Mileage Question

6025 Views 15 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Lucky11202, Jan 4, 2011

Lucky11202

Discussion Starter · Nov 20, 2010

What is everyones opinion on this? Checking the forsale, craigslist ads, used car websites, I've been finding a lot of Wranglers (97-00) with some high mileage. The reason I ask is I've been doing crazy amount of research into buying my first Wrangler but 90% of the time the OD reads upwards of 150,000+. I know it's crazy to think I will find a TJ with 60K for $5K I am not looking for a steal. I'm just seeing if I should even pursue something with, in my opinion, high mileage reading.

Example: I am eyeing a 98' Sahara 4.0L 5 Speed but it has 170,000 miles on it. Another one I saw a 97 $.0L 5 speed with 180,000 miles.

Maybe I am just missing out and all you lovely Wrangler owners just never want to stop driving it! I just would hate to have it for 6 months and the damn thing craps out on me. I know the best way to tell is by looking at it in person just trying to save myself a trip.

Thanks in advance!

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

kcpep

· #2 · Nov 20, 2010

Just keep looking. There are plenty out there in the 97-00 range with 75-100k on them. The 4.0 will run a long time, but I wouldn't be interested in one with 170-180k on it either.

BANGER

· #3 · Nov 20, 2010

You and I are not new to life are we ?? I,m 63 years old and know 150,000 miles is alot . Things wear out right ? You can find a Wrangler with low milage if you look .
My nephew just bought a clean 2005 Wtrangler-X with 21,000 miles for $13,000 . It is nice . Keep looking (you have time)

BANGER

Black98

· #4 · Nov 20, 2010

Jeeps are really a vehicle you want to look at or test drive. There are so many of em out there that have been beat up or not properly maintained high or low mileage. Unless you get extensive pictures of the underbody and engine bay of the jeep ide inspect the heck outa it before ide buy it.

Hawk102

· #5 · Nov 20, 2010

Just keep looking as others have said deals are out there just have to take your time. You will know the one when it comes along. I looked for my jeep over a year until I found the one I just could walk away from. Jeeps last a long time but I wouldn't start off with 180K in miles. Its different if you put those miles on it you know how it was treated. I would shoot for one with 70-100K in miles. Just keep looking you will find one that fits your budget and is just what you want. Good hunting.

Stevejill91

· #6 · Nov 20, 2010

Lucky11202 said:
What is everyones opinion on this? Checking the forsale, craigslist ads, used car websites, I've been finding a lot of Wranglers (97-00) with some high mileage. The reason I ask is I've been doing crazy amount of research into buying my first Wrangler but 90% of the time the OD reads upwards of 150,000+. I know it's crazy to think I will find a TJ with 60K for $5K I am not looking for a steal. I'm just seeing if I should even pursue something with, in my opinion, high mileage reading.

Example: I am eyeing a 98' Sahara 4.0L 5 Speed but it has 170,000 miles on it. Another one I saw a 97 $.0L 5 speed with 180,000 miles.

Maybe I am just missing out and all you lovely Wrangler owners just never want to stop driving it! I just would hate to have it for 6 months and the damn thing craps out on me. I know the best way to tell is by looking at it in person just trying to save myself a trip.

Thanks in advance!

I bought mine with 67k for 8000. Normally in my area it would cost 8500-10,000 in pretty good shape. I have a 2000 sport

BIMBY

· #7 · Nov 20, 2010

I have a 2006 unlimited with 15,ooo miles garage kept, never been in mud. I am on the fence about selling it. I has never been in mud. Only smiths point a few times. dealer warranty. And I live on the island. Would take 15,000 for it.....

inglisleslie

· #8 · Nov 20, 2010

I hot a 00 sport with 65k for $7500

25172021k

· #9 · Nov 20, 2010

It takes time to find the one. It sounds like you are on a budget of around 5-7k?? On a small budget I becomes tough. I would definitely recommend the 4.0. This further limits the selection. Consider traveling. I had to drive 4 hours one way to find mine.

Lucky11202

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 20, 2010

Yeah I was looking to spend about that, maybe $8K but that's more than I was looking to get into considering some of the mods I wanted to do myself. Thanks for the offer Bimby it's just out of my budget.

Thanks for all the input! I'm really trying to limit myself in impulse buying a sub par Jeep. It's very reassuring to know that it took some time to find the one. I just will keep plugging along.

JD Adams

· #11 · Nov 20, 2010

Sometimes high mileage means nothing. The wife's 01 Cherokee Sport has 130k on it; it still looks and runs like new, and it has been extremely well maintained with synthetics and only OEM parts. It has no mods whatsoever, and has never been off-road. 180k miles is nothing. I've seen great-running Jeeps with 300k+ miles that were an excellent buy.

My advice for buying a used Jeep has always been the same: spend the $100 to have a professional mechanic inspect it before you buy. Best C-note you'll ever spend.

WarBoomer

· #12 · Nov 20, 2010

I agree with having an inspection done. Doesn't take long, cost $100 and you can't beat that assurance to have a set of eyes that knows what to look for. I looked at 3 Jeeps before buying mine. I spent the $ on carfax reports and had all 3 inspected. What's $300 now if it could cost you thousands later.
To many horror stories of people buying of c-list only to find out the thing has major problems that were hidden.
If the seller isn't willing to let you take it to a jeep dealership or mechanic, then you probably don't want it anyways.

BigEZ

· #13 · Nov 20, 2010

x2

JD Adams said:
Sometimes high mileage means nothing. The wife's 01 Cherokee Sport has 130k on it; it still looks and runs like new, and it has been extremely well maintained with synthetics and only OEM parts.

second that...
the jeep 4.0 is one of the greatest engines of all time for durability. Mileage should be much less of a concern than say frame or body corrosion. And, should you find a TJ in great condition with hi miles, if you get it for a good price then you can always drop the < $2000 for a new crate motor when/if you need it.

BTW, I got my 02 TJ-X with 65k for less than $11,000 4 mos ago from a dealership, with a lifetime drivetrain warranty. And that was after I beat them up on my trade in. I ended up getting almost 4k more than I owed on my Ridgeline. So I ended up getting it for less than $7k out of pocket.

25172021k

· #14 · Nov 20, 2010

I was just in your shoes a few months ago. My budget was 6000 and I was able to get a 1 owner 99 sport with the d44 5 spd and about 120k. It had both tops and was stock. The best was it was from San Diego originally so frame was good. I just had to drive 4 hours each way.

jameslee97206

· #15 · Nov 20, 2010

I work at a car lot and have been in the car business for 11 years. I took me 2 months of searching to buy mine. You would be suprised how much money wranglers bring at a dealer auction. I bought mine private party off craigslist. 2001 se with 50k miles for $6500. Really wanted a 4.0 but I think i'll slam a v8 in it later. Good luck in your search.

Lucky11202

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jan 4, 2011 (Edited)

By Jove I think I found it!!! I'm going to take a look at it this week but from what I've seen it looks real nice.

Details:
00 Black TJ w/ Hard Top
145K mileage
6 Cylinder
5 Speed
Sitting on 31X10 Mickey Thompsons with Black Crager Rims with what looks like a 2-3 inch lift but it wasn't listed in the add.

Seriously thank you everyone for your input, I have my buddy coming with me to take a look at it. He's a mechanic and also a Jeep owner as well. Hopefully this one is all I am making it cracked up to be. Will def keep everyone posted!!!

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

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