What to Look for When Buying A Jeep Wrangler TJ 97-06

Video on my opinions on what to look for when purchasing a jeep wrangler TJ 97-06. Just a few things I came up with to help you find a good jeep! Hope you guys enjoy!

#jeep
#jeeptj
#wrangler

[KyleSVT]

I would also take it to a mechanic if you can and have the jeep inspected.

[mikehartmann]

I think this is on point, but just to add to the rust comments - anyone looking at a TJ should have the car put on a lift and drop the trans skid plate. The frame can look fine, but the skid plate can be hiding major frame rot along the rails where the 6 mounting bolts for the skid plate are. These TJ frames rot from the inside out, so I also recommend looking at the inside of the frame using an inexpensive smartphone endoscope. If a seller won’t allow the dropping of the skid plate, WALK AWAY from the sale.

[slantguy]

Get a 2003 or 2004 Jeep TJ or first year of Jeep LJ Unlimited in 2004:
- Newer revamped interiors w/ better controls than the '97-'02 models
- Dana 44 rear...NO Dana 35c as those break too easily on any TJ
- 4.0L engine only: Has better engine w/o oil pump failures of the '05-06 models
- 4.0L engine has exhaust manifold cracks that sound like lifter tick at start up when cold
- Hard top is VERY nice to have in Northern climates as TJ's heater is powerful and that helps keep heat in
- Full doors are very nice...especially when gotten new w/ purchase of Jeep
- What does driver seat look like: torn or grubbed up? = owner didn't care = what about the rest of the Jeep?
- Steering wheel cover torn up = owner didn't care = what about the rest of the Jeep?
- How does gas tank skid plate look? Those are weak and thin + dinged up easily
- Buy a locking gas cap if the Jeep you're wanting to buy doesn't have one...one keyed to ignition is best
- Manual transmission is better than automatic as those are less likely to be problematic
- How are control arm bushings? All cracked looking? = new poly bushings or Control Arms needed to defeat Death Wobble
- Front wheel bearing hubs & front drive axle u-joints: check by jacking up front axle and shaking wheels laterally. For wheel u-joints, check for squeaky metallic grind when test driving

2003 TJ is the best as its the 1st year for the Rubicon model.

Happy Jeepin'!

[anthonyavina]

Literally just bought a good jeep because of all these tips glad to have been able to
Come across this video before I bought it!

[buildsadventure]

I love your comment about how cheap parts are. Jeeps are great because there's always work to be done but it's cheap and easy which makes it fun!

[mr]

This is the best!!! I’m a female and I don’t know jack about jeeps so this is so much help. I’m looking for jeeps to buy.

[michaelwillett]

I just came across this and totally agree. I failed to look into more mechanical issues for mine and I am currently rebuilding the engine. I found out the owner let it over heat and didn’t want me to know before I bought my 2001 TJ 4.0.

[ireallyliketoastomfg]

Thank you!! This was super helpful for someone who doesn’t know the first thing to look for in a good tj 06 wrangler. Definitely know what to look for myself and what to bring a mechanic to look for

[AXV]

DUDE I was just looking for a video exactly like this for a TJ!! A buddy of mine bought an 01 Sport 4.0 5 speed at an auction and it looks too good to be true. Every car has its quirks so this was pretty informative

[HeyItsWinner]

dude how is your jeep so clean/rust free

[justanotheraviator]

My father has a Jeep and I'm looking at buying an older Jeep as a first car, so I know how they drive I know how what should be and this just really helps in seeing how everything else fits together. It also helps a lot cuz I've never bought a car before. 🙃

[Elijah.-_]

I currently have a 4.0 Grand cherokee Laredo with 259k on the dash, still runs great! Looking to uy a Tj this year. thanks for the great info on what to look for man. will take these into account.

[cvmr]

I just bought an almost mint 2005 SE. This video is really helpful on what to look for, even being about a sport. Most of these things apply for the SE as well. Great video!

[lorenmark]

I had a ‘98 chillipepper red wrangler. Your vehicle reminds me of it so much. I miss that car so much. Considering selling my mazdaspeed 3 to get back in a Jeep.

Biggest thing to look at when buying a tj.
One of the most customizable vehies made. Make sure if there is a lift it was done right. If the owner did it themselves and wasn't knowledgeable, you'll spend thousands to fix it. After 2-1/2 inches of lift all drive lines need to be replaced.
Big tires=big problems. The more you increase tire size and wheel offset the faster you wear out the ball joints, tie rods and wheels bearings. Avoid 35" or larger tires with stock axles. Handling will also suffer greatly. More braces and stabilizers will be needed but will only be a bandaid.

[airsoftmasterpistol]

not a TJ but i have a 94 ZJ with 239k miles and still runs great

[keltingr]

Fluid film the frame and rub it on the plastic fender flares to renew them a deep black color

[yotakev]

I agree, rust is the biggest concern. My current 1993 YJ has always been a Florida Jeep and the frame looks brand new. Mileage isn't a big concern for a 4.0, those things never quit.

Love your TJ though. Mine never looked as good as yours lol

[ezra]

I really like your content dude. I’m looking for a tj right now so you’re videos are great

[SAMPLETEXT]

I live on the east coast I have an 06 tj with somewhere around 200, 000 miles I bought it brand new in 2006 I've had it for 12 years it only has one small rust spot on the drivers side fender but I'm gonna fix later this week