Help Me Choose Please!

[trojandawg]

Looking at two Jeeps. 2000 Sahara with 249k for $7k and a 2006 LJ with 170k for $12k. Both are 4.0 and auto. Both are excellent shape body/frame. Which would you pick and why? Are these prices decent??

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[2001slvrstntj]

Prices seem decent but I am not really up to speed on current prices. The Sahara looks great but the extra length in the LJ might really come in handy and can sell the hardtop if you wanted. Good luck

 

[97TJNM]

I'd go with the LJ. Lower mileage and more rare-er. And more cooler. And longer rear driveshaft, which will help with driveline vibes if you put some lift on it.

Of course, that's if all else is equal and the 5k price difference is not a deciding factor. I love my Jeep, but I do wish it was an LJ.

 

[flyinfish]

Both look like descent rigs and priced right. I'd personally pickup the LJ if it's mostly rust free. I'd give the drive train a real good listen when you test drive it.

 

[trojandawg]

I mean both have pretty high mileage though the LJ is lower. I think I hear a faint knock on the Sahara in the bottom end and the LJ drives a lot smoother/less walking. Probably due to none/little lift and smalller tires. Never really payed attention to the LJs but this one has peaked my curiosity. That said, $5k ain’t chump change either lol.

I’ve had a couple CJs and a YJ and been Jeepless for a few years now.

 

[Good Hope]

love my LJ....

 

[GPK03X]

Looking at two Jeeps. 2000 Sahara with 249k for $7k and a 2006 LJ with 170k for $12k. Both are 4.0 and auto. Both are excellent shape body/frame. Which would you pick and why? Are these prices decent??

Thanks in advance for any info!

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That Sahara looks sharp

 

[trojandawg]

Here are some more pics of each. I just can’t decide. Both are really nice underneath, but the miles and engine sounds scare me on the TJ. Though I think I like the looks of it better…

I won’t be doing any serious off roading or trails. Mostly riding dirt roads, fishing, and a little daily driving.

Also, the LJ has line x inside. Don’t seem to be covering anything bad, but I’m not a huge fan of it.

 

[97TJNM]

Get what makes you happy, but:
1-LJs are worth more, all else being equal.
2-LJ has 80k less miles than the TJ.
3-TJ has a suspect engine sound.
4-LJ hard tops are rare as hen's teeth, so again, more worth.

If the frame on the LJ is in good shape, it's a better buy.

But the TJ does look good.

 

[flyinfish]

If you wait too long, you may end up with only one choice or maybe even no choice at all!

 

[trojandawg]

Get what makes you happy, but:
1-LJs are worth more, all else being equal.
2-LJ has 80k less miles than the TJ.
3-TJ has a suspect engine sound.
4-LJ hard tops are rare as hen's teeth, so again, more worth.

If the frame on the LJ is in good shape, it's a better buy.

But the TJ does look good.

The frame on the LJ has been painted but it looks more preventative. I can’t find any rust or weak spots or anything. Almost looks too clean…lol

Then the line x on the inside. Again, seems to be preventative. I can’t find any indication of rust under the body either. Id probably be an idiot not to go with the LJ.

That Sahara does look sweet though lol.

 

[trojandawg]

If you wait too long, you may end up with only one choice or maybe even no choice at all!

Yeah. I just found them both in the last couple days. I’m trying to hurry lol.

 

[John Cooper]

The frame on the LJ has been painted but it looks more preventative. I can’t find any rust or weak spots or anything. Almost looks too clean…lol

Then the line x on the inside. Again, seems to be preventative. I can’t find any indication of rust under the body either. Id probably be an idiot not to go with the LJ.

That Sahara does look sweet though lol.

Are both of them life long Georgia Jeeps??

Not that there is no snow around here.

Just probably way less chance of rust.

 

[2001slvrstntj]

For 5k could put a remanufactured engine in the TJ if it goes south I think. Not sure what the cost run but might cover it.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I would DEFINITELY go for the 2000 with the automatic. It has a lot fewer potential problems than the 2006 with automatic has. But more importantly to me, I much prefer the 3-speed 32RH automatic used in the 2000 than the 4-speed 42RLE used in 2003 and newer TJs. The 32RH is far more likely to live a long happy life without problems and it's far easier to gear for.

 

[Chris]

Need to see frame photos.

 

[tnjeepguy]

All the way with LJ. Better move. (assume a black jeep is OK with you; I would/could never have a black vehicle, since washing is nearly unheard of)

 

[trojandawg]

Are both of them life long Georgia Jeeps??

Not that there is no snow around here.

Just probably way less chance of rust.

The TJ build sheet says zone Atlanta then Alabama and Alabama.

The LJ says zone Orlando then Georga and Georgia.

I don’t have good histories on them tbh.

 

[trojandawg]

For 5k could put a remanufactured engine in the TJ if it goes south I think. Not sure what the cost run but might cover it.

I thought about this….not sure if I want a big project right away.

 

[trojandawg]

I would DEFINITELY go for the 2000 with the automatic. It has a lot fewer potential problems than the 2006 with automatic has. But more importantly to me, I much prefer the 3-speed 32RH automatic used in the 2000 than the 4-speed 42RLE used in 2003 and newer TJs. The 32RH is far more likely to live a long happy life without problems and it's far easier to gear for.

Is the 4 speed auto that bad? I’ve read conflicting posts on here about them. Others issues with the 2006 year models??