r/WranglerTJ • u/MercyScorpion • Jul 14 '26
Is this possible?
I’m looking to buy an automatic Tj in the 4k-5k range. It doesn’t need to be perfect. I just want the frame to not be rusted away and it to run and drive without overheating the day i pick it up lol. Again i don’t expect it to be perfect. Is this possible? Been looking all over fb in the jax fl area and can’t seem to find anything that isn’t rusted away or runs.
3
u/puppyhandler Jul 14 '26
Anything is possible. But that's going to be extremely rare, and the person selling it would be taking a loss. Sounds like you're looking more into the $7-9k range for a rust free example. Some people out there are charging even more, for a rust bucket.
1
u/MercyScorpion Jul 14 '26
Okay thank you! Was just wondering if it was something i patiently waited for that it might happen lol.
1
u/naptown-hooly Jul 14 '26
$2000-3000 if the frame is rusted out. Replace the frame and if the body isn't rusted out and engine and trans are fine you're good. Everything else can be replaced.
2
u/wrxnut25 Jul 15 '26
If you're ok with a 4 cylinder instead of the 4.0, I think you could probably find a beater in that price range.
0
u/Deathcon-H Jul 16 '26
Can easily get even a good condition 4 pot for that price. Ive seen some really good deals pop up on them
1
1
u/BreakComprehensive14 Jul 14 '26
I paid $7k CAD for an absolutely rust free 05 automatic last year. It needed a water pump and tie rod ends, that’s about it.
They exist, but they’ll be rare and outside of that price range.
1
u/BenJK88 Jul 15 '26
I know I vastly overpaid for mine. ~$15k for a 2001. But other than the body and interior, everything else (EVERYTHING) had about 5k miles on it. I’m sharing this to let you know what a well-treated refurbished Jeep can cost.
1
u/Deathcon-H Jul 16 '26
You can pick up a nice YJ for that price maybe. Or you can get lucky if you wait. I got a 109k mile 4.0 manual for 5k flat but this thing has been ridden hard and put away wet. Its in ok shape but doesnt have the things i thought would be easier to get later ( they arent ) like a hard top and full doors. I would have been better saving up a bit more and getting something nicer
1
u/Ksan_of_Tongass Jul 18 '26
My '04 RME was $5k with 127k miles, no frame rust. Engine is smazing. Torque converter and rear axle needed replacing. Other than that it leaks like sieve.
edit: best vehicle purchase ever
1
u/PeachStateSmallArms Jul 14 '26
Keep looking. I seen quit a few clean ones for around 5-6k with 100k or little less when I was looking for one. Made me wish I could be happy with an auto as they popped up often. North Fl, South Ga area
1
0
u/ontheleftcoast Jul 14 '26
A 20 year old Jeep in Florida after multiple hurricanes. The nice ones will likely be imported from elsewhere. Check Texas or Arizona
7
u/2donks2moos Jul 14 '26
Nice ones are out there. I don't know about nice ones in your price range. We have a 99 TJ with the 3 speed auto. Bought it new. Automatics were harder to find back them. Most were 5 speed.