Considering Purchasing an 03 TJ – Worth Importing to Canada?

[mico888]

I’m considering purchasing a stock 2003 Jeep TJ (auto, 6.0) with approximately 20,000 miles. It's well-maintained, always garage-kept, and never driven in the winter. The vehicle is located just across the border in the U.S., not too far from me (I’m in Canada). Judging from the photos there is very little rust.

My main question is: Would it be worth purchasing and importing into Canada? How complex and time consuming is the process?

I currently drive a 1999 TJ (2.5 auto) with over 340,000 km (211,000 miles). It has been fairly reliable, but I’m now experiencing an issue where it produces very little to no heat. Definitely not ideal for Canadian winters but since it's not my daily, I manage.

I'm attracted to the extremely low milage of the vehicle and I feel it could make a great daily driver. My daily commute is only about 15km each way, so I wouldn’t be putting a ton of mileage on it. If it makes sense, I’d likely sell my current daily and the ’99 TJ.

Would love to hear your thoughts, especially from anyone with experience purchasing a vehicle from the U.S. and bringing it into Canada! Any insights on the process, costs, and whether it’s worth it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[TheBoogieman]

I'd wait until you're the 51st state to avoid the tariffs.

 

[mico888]

I'd wait until you're the 51st state to avoid the tariffs.

hahaha

 

[macleanflood]

My wife's JK had about $20 in Canadian coins scattered under the seats and dash...

I know nothing but I'm bumping the post...Deboss Garage on YT seems to do it all the time.

-Mac

 

[mico888]

My wife's JK had about $20 in Canadian coins scattered under the seats and dash...

I know nothing but I'm bumping the post...Deboss Garage on YT seems to do it all the time.

-Mac

Thank you for the bump! I will check out Deboss Garage!

 

[tr21triton]

I'd get the '03 and then fix the no heat in the '99 and drive it in the winter. I mean your no heat can't be that bad to trouble shoot, possibly just a clogged up heater core or stuck thermostat.

 

[Rickyd]

I'd get the '03 and then fix the no heat in the '99 and drive it in the winter. I mean your no heat can't be that bad to trouble shoot, possibly just a clogged up heater core or stuck thermostat.

My money is on heater core or blend door assuming the engine gets up to temp

 

[tr21triton]

My money is on heater core or blend door assuming the engine gets up to temp

yea I'm thinking the same thing. If he gets the '03 he wouldn't have to be in no hurry to get it fixed. Worst case would be the heater core but wouldn't have to be in a hurry with another vehicle.

 

[ChasUGC]

The first thing I would do on the 99 TJ is to check the coolant in the overflow bottle and see it is gel or contaminated. I've heard stories of people flushing the coolant system many times and the heat came back. But, it does sound like it is likely the heater core.

 

[KennethS]

2003 Jeep TJ (auto, 6.0)

That would be an awesome vehicle!

 

[John Cooper]

Judging from the photos there is very little rust.

How much rust is very little. Is it surface rust? On the frame? Fenders, rear corners.

Post a few pictures of it for us to help you with.

 

[James9100]

I'd wait until you're the 51st state to avoid the tariffs.

Please do take us. As an unpatriotic Canadian… I wish I was American.

I’ve no idea what the import process looks like but I bought my TJ in BC and brought it to Saskatchewan, out of province inspection was a pain in the butt, lots of nitpicking.
Except to spend an extra couple grand to get it passed.