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Started By
Message
Jeep advice
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:06 pm
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:06 pm
Hey OB. I've always wanted a soft top Wrangler, and I'm looking at making that happen. In before Jeeps are money pits/death wobble/etc., I know. It's just something I've always wanted and I'm finally at a financially stable enough point in my life to try to get one. It's not going to be a daily driver. Just a toy. I'd probably never even keep the doors or top on it.
My question to you Jeep guys is this. What should I be looking at price-wise? I'm not looking for anything nice. Just an older 2 door (preferably 4.0L) with a softop in good shape. I also want to get an automatic so my fiancee can drive it when she wants. I don't mind doing some work to it (audio, bumpers, etc.), but I'd like it to come with a 3"-5" lift and be mechanically sound, and I don't want a note. Would it be possible to get a late 90s/early 2000's model for around $5000-$6000 in good shape?
My question to you Jeep guys is this. What should I be looking at price-wise? I'm not looking for anything nice. Just an older 2 door (preferably 4.0L) with a softop in good shape. I also want to get an automatic so my fiancee can drive it when she wants. I don't mind doing some work to it (audio, bumpers, etc.), but I'd like it to come with a 3"-5" lift and be mechanically sound, and I don't want a note. Would it be possible to get a late 90s/early 2000's model for around $5000-$6000 in good shape?
This post was edited on 7/11/17 at 1:12 pm
11
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:08 pm to atom1505
soft tops are cheap, can always add yourself.
i'd prefer finding a stock jeep, then doing lift yourself, you know jeep should be in better condition not having been lifted already.
other than that, i got nuffin.
i'd prefer finding a stock jeep, then doing lift yourself, you know jeep should be in better condition not having been lifted already.
other than that, i got nuffin.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:13 pm to atom1505
quote:
early 2000's model for around $5000-$6000 in good shape?
you would be better off in the 6500 to 8000 range on finding a good 4.0 Auto ( you want a 03-06 if you are going auto, if possible)
look for a jeep with no upgrades, first. you will spend more on the upgrades combined, but typically upgraded jeeps have more wear and tear.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:18 pm to atom1505
quote:
I'd like it to come with a 3"-5" lift and be mechanically sound
That's an oxymoron.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:22 pm to NYCAuburn
quote:
you would be better off in the 6500 to 8000 range on finding a good 4.0 Auto ( you want a 03-06 if you are going auto, if possible)
Good to know. Different transmissions on those models?
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:24 pm to atom1505
4 sp on the newer model vs 3 sp.
The 3speed in not bad, but sucks driving at any significant speed
The 3speed in not bad, but sucks driving at any significant speed
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:28 pm to atom1505
You can find good condition jeeps from the late 90's/early 2000's in the $6 range, but once you add the automatic requirement and the lift, you're gonna be looking at something that may have mechanical issues for that price.
Think about this, with a 3"+ lift, the jeep will pretty much have to have 35" tires minimum. The tires alone, laying on the ground are about $1500+ new. Any decent lift in that range is over a grand in parts.
Just figure, if you're getting a jeep like that in that price range, you can plan on putting some money into it fairly soon.
Think about this, with a 3"+ lift, the jeep will pretty much have to have 35" tires minimum. The tires alone, laying on the ground are about $1500+ new. Any decent lift in that range is over a grand in parts.
Just figure, if you're getting a jeep like that in that price range, you can plan on putting some money into it fairly soon.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 1:53 pm to Boudreaux35
quote:
Think about this, with a 3"+ lift, the jeep will pretty much have to have 35" tires minimum
It is a stretch to put 33s on a 3 inch lift. You'll have rubbing issues and you get into more complicated suspensions that are costly to run 35s.
I agree, find a bone stock one with the 4.0L and an automatic, upgrade as you can. FWIW, I bought my '04 TJ 5 years ago, and I was going to lift it, bigger tires, etc. It is still stock 5 years later. Unless you're taking it deep in the woods or on 4x4 trails, a stock TJ is very capable of most anything you can throw at it. I will eventually do some mods but for the time being it is a fun little vehicle, has been 100% reliable to me, and all I've had to do was routine maintenance like oil changes, new tires, and brakes.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 2:08 pm to atom1505
quote:
Would it be possible to get a late 90s/early 2000's model for around $5000-$6000 in good shape?
No.
Don't buy modded.
Buy a early 2000s high mileage stock Rubicon.
Change tsp, a few leaking seals, radiator. Flush all fluids. Start modding. Cheapest most reliable route.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 2:11 pm to X123F45
Thanks for all the advice. These are the kinds of things I really wanted to know. I'm going to start looking for an early 2000s stocker in good shape. Any leads would be appreciated.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 2:16 pm to atom1505
Listen for rattle at start up.
A little is okay. A lot is a no no.
A little is okay. A lot is a no no.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 2:26 pm to atom1505
quote:
Any leads would be appreciated.
After looking at craigslist prices in LA, I'd say look out of state, they are high
Posted on 7/11/17 at 2:58 pm to TU Rob
quote:
It is a stretch to put 33s on a 3 inch lift.
I disagree. Personal experience with 35's and a 3 inch lift. I have never experienced nor seen any evidence of rubbing and I do not have offset wheels.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 2:58 pm to NYCAuburn
quote:
After looking at craigslist prices in LA, I'd say look out of state, they are high
They're high here too. But they always are in the summertime. Buy one in the dead of winter that someone is tired of.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 3:09 pm to Boudreaux35
quote:
Personal experience with 35's and a 3 inch lift. I have never experienced nor seen any evidence of rubbing and I do not have offset wheels.
on a TJ or a JK
Posted on 7/11/17 at 4:27 pm to NYCAuburn
quote:
on a TJ or a JK
Exactly. Stockers on a JK are roughly 32s. With a 3 inch lift you can run 35s on stock flares.
On a TJ, most of the 2.5-3.5 inch lift kits say 33 is max suggested. Obviously flat fenders or different flares can give you more clearance.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 5:35 pm to atom1505
Craigslist and Facebook have good deals. But one lightly used with lift, tires, etc already. Will be cheaper than buying and adding yourself.
Posted on 7/11/17 at 7:12 pm to atom1505
Bought mine for $100 although I got it from my grandpa... Like others have said, try to buy stock and do aftermarket yourself. Prices will be high because it's jeep season
although I got it from my grandpa... Like others have said, try to buy stock and do aftermarket yourself. Prices will be high because it's jeep season Posted on 7/11/17 at 8:00 pm to atom1505
quote:
Would it be possible to get a late 90s/early 2000's model for around $5000-$6000 in good shape?
Not a Jeep guy, but the answer to this question is a hard no.
Posted on 7/12/17 at 8:25 am to NYCAuburn
quote:
you would be better off in the 6500 to 8000 range on finding a good 4.0 Auto ( you want a 03-06 if you are going auto, if possible) look for a jeep with no upgrades, first. you will spend more on the upgrades combined, but typically upgraded jeeps have more wear and tear
this....stay away from the 4 banger. don't go bigger than 33's, if you do that means more lift and possibilities for problems, re gearing, etc. soft tops are cheap and easy to install so don't worry about that. the 4.0L is a good engine, don't be afraid of one with over 100,000 miles on it. don't be afraid to look for used parts (lift, wheels, bumpers) on the web, people are always upgrading.
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