Doing the unthinkable

tsetsefly1

JK Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 29, 2020
Messages
118
Location
Minnesota
I'm selling my 98 TJ and moving up to a JK (hopefully sooner rather than later!)..

I am a member of the original wranglerTJ forum and I know @Chris started this forum a few years ago.

Really new to the JK, but one jumped out at me which we test drove last week. It's a 2014 Unlimited Rubicon X. Low mileage for a 2014 I think - around 50,000. Wouldn't be paying full list price. I do have some photos of the frame attached.. I also live in Minnesota so finding a rust free vehicle is just not going to happen, but wondering if I could get some input from folks smarter than I. Appreciate it and looking forward to expanding my JK knowledge!!

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The good thing about the frames on the JK's they are made better then the older Jeeps. If you was to wire brush the rust spots and then treat it with a good rust preventer then undercoat it it would be good for a long time.
 
Okay, bare with me here a moment because I'm about to come off as very asshole like, when it is not my intention.

They want 32 fucking K for that thing!? It's a 2014, the frame isn't toast, but it's got plenty of rust areas to deal with.

That's just way too much money to say the least. I would say that thing is worth 26-28k tops, and even that may be stretching it. I see Hard Rock model JKUs here locally for much less than that with pristine frames.
 
Oh no worries - let's hear it!! haha!

I agree - that price is way too high. Probably the only reason this Jeep hasn't been bought yet.. I would counter with around 27K and see where we go from there. But there's no way I'd pay their listing price either.

Is the frame, in your opinion, worth investing in or not? I'm not doing any rock crawling or heavy duty off roading here in MN, but I also would like to have the next Jeep purchase last me a while.
 
Okay, bare with me here a moment because I'm about to come off as very asshole like, when it is not my intention.

They want 32 fucking K for that thing!? It's a 2014, the frame isn't toast, but it's got plenty of rust areas to deal with.

That's just way too much money to say the least. I would say that thing is worth 26-28k tops, and even that may be stretching it. I see Hard Rock model JKUs here locally for much less than that with pristine frames.


Your right I didn't look at the price they wanted for that, way to much it doesn't look like it really has much aftermarket stuff on it. But you'd think for that price they could fix the rusty frame.
 
Okay, bare with me here a moment because I'm about to come off as very asshole like, when it is not my intention.

They want 32 fucking K for that thing!? It's a 2014, the frame isn't toast, but it's got plenty of rust areas to deal with.

That's just way too much money to say the least. I would say that thing is worth 26-28k tops, and even that may be stretching it. I see Hard Rock model JKUs here locally for much less than that with pristine frames.
They also told me it's a one owner and was a lady who never really drove it. Which... I'm not trying to be sexist here (especially this day in age) but I don't see a lady adding on a light bar and rock sliders I guess... I could be completely wrong here.
 
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Your right I didn't look at the price they wanted for that, way to much it doesn't look like it really has much aftermarket stuff on it. But you'd think for that price they could fix the rusty frame.

That was my thought too.

That price is just overly inflated for what it is. I can find so many JKU Rubicons in better shape for less money. The JL really drove down prices.
 
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They also told me it's a one owner and was a lady who never really drove it. Which... I'm not trying to be sexist here (especially this day in age) but I don't see a lady adding on a light bar and rock sliders I guess... I could be completely wrong here.

One owner is nice, but I'm still not sure that justifies the price. They've marked that thing up for way more than what it should be.
 
Your right I didn't look at the price they wanted for that, way to much it doesn't look like it really has much aftermarket stuff on it. But you'd think for that price they could fix the rusty frame.
I didn't think to ask the dealership if they could. Good idea...

I just don't want to jump into anything - I know I'll find a JK next spring if I don't get one before winter... My TJ is going to sell really quickly (or so it seems) and I don't want to be without a Jeep for almost 7 months! ahh!
 
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That's 50,000 miles worth of rust. Seriously, there are some immediate measures you can take before it's too late to extend the life of that frame, as mentioned above. I'd start with the investment in the frame and back that out of the asking price, that's your offer, at a minimum.
 
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Actually, I'd sell you my 2014 for $2k less and there isn't a speck of rust, it's lifted with 35's, new LED headlights and fogs, Smittybilt Defender rack and some after market add-ons. For $32k, I'll go put new tires on it before you get here! It's a little dirty, but I'll wash and wax it for ya, too!

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Actually, I'd sell you my 2014 for $2k less and there isn't a speck of rust, it's lifted with 35's, new LED headlights and fogs, Smittybilt Defender rack and some after market add-ons. For $32k, I'll go put new tires on it before you get here! It's a little dirty, but I'll wash and wax it for ya, too!

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................... I can't tell if you're serious or not. hahahahaha!

That's a beautiful Jeep!! I'd love to find a rust free one. They don't exist up here... and putting my trust in someone or some dealership to give me a fair shake before I fly or drive hours is not really something I like doing.
 
I would recommend POR-15 if you end up making a deal to buy it. Superior rust protection and tough as nails. It's pretty expensive but worth the investment. Good luck with your search for a new(er) Jeep!
 
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Actually, I'd sell you my 2014 for $2k less and there isn't a speck of rust, it's lifted with 35's, new LED headlights and fogs, Smittybilt Defender rack and some after market add-ons. For $32k, I'll go put new tires on it before you get here! It's a little dirty, but I'll wash and wax it for ya, too!

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Hey - what size tire and wheel combo are you running here / and lift? Like the look of it
 
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Toyo M/T 35x12.5 on Moto Metal Model 962 wheels and 2.5" lift. I live in the eastern part of NC where it's very flat and my off-roading is limited to smaller sand dunes, mild hills and trails; nothing much beyond a 4 rating.

The pic isn't a very good indicator of the stance, which I do like, because I'm 6'6" so the photos always appear to be looking down on the JK. But it is the perfect height that I can step into it without having to climb on anything.
 
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