Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

A good or bad deal on a Jeep

2K views 27 replies 14 participants last post by  billiebob 
#1 ·
I don't if I'm posting in the right place. Ill try it any ways. As you can see I'm new to Jeeps . I've found this Jeep on craigslist its 1998 jeep Wrangler 2.4(I think or what ever a 4 banger is) 5 speed its been rolled. The only damage is the tailgate the driver side back fender wind shield and frame which I replace both $150 and it needs a top ($250 craigslist), The guys asking $2800 . I wondering if its a bad or good deal ?
 
#2 ·
There is a difference between rolled and flopped. If it's been rolled I would doubt that's the only damage. Watch some YouTube videos of jeeps that have been rolled. Usually the rims and wheels hit hard which could bend the frame, axles, control arms. A whole lot of stuff. I would keep looking. But that's just my two cents.
 
#5 ·
It looks like it wasn't completely rolled, rather flopped on its side. Check the roll bars up TOP to see if there is damage. Also check the axles, control arms, shock mounts, basically everything underneath, especial on the drivers side where he flopped it. And clearly you need to give it a good test drive to see how it behaves.
 
#6 ·
you'll need to replace that windshield frame completely thats far from "repairable damage" that back corner is gonna be a ton of work I'd be surprised if youd ever get a softop to seal right there again. that top corner where the rail is isnt just gonna pop out or be easy to fix. it will be either expensive or time consuming depending if youre doing the work or a shop is. And its a 4 banger. not worth it pass is my opinion, by the time youre done youll wish you had a 6 cylinder anyways.
 
#7 ·
It's worth a look but personally, I would pass just due to a rollover. You don't know how long it's been on it's side along with unknown tub/undercarriage damage. Like stated above, the rear corner needs to be repaired in order for a top and tailgate to function properly. You will want the full doors to be installed to see any mounting issues or tub damage. Your estimates of the repair and ST costs are way underestimated. I would be shocked if you could get a ST w/frame/hardware, windshield, flare, tailgate, quarter panel repair, for a total of $400.
 
#13 ·
I would pass. There could be way more damage than you are not aware of. A 4.0 will get just as good as mileage as the 2.4. But obviously you will have more power with a 4.0. As its been said, hold out for a 6cyl, and prefrebly one that hasn't been rolled or flopped
 
#14 ·
I don't know if its the ground its parked on but if you look at the driver side rear tire it doesn't look straight up and down.
 
#21 ·
You never hear someone say "dang, wish I had a 4banger right now"
 
#24 ·
Of course it'll be sluggish if you put 33's on. I'm about to get my 33s today. Anyway, I drive a 2.4. There's a 2.5 out in newer years which is less desirable for reliability reasons. I'd say for half the price, the smaller engine is the way to go, again for money reasons. Only thing wrong with my engine is the low power but that's it. Torque is great and the 411 gears are good to have for upgrading tires. I justify the low power by realizing I drive a jeep and not a challenger. Anyways lets cut to the chase: that price around 2800 is way too high. I paid around 3 for mine, mechanically perfect, frame rustproof, 90k miles. I proceeded to spend the remaining balance from what I planned to spend originally on all the mods I wanted. Most guys are going to praise what they have and I'm no different. They're all good, it's just up to you whether or not you "need" extra power which costs more money
 
#25 ·
I would be check to make sure the body didn't shift due to the body lift.. also if the engine was left running while on its side that could be an issue as well... sure good price, but might cost you that much or more to fix things you can't see.
 
#26 ·
I had a 1986 toyota 22r ( 4 banger ) 4x4 it did fine off road. Now I've got a 94 Toyota 4x4 with 4.3 ( 6cly) Chevy motor and to y'all the truth I cant tell difference beside a little more getting up and go. But which one is easier to work on the 2.4 or 4.0 ?
 
#28 ·
If it was rolled and an insurance claim wrote it off you will have to do much more than just bolt on a windshield frame. You will probably need an inspection before it can be licensed or insured. Look into that before you buy.

But a 4 cylinder '97.... even parted out there is not much value. I'd start under $1K.

That rear corner is more than just a dent. The tailgate is also damaged. The opening is off. In the 3rd photo it looks like the roller might be twisted. Slow rolls like this can do a lot of subtle unseen damage. Take it to a body shop. Get an estimate for repairs. Even perfect it is only a $3K Wrangler.

I guarantee there is a lot of "hidden" damage. And I'm sure it is a write off.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top