$3000 1998 TJ - Good or Bad Decision?

[Kefalonia_98]

Hey all!

I'm looking for a cheap car to use this summer bombing around to the beach/hiking trails, nothing too crazy. I saw an ad for a $3000 1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ. I know these cars can be pretty sought after, so the relatively cheap price is scaring me. The ad says all is working fine and the kms are fairly low. It seems like it could be perfect for what I'm looking for, but I've never bought a used car before or owned a Jeep so I'm not sure what to look for. Would appreciate some expertise! Below is the text and some images from the ad.

1998 Jeep TJ 2.5 4 cylinder, 5 speed Everything works as it should, no check engine light, or codesNew batterie, and alternator a few years ago,It’s sitting on a good set of 31/10.5/15 mudd tires with chrome rims, and a 2 inch suspension lift,Only has 140,000 kms on it Comes with a spare motor, and transmission, suspension parts, and rear end parts as wellAlso comes with a tan soft top 3000$

Let me know what you guys think! Thank you so much.

 

[Chris]

Given the condition that the frame is likely in (since you didn't post pictures of the most important part) I'm going to say it's a hard pass and a waste of $3000 unless you plan to part it out.

A new frame is going to run you anywhere between $3000 to $9000 depending on if you do it yourself, pay someone else to do it, and how much has to be fixed while you're in there. It's a massive project.

Judging by the rust I see on the body, I'm guessing that frame is toast.

 

[Obi-Wan]

No frame pics = no buy.

 

[Kefalonia_98]

Given the condition that the frame is likely in (since you didn't post pictures of the most important part) I'm going to say it's a hard pass and a waste of $3000 unless you plan to part it out.

A new frame is going to run you anywhere between $3000 to $9000 depending on if you do it yourself, pay someone else to do it, and how much has to be fixed while you're in there. It's a massive project.

Judging by the rust I see on the body, I'm guessing that frame is toast.

Updating with pics of the frame I just got.

 

[Chris]

Updating with pics of the frame I just got.

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That thing isn't even safe to drive and that's not hyperbole.

Stay far away from that thing.

If you end up buying that Jeep you are a fool in every sense of the word. The only value in that Jeep is parts alone.

 

[DavidBT]

Run away, run away very fast, and don't look back!!

 

[Obi-Wan]

Holy Freedom Fries. Run like the gingerbread man.

 

[chili_pepper]

Updating with pics of the frame I just got.

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Very. Hard. Pass. Run away.

 

[Zorba]

Oh HELL no! Run, DO NOT WALK, away as fast as you can!

 

[KennethS]

Dang, and I was initially worried about why there was a "spare motor and transmission" included in the sale. Too bad there isn't a "spare frame" included.

 

[RangerTJ]

 

[tr21triton]

What happened to Forest, Forest Gump ? HE RAN LIKE HELL AS SHOULD YOU !

 

[Chris]

Dang, and I was initially worried about why there was a "spare motor and transmission" included in the sale. Too bad there isn't a "spare frame" included.

It would need a spare body too!

 

[deadbeat son]

Are you up to date on your tetanus shots?

 

[Oneslowtj]

just a little rusty.

 

[chili_pepper]

That thing isn't even safe to drive and that's not hyperbole.

I believe the esteemed gentleman from the great state of Wyoming has made a fair point. You drive that thing, you do it with a puckered asshole from tip to tail of the journey.

Are you up to date on your tetanus shots?

I thought the OP said he had an Iron (oxide) deficiency...clearly that frame doesn't... I'm here all week, try the veal and don't forget to tip your servers...

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Run like bubba is about to make you his special friend!

 

[WestCoastDan]

Offer them $500 and they can keep the extra motor & trans.

 

[ChasUGC]

Sorry, Kenneth, as everyone has said, that is a really bad one. No wonder the price is so low.

 

[Plumber1]

.