Selling a few cars and buying a Jeep.
2005 TJ LJ Rubicon Unlimited Sahara 6MT
I have a deposit down. Pre purchase inspection to be done sometime Tuesday. Carfax doesn't show anything but registrations. No wrecks, etc. No service history.
My concerns are rust and making sure all the 4wd stuff works properly. Jeep spent first four years in CA. Then in MI. 118k miles.
Personally don't care about the Sahara edition. Wanted Unlimited Rubicon.
Report came back leaking oil out of rear main, crankshaft seal and valve cover body. Debating how much more I want to pay for lower miles and no oil leaks. They won't fix at the price I agreed.
Valve cover and main seal are not too hard to replace if you are mechanically inclined. Can't speak on the crankshaft seal though. What are they asking for the Jeep?
14Ks a great price. LJRs are rare and popular. I'd bet you could sell it in 5 years for 14K.
Rear Main Seal is common to all 4.0L engines.... and not a big deal. Many of us just live with it. Valve cover leak... same. Mines been leking for 6 years. But I never have to add oil.
I didn't buy it. Decided I would be happier with a newer one. Looking at a 2014 rubicon X triple black hard top with all the options. Has 2.5" lift. 9.5cti winch with synthetic rope, larger black wheels and tires, upgraded spare tire carrier. Comes with the OEM wheels. Only thing is no TPMS sensors in the mounted wheels/tires. I hope that isn't too big of a $ fix. Getting low pressure error on dash due to that. 11k miles and.clean underneath.
It's a '14 not one with the 3.8. Yes, they have more electronics in the dash, but adding the TPMS is not a big deal. Why they didn't add them when the tires were mounted is a mystery unless they bought the tires mounted on the wheels online as a package. You can get a set of 5 for under $40. https://www.amazon.com/CHRYSLER-DOD...&keywords=TPMS+sensors+for+2014+Jeep+Wrangler
But then the tires need to be removed from the rims, the TPMS installed, the tire remounted and balanced.
If you want to run topless, get a cover that covers the tub. If you find yourself stuck and needing to drive in the rain, do the best you can do to cover the steering wheel hub. If the dash gets wet enough you may find some electrical gremlins until it dries thoroughly.
Some deride the JK for the plastic front grill, but it is held in by about 6 plastic clips on top (remove the center piece with a small screwdriver and then remove the outer section as they are reusable) and about six snap in metal clips at the bottom. You have to remove it to access the headlight and parking lights. You can change the grille if you want, there are many options and you can change the color if you desire.
Of course this means now I will see you on the JK forum asking your questions there.
No idea why these powder coated jeep wheels weren't installed with TPMS. Oh well. I sold the original wheels and tires at the dealer while picking it up today. He was an employee and had service yank the sensors and give to me before I left. Quick $400 and I didn't want the wheels anyway as I don't care for the style of the OEM Rubicon wheels. I have a fleet account at my local Tire Discounters so it shouldn't be too much $$$ to have these put in and rebalanced.
Not surprised, that's one hell of a bargain for a rare, desirable edition. Thanks.
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