2003 vs 2005 TJ

[Kefalonia_98]

Hey all! Still on the hunt for a used jeep relatively cheap - appreciate all your guidance on my last post lol and decided to run away from that one. I now have my eye on a 2003 tj. Checked it out today - the frames in good condition (its originally from bc) but the body has some rust and the kms are pretty high - around 250000. Asking $8000.
Original Vancouver island jeep 4.0L straight 6 cylinder 5 speed manual transmission , Battery replaced 2 years ago , new rear breaks new muffler and tall pipe , ball joints , fresh synthetic oil change. Excellent stereo System kenwood complete with amp and 10in subwoofer , tires good year wranglers with about 70 % left sitting on aluminums, new wiper blades.

I also have my eye on a 2005 tj in slightly better condition and lower mileage - around 187,500 km. Asking $10,000.
2005 TJ. strong engine and battery. Fresh MVI. No rust. 6speed. 4.0L inl 6. Originally from Dartmouth Dodge.Recent alignment. Undercoated.New front pads and rotors.New body mounts.New custom 2” hitch installed.Winch and old spare on vehicle.Hard top on. Soft top, fender flares and rear seats stored.Not looking for tradesAsking $10,000 obo

What do we think is it worth a bit more money for the 2005? Appreciate your input as I'm still very new to this world and I'm not sure what a lot of the upgraded gear mentioned above means lol so thank you guys so much!

(blue is 2003, grey is 2005)

 

[OldBuzzard]

Always shop for a TJ from the bottom up. How are the insides of the frames? Look with an inspection camera, or at least feel around inside every frame hole. Whack all along the bottom of the frame with a hammer, watching and listening. That undercoating does nothing for the inside of the frame where TJs are at their worst, and hides problems.

The blue one has enough top-side rust to strongly suspect the frame. The gray one has a drop pitman arm (might or might not be a problem), and a tranny skid drop (a compromise fix after a lift).

 

[TheBoogieman]

HELL NO on the 03'. Check inside the frame on the 05' to see if the undercoating is for protection or coverup.
p.s. In the future, please convert kms to miles for me.

 

[Head Lice]

1 kilometer = 0.62137 miles
OP's '05 TJ with 187,000km = 116,196 miles

 

[suicideking]

Agree with the above, I'd likely pass on the blue just from the pictures. I'd ask for more pics of the frame for the silver, looks like it has potential. Paint seems to be good for the age, likely garage kept.