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TJ/LJ to old to buy used?

5K views 39 replies 27 participants last post by  tonyf76 
#1 ·
Hi guys,

Looking at buying my first wrangler and for my price range I'm looking at a 04 tj with 65k miles for 13k or a 06 LJ 69k miles for 16k. Tj is stock, and the lj has a lift with 33's both look decently clean (no serious wheeling) having a hard time deciding and was wondering if a used tj/lj are too old to buy used nowadays and if i should save up for a 2012+ jk. Thanks guys new to the forum and having a hard time deciding lol. Not gonna do serious wheeling but my DD is too low to take fishing/camping.
 
#3 ·
I'd trade 2 jk's and a redhead for a good clean tj any day
 
#5 ·
That's not a bad price for those jeeps. I would go for the LJ. They are very desirable and will sell quickly if you re sale. That is providing the LJ 2006 does not have an automatic transmission. Stay away from that. Of course this all depends on the condition of the frame, stay away from rust.

I understand your concern. The TJ series is getting long in the tooth. The great thing is they are popular and there is a lot of help and tons of aftermarket for them.

Eventually, there will be a tipping point and the only option to get a jeep will be the JK.
 
#8 ·
......Eventually, there will be a tipping point and the only option to get a jeep will be the JK.
Tear....
I sure hope that isn't in my lifetime!

I'm actually thinking of buying and storing a couple of super clean TJ's just so I never have to own a JK.
 
#12 ·
Just bought a 2001 TJ and would much rather have the 2013 JK I test drove a few months ago. Steering on the TJ is sh*t. Suspension is sh*t. Seats are sh*t. No cruise control. Loud as a tractor. Mechanicals are tractor-like. Totally unrefined. I'll trade up as soon as the opportunity arises.
 
#15 ·
If you are financing, you may have a hard time finding a bank that will be willing to give you a loan. If you do find a bank willing to loan you money, they may hit you with a crazy interest rate.

Please do not take this as me trying to talk you out of a tj. I don't want to see you either get your heart set on a vehicle that you cannot get or worse, get screwed by a bank.
 
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#16 ·
When the rubihara popped up next to me for $12,9 with 1 owner my first thought was what possible excuse could I come up with to my wife for needing another TJ and where would I store it.

For me, my 05 Rubi is my dream car. Fell in love with it when my friends dad bought an 03 Rubi new when I was graduating high school - always wanted one and now dialed this one in the way I want it. This is my third TJ and regretted selling the first two greatly. Fortunate where my parents have extra space and I'm able to work on it and enjoy on weekends (I live in NYC). Some maintenance I need to do but otherwise this one is staying forever.

Trust me, constantly think about buying another clean TJ Rubi just to have.
 

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#29 ·
Thanks for the feedback guys and unfortunately it has to be automatic in case the little lady has to drive it (she refuses manual lol) gonna take a look at them and i found out the TJ is the rocky mountain edition with the d44
My first wife and I bought matching RME's back in 04 brand new, mine was black hers was silver, My god I loved that jeep, probably one of the best equipped/price point TJ they made, The D44 w/ Trac lock, Aocola rims, painted fenders, rubi style rock guards it was just a sexy, unique little jeep,
I now own a 04 LJ and as much as I loved that RME I have to admit I would take the LJ over the RME, (you probably know but the LJ has the D44 w/trak lock as well) Good luck with your very difficult decision
 
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#21 ·
In all honesty my 2004 TJ is as nice to drive as my BMW
Doesn't handle as good but cruise, cold AC, factory 7 speaker stereo....
I've driven some really nice tractors and my TJ is nicer lol.
 
#26 ·
I'd never trade my TJ either, but I plan on my next vehicle purchase being a JK. I love my jeep, but I'd be scared to rely solely on it for transportation. My car isn't bad, bought it new about 5 years ago, but I want to drive a jeep everyday. Even if it's a fake jeep.
 
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#25 ·
No doubt, JK'S are more refined to attrack more buyers and it's working.
TJ'S are less refined to attract buyers like me.
And I'd have no issue at all driving my TJ across country, handling is spot on, seats are very comfortable.....easily my favorite vehicle to date and I'm old. :)
 
#31 ·
TJ is a teenager at best. It meets most modern safety standards & is cheap to insure. When you start looking at early CJs or Willys then you can get hung up on age. Find the Jeep that fits you best & go from there. If I could do it all over again I go LJ. Mainly for towing capacity & extra space for gear:thumb:
 
#35 ·
I will throw my $.02 in:

If it is a DD - save up for a JK, if it is a weekend toy, get the TJ or LJ.

The one caviat I have to that is the Autos in TJ's left a lot to be desired, as does the Auto in the 07-11 JK. If you go auto, I might go with a 12 or newer.

Its not too late to get a TJ, just realize that they are known to have rust problems, so make sure you get a clean one. The 4.0L I6 is a durable engine, and I actually prefer it to the 3.6 I have now.
 
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