2002 Jeep TJ Sport VS Sahara - Which to buy?
 

I am looking at:

1) 2002 Jeep TJ Sport - 160,000KM, manual, both tops, looks decent, sat all winter but runs good (says he had out all week), totally bone stock, need front brakes to certify and he wont certify for me because hes in no rush to sell and doesn't want the hassle - $5800 could maybe get for $4750/5000.

2) 2002 Jeep TJ Sahara - 150,000KM, manual, both tops, looks mint, runs perfect, will certify and e test for me, its a sahara (so upgraded dana 44 rear end) with also 31's on black steelies. Asking $9800, could maybe get down to $8000/$8250.

I would lift both jeeps either way 2.25inch suspension lift. I would have to buy the 31's on black steelies for the jeep #1 and not for jeep #2 because it already has.

Leaning towards Sahara, but that price is damn high for a 2002... Kinda scares me Jeep #1 has sat all winter and guy wont certify, but is almost half the cost..

There is also another 2004 Jeep TJ Sport with 170,000KM from a dealer, manual, not sure if it has a softtop but looks damn clean. They are asking $7000.

Thoughts would be appreciated.

Re: 2002 Jeep TJ Sport VS Sahara - Which to buy?
 

I would stay away from #1, TJ's can hide a LOT of rust issues and other problems. Ask me how I know! On #2 I can't vouch for the upgrade to dana 44 in rear, I was under the impression it was stock. Rubi's models got you an upgraded Front axle but maybe someone can pipe in and clarify the issue with regard to what upgrading to a Sahara in a TJ got you. $9800 is not outside the ballpark for price on a clean TJ, safetied and e-tested in the 150k milage, plus you get some upgrades you were gonna have to pay for anyway. Definitely try and work the guy down though.
The 2004 Sport is by no means a bad deal either, and you'll get a 30 day warranty from the dealership IF there a hidden problems. I had a 2004 sport and loved every second of it. She was a one owner with 82,000k tradein. I paid $11,000 in 2009. I just paid $5500 for what I thought was a good 2004 Rubi and once I started working on it, I found it's a wreck!
Hope some of this rambling is helpful.
topbanana
:smile:

Re: 2002 Jeep TJ Sport VS Sahara - Which to buy?
 

I must agree with Topbanana the #1 I don't feel comfortable with. As far as rears on the Sahara the more resent ones had 44 rears, but thats easy to check just look at the diff cover. When u get around to lifting I'd be inclined to go for a 4 in this way if down the line you decide to put 33's or even 35's you won't have to put on another lift.