Vinyl tape saved me a lot of money till I got my jeep back and ordered a new top.
The ZJ had coils on all 4 corners in 1993 and that suspension setup was actually used in the TJ :)
1997 The end of the mil spec. I own a 95 wrangler and i love it.
Man... for the first ten minutes I thought this guy was being overly pedantic. However, I believe that he is most definitely the cat you want to Doba pre buy inspection.
Like your vid. I live in northern Illinois, just got a 99 tj 5spd. Waiting for spring to see what's up. I m going to do the bare minimum and make sure it's safe. Also going to lighten it up as much as I can
Mainly for Midwest snow transport. I accept the jeeps temperamental ride.it was not designed for hi speed . I like the simplicity of the tj. As long as you do yours I'll watch the vids. Thanks
excellent video! I'm in the market for a TJ now and this information is very helpful.
Take a look at my comment in this comment section. I have written a list of things to check on. Hopefully it is of use to you. :)
I am not a "bigger engines are always better" person but in this case if you can hold out for a I6 IMHO it's well worth taking the time to find one.
The take-away is: Do not-no, make that DO NOT-contemplate buying a used Jeep from ANYONE without an experienced Jeep guy or Jeep gal standing right next to you. The customer in this case overpaid for the Jeep and THEN took it to a good shop. Should have been the other way around. I’m going to believe with no proof that our host said “Look, you’re going to need to spend a lot of money on making this thing minimally useful. Let me use it as the poster child for what my RUclips viewers need to avoid when looking for a used Jeep. I’ll apply the revenue we get from Google on this one and other related income to the cost of making this thing adequate. It’s a great prop for a series of videos, even. I’ll be doing a service for would-be Jeep enthusiasts and you will have helped out while being made whole on at least some of the money that should have stayed in your pocket as you bought this thing.” That’s how all this should end up. One can be hopeful.
Grand cherokee ZJ came out in 93 and had coil springs front and rear. Basiclly where the TJ 4 link coil spring set up came from
I just got my 04 TJ. The guy had it as a spare toy in his heated garage. So beautiful. Not a spec of rust.
Nice find!
Great video! Intellitronix makes a direct fit LED gauge cluster for the CJ, 92-95 YJ & TJ
Thank you!! My 99 TJ has the classic "no bus" error because the contacts are dirty on the back of the OEM cluster. If I have to go to the trouble of pulling it and etc, I'd just as soon swap it for an LED cluster.
This vid is super-informative! Would have liked to have seen it before I bought my 2002 TJ, though. You can bet I’ll be getting underneath her as soon as the sun comes up! I think I did better than good, but a close inspection guided by your video will tell. Thank you, brother!
You’re welcome and thank you!! What other kinds of videos would you like to see?
@@SFJ4x4 Any general repair would be helpful…There are lots of people like me out there, that have never done a brake job…That might be a good place to start…RUclips gives the wrong impression…Not everyone who owns a Jeep, is a mechanic/welder/fabricator!
@@tripleseven8361 We really appreciate your feedback. Expect a complete brake job video in the near future.
Thank you for this excellent educational video. I learned some very good information to protect myself. Carry On Sir!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video. I’m going to look at one today and needed a nice list of inspection points. Hopefully the one I look at isn’t nearly this bad. Lol
How.did it go?
that thing looks tuff, about to buy a TJ in Australia for when the GOV comes for me :( thanks for this video
Good luck and Godspeed mate
The first thing that stood out for me was the rear taillights are wrong, one is upside down.
I love my rust free yj, way less complicated than the tj...still way capable even with the leaf springs!!! Don't be a hater😁
I wheel the shit out of my yj. It has gone everywhere the TJs JKs and LJs I wheel with have gone. Plus it’s so much less complicated. Then needing to deal with half a million arms and bars
Looking forward to, myself or another, getting yrs of use from my unmolested 82K original mi '95 YJ. They can become money pits, but still enjoy the adventures and journey! Just plain fun.
TBH I only watched this to see how many of these things my own 2005 TJ has. I bought her brand new so everything wrong with her I did. Glad to say she has none of these problems and is a very pretty princess compared to that P.O.S.
My advice to anyone buying a used Jeep is to look for one that is as close to factory as you can find. Better to mess it up yourself than to try "fix" other peoples upgrades. And remember - Just Empty Every Pocket
Don't buy a used TJ that comes from the mid-west or east coast. Too much rust. Get a Cali Jeep, hopefully driven by a commuter and not a 4-wheeler. Ask for maintenance records so you can be sure the fluids were maintained. Get the transmission checked before purchase -- if it's bad you will have to replace it and that is many thousands of dollars. Listen carefully to the engine. There's a great after-market for parts and even a nubie can get a lot done. You can drive these puppies for 300K or more, but you'll likely be getting a lot of leaks fixed, seals replaced, and new parts like the radiator, alternator and serpentine belt. Gas mileage sucks, of course, but in the end it's worth it. Who can afford $80K for a new one? As we enter the age of all-electronic and electric cars, you just won't find great vehicles like the TJ or CJ anymore. I know. I'm on my third. That's all I drive. Long live the original Jeep Wrangler!
Great video. Thanks! Should be helpful for a lot of folks.
a mig welder some safe t cap frame pieces quadra top from quadratec good as new oh i forgot the spring lift and 35" tires would make a great father son project for someone mechanicaly inclined go off roading etc etc
Great video. Really helpful and worth the watch. You have earned a sub.
Thanks for the sub!
thanks so much for making this video, very informative and I have a better idea what to look out for when looking at a used jeep to purchase.
No problem. Thanks for watching, glad we could help!
Thank you for this well put together video. You are one of the reasons I even bother with youtube. Best of luck and happy new year!
Thank you that means a lot. Happy New Year
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Yes, it was beneficial as I search for my first Jeep purchase
I can't believe the amount of worn out rust buckets (that should be ready for scrap recyclers), people try to sell for top dollar just because it has the Jeep name. I have been watching the online ads for several months now.
Ha! This this is in great condition compared to what is available in my area. People trash jeeps in PNW. People try to sell something like this for 6500 to 8500.
Ty for the heads up
Lots of good tips here.
Thank you!
Great video and very well done. Thanks.
The Grand Cherokee ZJ was the first Jeep with 4 x coils and 4 link suspension. Jeep adapted this for the Wrangler in '96.
A 96 wrangler 😂
@@Thecollectivedrip ‘92 Grand Cherokee ZJ
‘97
Love my ‘97 TJ ❤️
I’m glad the Used Wrangler I got was taken care of.
Bushings are cheap.. but rot... forget it.. walk away ;- ) Thank you, very informative on where to look with these. Something tells me finding a good one won't be easy. :- /
The top is cosmetic unlike that front marker light that is missing .
I would mention check passenger floor board for dampness. Heater core changes are not fun! And not cheap if you pay someone
Very detailed. Thank You!