Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Buying Used

Buying USED: Modded or stock? Why?

14K views 59 replies 26 participants last post by  Sekstrand3 
#1 ·
Hey guys. I've read all over the place that many people say its better to buy a Jeep stock than with modifications.

I was just looking for some clarification. For example... If you, with experience, put on a lift kit and realized after driving it a bit it was SOMEHOW done wrong, wouldn't you fix it? I can't imagine someone putting a kit on wrong and being able to drive much anywhere with it.

In other words.. what sort of potential dangers are there to buying a used rig that has been lifted?

Mind you I am taking into consideration axles and gear ratios. I won't as much as look back at a rig I found out doesn't have a rear Dana 44. If its geared lower, I can live with that as I can re-gear. ( I have yet to find one higher than 3:73 )

I can COMPLETELY understand this angle:

"I am going to buy a low-mile, one-owner, stock used Jeep so I can build it the way I want to! "

It makes perfect sense. If everyone had the means of doing this I'm sure most everyone would go this route.

HOWEVER.

Not everyone has those means or monies to spend. ( cough cough me )

I am on a budget. I want to spend no more than 12,000 TOTAL. W fees and whatnot.

It would be ideal for me to get a rig with a lift kit and oversized tires on it already... is it really that bad?
 
See less See more
#31 ·
Got mine with lift, 33's and Warn winch for 8000 with 136K.
Lift is a Pro Comp which I am replacing 1 part at a time (already replaced the craptastic shocks with Bilsteins).
Will keep the springs, but the arms have to go.
Was the cheapest one I found short of 4 poppers. I think the dealership had a doh! moment on the pricing, cause while I was signing papers, they had more people still coming in on that one than all other rigs on the lot combined, and they had only advertised it the night before.
I think i did alright for the area, and rig is solid (excep for having to replace rear shaft due to 1/8" deep groove where the bearing runs.
Yes, it does have the 35, but I will address strength issues as funds permit-for now it will be fine.

Nick
 
#33 ·
Phrankoff said:
how is it running the 33s with the 35? Is it a daily driver or just a trail rig?
I've run my jeep on 33s on the d35 and put that thing to the test just about everyday on my construction sites as well as the trail. It's been solid so far, I go just about anywhere on dry land. That's with 3.07 gears as well. Mines a standard shift. You just don't want to put a locker on the d35.
 
#35 ·
Mines a DD with some trail use (been up and down a few triple black diamonds with it).
35 is factory trac loc w/worn out clutches-just gotta watch the hopping and back out of the throttle if it's not going, instead of mashing it.
Things that will kill a rear end (ANY rear end) are shock loading and especially through just one wheel, and bouncing-start flexing that housing and you will pop a shaft or carrier pretty fast.

Nick
 
#36 ·
ok guys tell me what you think on this price vs. what it comes with.
NOTE: The lift kit and tires are not on the vehicle right now. The Jeep is stock.

1999 Sport ( Black )
6-Cylinder 4.0
105k
Price: $9,966

What do YOU think its actually worth AT THIS POINT?

Then I asked what if I got a 2" lift and 31 tires.....

" 2" SkyJacker Poly Value spacer lift and 4 new 31" Goodyear DuraTracs on the existing 2005 Canyon Wheels including all mounting & balancing, parts & labor - the selling price would be $10600 + tax & lic. which then would be $11617.44 delivered ( a little more if registered in Cook Count or Chicago) "

PRICE: $11,617
What do YOU think its actually worth AT THIS POINT?

What do you guys think? Should I just bargain for the 4 new tires and then buy/install my own lift? That's only the budget boost? a.k.a. 2"BB? aren't those only like $200?

I think 11,617 is a little steep. What price do you guys think this is worth?

For what its worth the Jeep is in good shape. I'd have to double check by literally crawling underneath but what do you guys think about the price?
 
#37 ·
I think the first price (stock) is a little on the high side. The miles are a little below average for a '99, which is good. In Southern Cal (everything is higher here) you could get that for around $8,000 to 8500
 
#38 ·
I thought it was a little high as well. My goal is to get him to drop that cost.

This is from their website
" 2" SKYJACKER lift installed for $395 (parts & labor) "

Now.. he HAS to be talking about the 2" skyjacker with the Nitro shocks, right?

That kit without the shocks is $119! There is no way they charge that much for parts.
 
#41 ·
Well, it's a pretty subjective issue.
I'd only buy a modified vehicle (anything beyond simple bolt on parts, like exhaust) if I know who did the work and I know them to be a competent mechanic. I do enough of my own work to usually be able to spot shoddy workmanship, but not everyone does. If you find a modded Jeep you really like, have a certified mechanic you trust look it over first. Any seller who has nothing to hide should be happy to let you do this.
If you're good with your hands and you're looking for a fixer-upper, you can probably save a good chunk of change. If you're looking for something modded from the get go that you don't need to worry about, get it checked out first. People can and will run unsafe garbage that has no business on a public road.
 
#44 ·
Ok so after shooting emails back and forth with this guy I got a quote I really like.

Here is a link to the GREEN 97 WRANGLER.
Its a 97 Green Sport with 109k on it
Its listed at $7,366

It looks pretty clean. Unfortunately for me it has the same seats as my 95 Rio which I was hoping to never see again! And more spice! AGH! :banghead:

I have asked him to factor in the following options:
(4) new 31" tires Goodyear Duratecs
Skyjacker 2" Spacer Lift Kit with new Nitro Shocks

He priced me at $7,996 Out The Door.

I think this is a pretty good deal. What do you guys think ? Any things I should consider?

Obviously I have to test drive it and make sure everything is in working order. But if all checks out I think this is pretty good and a good starter TJ. Do you?



