looking at buying a wrangler

JustinGL · 03-11-2007, 08:01 PM

Hello,
i am new to the jeep world. i am looking at buying a 2001 wrangler hard top, 72k mi, for $6500.

i was wondering if anyone new some of the common wear and tear issues i should be on the look out for? so as to avoid getting a "lemon".

please let me know if more info is required.
thanks,
Justin

P.s. More details below

amiller · 03-11-2007, 08:04 PM

engine? trans? lift? other options?

bblhead · 03-11-2007, 08:14 PM

You are asking too vague of a question. One thing you need to ask yourself, What are you going to do with the Jeep? Street, Trail, Rock, Mud...

Sounds like that Jeep is a great Deal. Some of the major things to look at is the Engine Size & transmission. Also look at the Exhaust Header. They tend to crack.

Just look at some of the other posts in this message board to find other issues that plague / bless TJs.

When you do buy a Jeep, remember to wave.

Ben

Xlr8n · 03-11-2007, 08:22 PM

Look underneath for battle scars. You can get an idea of how much offroad use it's seen. Make sure it tracks down the road fairly well. lift? tires? maintenance records? Clean title?

JustinGL · 03-12-2007, 12:50 PM

2001 Jeep Wrangler SE Sport Utility 2D

Mileage: 72K
Engine: 4Cyl 2.5L
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain: 4WD

Rear Seat, Power Steering, AM/FM Casette, Hard Top, Towing Pkg, Oversize off road tires

Kelly Blue Book says $8680

and i have asked the current owner the following questions:

1. how is the 01 model as far as getting up to speed with the 4cyl?
It gets up to 55 with no problem, 5th gear is slower but u can do 75 without a problem

2. has he kept good care of it? oil, maintenance, clutch, tires, etc.
oh yeah defntly he said. He said it runs the same as when it was new.

3. what, if any, problems has he had with it? any problems that wranglers have in general that this one does.
nothing at all. he takes really good care of it.

I am looking to do mostly street. it will be my main form of transportation. i also want to do a bit of trail/off roading too.
My current car is a 94' camery 5spd; so this is a definant upgrade!

ChadCielencki · 03-12-2007, 12:56 PM

Remember TWO things.
1. JEEP WAVE
2. If it breaks, UP-GRADE!

sounds like a steal...if you can afford to, and are taking out a loan, take out a few extra bucks, I'd recommend about 1500, if able, to fix anything that MIGHT be wrong.

If blue book is higher, you should be able to take out the blue book amount

BlackJeephunter · 03-12-2007, 01:41 PM

You may regret the 4 banger down the road. Keep that in mind and don't get it because it is a Jeep, get the right Jeep.

The fact that it had a plow package leads me to believe it has seen tons of salt. Not good.

ChadCielencki · 03-12-2007, 01:52 PM

where do you see it had a 'Plow' pkg?

GW · 03-12-2007, 02:05 PM

I have a 41,000 mile 2001 Sport. The deal you got sound really good. Here's what I ran into: Brakes at 35,000; sway bar end links at 40,000; tires at 41,000. Otherwise, no problems. So far, so good.

JustinGL · 03-13-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackJeephunter

You may regret the 4 banger down the road. Keep that in mind and don't get it because it is a Jeep, get the right Jeep.

The fact that it had a plow package leads me to believe it has seen tons of salt. Not good.

it says towing pkg not plow pkg
-justingl

JustinGL · 03-17-2007, 11:21 AM

i took it for a test drive.
it needs a lower rear door pin. and the trim needs to be repainted. but other than a few scratches it seems to be in good shape.

i am going to take another look at it any sugestions on more to check the 2nd time around?

VZEHLER · 03-17-2007, 11:32 AM

I wouldn't buy a 4 cyl. Just not enough balls for me... A friend of mine has a 4cyl with a lift and 33's and it's a total pig. It does ok on the trail but for DD it is terrible

ptowntj · 03-17-2007, 11:46 AM

Please, get a dana 44, available on the 6 banger only...unless you plan on occassional use offroad only...I wish someone told me before i got mine, I found out the day after I got it...oh well.

arbby · 03-17-2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinGL

i took it for a test drive.
it needs a lower rear door pin. and the trim needs to be repainted. but other than a few scratches it seems to be in good shape.

i am going to take another look at it any sugestions on more to check the 2nd time around?

click free

STW · 03-17-2007, 12:54 PM

Do some more test driving to be fully sure that you'll be happy with the 4cyl. Lots of folks here wouldn't be able to live with the fourbanger. Been happy with mine for 7 years, and love it as a daily driver with a lift and 33s--just gotta do it right. Even though folks around here will tell you not to get the 2.5, it's tough and durable just like the 4.0, great on the trail, and fully buildable--it's just gutless on the road. So just know if you're ok with that.

And the D44 is a good idea, and if you build it up you'll want to upgrade the rear axle, but many 4.0 Jeeps have this issue too.

03-12-2007, 12:50 PM	#5
JustinGL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 16 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	more details 2001 Jeep Wrangler SE Sport Utility 2D Mileage: 72K Engine: 4Cyl 2.5L Transmission: 5 Speed Manual Drivetrain: 4WD Rear Seat, Power Steering, AM/FM Casette, Hard Top, Towing Pkg, Oversize off road tires Kelly Blue Book says $8680 and i have asked the current owner the following questions: 1. how is the 01 model as far as getting up to speed with the 4cyl? It gets up to 55 with no problem, 5th gear is slower but u can do 75 without a problem 2. has he kept good care of it? oil, maintenance, clutch, tires, etc. oh yeah defntly he said. He said it runs the same as when it was new. 3. what, if any, problems has he had with it? any problems that wranglers have in general that this one does. nothing at all. he takes really good care of it. I am looking to do mostly street. it will be my main form of transportation. i also want to do a bit of trail/off roading too. My current car is a 94' camery 5spd; so this is a definant upgrade! Last edited by JustinGL; 03-12-2007 at 01:03 PM..

03-17-2007, 11:21 AM	#11
JustinGL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 16 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	photos i took it for a test drive. it needs a lower rear door pin. and the trim needs to be repainted. but other than a few scratches it seems to be in good shape. i am going to take another look at it any sugestions on more to check the 2nd time around?

03-12-2007, 02:05 PM	#9
GW Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Michigan's UP Posts: 170 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have a 41,000 mile 2001 Sport. The deal you got sound really good. Here's what I ran into: Brakes at 35,000; sway bar end links at 40,000; tires at 41,000. Otherwise, no problems. So far, so good.