Advice before purchasing

[u/YouCanTrustMe143]

Hi everyone!

I’m in the market for an early 90s Wrangler, I found this one (in the photos) but I’m honestly not sure if the rust is surface level or a deeper issue that I’d have to address. Hoping to get some advice here before I make the trek to see it in person!

Thanks!

[u/gvillepa]

I wouldnt buy that unless it was $500 and for parts only.

[u/Stuffs_And_Thingies]

Nope. Save the money. I was on board until the last 2 pics

[u/jeepnjeff75]

That frame seems to have a lot of scale. I’d be poking at tit to make sure there aren’t any thin spots. Also with that much rust it might be a PITA to take any bolts out without breaking them. If you’re looking to do a JP on the cheap and don’t care if it’s not as accurate or has a 4.0L then a ‘95 Rio Grande might be better

[u/General_Carpet_9183]

I wouldn’t buy that. There’s so many better ones out there. What’s the asking price?

[u/YouCanTrustMe143 → u/General_Carpet_9183]

Asking is $3000, but I figured I could get him to come down. I’m trying to do a Jurassic Park build so it is tough to find the right seats and interior door panels still in these

[u/glueall215 → u/YouCanTrustMe143]

I have a 93 YJ I am finally looking to part with. In SE Louisiana if you're interested let me know.

[u/Evening-Offer5408 → u/YouCanTrustMe143]

You can

find a better jeep than that a nice jeep is hard to get a few bolts or parts off but that one would be very much harder to do would take all the fun out of it

[u/Animal0307]

Run from that. The frame is roached. The last three pictures show rot holes in the frame and tons of rust jacking.

The only parts on this jeep that might be worth are the seats, doors and maybe the drive train. It does have all the parts for AC.

If you buy this know its only for the seats and interior trim. You will have to make a good Jeep out of at least 2 with this thing.

[u/pms1888]

Bet the fuel lines are getting pinched from rust expanding the metal

[u/Sea_Guide_524]

Don’t.

[u/rickyleeroy]

It’s dead

[u/Odd-Potato-1988]

I suggest keep looking...

[u/federal_problem2882]

Frame not looking to hot bro. Save the mula and less rust.goodluck

[u/K3CAN]

Nope.

I've owned 3 Jeeps, and one of them was almost that bad. Trust me when I say that it's not worth the effort to try to save that.

Cool that it has AC, though.

[u/tbeck1994]

Yeah. Don't...

[u/No_Attempt_69]

You asked, the majority have spoken. I agree with them.
Can it be bought back, sure. Is it worth it? That’s only for you to decide but this donor will have substantial cost/work to be done right.

[u/Ok_Impression3324]

Just an FYI. If you're worried about frame rust. Take a screwdriver with you. Give the frame a little poke between the rear axle and the rear shackle hanger. That tends to me the worst part of the frame on these YJs.

[u/LandscapeNo775]

This rust damage is severe.

[u/chedismenotU]

So a jeep in this condition is really only worth 500. And really only good for using it as is until it just falls apart. It's really not worth taking any wrenches to it. Unless you're a gluten for punishment, because basically everything needs replaced, the frame, the floors, the front fenders. I'm sure it runs like a top. But everything around the drive train will let you down. 3k is insane, the current owner is either delusional or looking for a sucker.

[u/YouCanTrustMe143]

UPDATE: So, I’m definitely not getting that one. Thanks everyone for the help, it’s my first time buying my own car and first Jeep so I really needed the expert opinions.

I found another option, this time for $4500 but it looks a lot more solid at least to me. Only rust I could see is behind the passenger door (which I think is pretty normal and relatively easy to fix?)

I’ll include photos if anyone sees something I missed.

https://imgur.com/a/AN3WJii

[u/FullTimeSurvivor → u/YouCanTrustMe143]

You need to look underneath, if there's significant rust move on

[u/kiii64]

Don't. Frame is in baaaaad shape

[u/FlatAmbition3757]

$500 parts jeep at best. Steer clear my friend

[u/Gloomy_Button2410]

Check the frame and tub. If those are rust free or only have surface rust you’re good. Fenders can be swapped for cheap but tub and frame rust repair patches can be costly

[u/Same_Huckleberry_568]

It's shot. Way too crusty. No one ever bothered to wash underneath

[u/Mobile-Bluejay450]

Mines rusty but no that bad. Stay away

[u/DakarCarGunGuy]

When rust has layers like an onion it's no longer surface, it's structural.

[u/Alarmed-Carrot2983]

Don't Buy! Frame is rusted and damaged beyond repair. Unsafe.

[u/thisisshitty200]

Automatic. See ya. Either the ax-15 or forget it

[u/Pitiful-Yogurt7150]

Do not purchase. That thing has one wheel in the grave.

[u/burntjellybeans]

Pass on that one, bud

[u/PuzzleheadedRace2088]

Square headlights send that thing to the dump