 
#45 ·
Ok so after shooting emails back and forth with this guy I got a quote I really like.

Here is a link to the GREEN 97 WRANGLER.
Its a 97 Green Sport with 109k on it
Its listed at $7,366

It looks pretty clean. Unfortunately for me it has the same seats as my 95 Rio which I was hoping to never see again! And more spice! AGH! :banghead:

I have asked him to factor in the following options:
(4) new 31" tires Goodyear Duratecs
Skyjacker 2" Spacer Lift Kit with new Nitro Shocks

He priced me at $7,996 Out The Door.

I think this is a pretty good deal. What do you guys think ? Any things I should consider?

Obviously I have to test drive it and make sure everything is in working order. But if all checks out I think this is pretty good and a good starter TJ. Do you?
If you get Nitro shocks, you'll be really sorry. Its going to ride like crap.

Also, that auto trans is a 3-speed, so the gears are possibly 3.07s and it has no overdrive. Check the gears and look if the rear is a D35c or a D44.
 
#46 ·
Well he quoted for the Hydro shocks but I read on here that the Nitro shocks were a softer ride than the Hydros.

I'm assuming the rear is a 35 because the site typically advertises D44.
I know 44s are ideal but is that a make or break?

This will be my daily driver and not be used for serious off roading. I would like to take it out on trails play around a bit. But this rig wouldn't be an off-roader by far
 
#47 ·
Here's more to compare to... I recently purchased an '02 Sport, Dana 44, 5spd, 6cyl. 27,000 miles, literally owned by an old man who used it to go golfing on the weekends. Researched it. Garage kept, original top and tires. Had the optional rims with 30's. I just put 31 Dura Trac's on. Was literally brand new, totally stock. Purchase price was $12,900 +TTT. I had been looking for approx 2 months to find the right one and just happened upon this one by accident. I looked at jeeps with mods, but since I was financing most of the time the asking or even negotiated price was still more than the jeep was worth according to the bank. I think I made a good choice and now I can do mine up how I want it done. Found 2 nice BB's at Zone and BDS Suspensions, just need to decide which one when I get some extra $$$. Good luck!!!
 
#48 ·
Just how well can you trust that the previous owner knew what he was doing when he modded the Jeep you are looking at to buy? Did he take shortcuts? Did he use all cheapest-possible parts? Did he screw up enough stuff that you'll never quite figure it all out? Was his wiring and connections all done properly with well soldered and insulated connections? You just don't know at all. I would go stock every time.

After my first Jeep was stolen and I bought a friend's Rubicon that he modded, I trusted that he did everything right because he know how to do things right. That said, I still wish it had been completely stock because I would rather own a Jeep where I had done everything myself. Plus I was always having to call him to ask questions like what u-joints did he use, etc.

Buying stock, you know the Jeep you built intimately and anything that goes wrong with it, you will be comfortable with fixing it. The only reason anyone should want a built Jeep over a stock Jeep is if you can't use any kind of a tool without hurting yourself. :)
 
#49 ·
^^^ Righto! I believe I've come to terms with only buying a stock jeep or a rig with 31's on it. I can stand a spacer lift, too because really...how could you mess that up?! lol

But my best bet is this dealership that offers upgrades onto the Jeep out the door so I have an opportunity to get the rig with a lift, professionally installed and not have to worry about paying cash to get one after the fact
 
#50 ·
But my best bet is this dealership that offers upgrades onto the Jeep out the door so I have an opportunity to get the rig with a lift, professionally installed and not have to worry about paying cash to get one after the fact
Having been in the business of building/lifting new Jeeps for dealerships, be prepared to pay 3X what it would cost you to do it yourself, or 2X what it would cost by having a 4x4 shop install the lift for you. Dealerships REALLY jack up the prices for such stuff, I would NOT have the dealership do it.
 
#53 ·
I say go with a stock one if money is any where near an issue or you are interested in learning more about your Jeep. Buy a good Jeep and read ,read and read some more about what most of the people here are doing or have done not just what they are telling you to do . Don't take everyones word as gospel we are all learning as you will building it yourself . Some parts can be bought used with confidence some shouldn't . Build it the way you want just take your time , its not as complicated as it sounds for the most part. Most answers to your questions are already written here someplace , the Search tool is your friend.....
 
#54 ·
I know I know. I've been on some sort of Jeep forum for over a year.
I've just recently switched my interest to TJs. I have a YJ lookin to upgrade.

I think I'm going to have a wait a bit longer unfortunately. I don't know if I have the heart to buy this green sport. I am not a big fan of this green. But the price is good. Aghhh yi yi
 
#55 ·
That price sounds very fair. The jeep looks clean. If you know anyone with a TJ take them along for a test drive, they'll know how it should handle/run. The 6 month warranty is a definite plus. And nice color (same as mine ).

edit: your post beat mine. What's wrong with forest green :D
 
#56 ·
lol I have to decide when I see it! Some of the greens look really glum and dull. Some of the other ones that are like dark green look cool. I'd have to judge by seeing it in person I suppose. Lighting is a big factor

Like




NO Likey:


It might just be the light but something about that green just looks like.. I don't know.. lol. ALmost greenish blueish? Idk
 
#57 ·
I know, color is an individual thing. When I was shopping, green was actually my first choice, so I lucked out. And a couple of colors would have been a deal breaker for me too. I won't say which colors, we don't want too get into a color debate. :D Find what you like.
 
#58 ·
I got my jeep completely modded and it's nice cuz I don't have to spend the money on it but I really wish I would have gotten her stock cuz i Wana work on her and do stuff differently!
 
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