Alright - I've made a deal to sell my '99 4 banger, and put that money towards a newer TJ. I've found an '03 Rubi that LOOKS nice, BUT...
According to the dealer, a) it has 214k (!!) on it, but that's "ok," b/c it was towed most of it's life. From what I understand, towing does NOT put on mileage. Also, b) it pops out of 1st gear SOMETIMES because of a 2" body lift, that, if removed, solves that problem (how do they know that? did they remove it, test it, and put it back in!?!?).
I find a) very, very implausible, and b) SOMEWHAT plausible.
Now, presuming for a moment there are 214k miles on it, as reliable as the I6 and ax15 are, that's PUSHING IT before needing a rebuild. How can I determine what kind of shape the engine and tranny are in during a normal car dealer test drive, etc.?? How much should I expect to spend on an engine and tranny rebuild, if the price point is right for me?
FURTHER, what ELSE should I be on the lookout for in something this high mileage??
Thanks for the opinions. :banghead:
According to the dealer, a) it has 214k (!!) on it, but that's "ok," b/c it was towed most of it's life. From what I understand, towing does NOT put on mileage. Also, b) it pops out of 1st gear SOMETIMES because of a 2" body lift, that, if removed, solves that problem (how do they know that? did they remove it, test it, and put it back in!?!?).
I find a) very, very implausible, and b) SOMEWHAT plausible.
Now, presuming for a moment there are 214k miles on it, as reliable as the I6 and ax15 are, that's PUSHING IT before needing a rebuild. How can I determine what kind of shape the engine and tranny are in during a normal car dealer test drive, etc.?? How much should I expect to spend on an engine and tranny rebuild, if the price point is right for me?
FURTHER, what ELSE should I be on the lookout for in something this high mileage??
Thanks for the opinions. :banghead: