About to buy a 2001 TJ
 

Hello folks,

tommorow I am going to view and testdrive a 2001 TJ with manual transmission and 234k on the ondometer. The seller is asking 7.300. I hope I can talk him down obviously if I like the Jeep.

From what I can tell from the Craigslist post, the body outside is in good shape, inside even better. A few little things here and there but nothing major.

What are TJ-typical things I have to focus on when I inspect and drive it?
Does 7.300 bucks to start with sound reasonable?
How can I tell if the 4x4 works fine? It would be the first time I own a 4x4.

I borrowed an OBD 2 diagnostic tool from a colleague. Do they actually only diagnose an issue when the engine control light is on or does it diagnose like "hidden" issues as well.

I hope someone can explain things for dummies, since I don´t have much experience yet.

Thank you very much guys. I hope I can post a pic of my new TJ here soon. I totally fell in love with those Jeeps but I dont want to be ripped off.

Thanks in advance

Re: About to buy a 2001 TJ
 

I can't comment on the price as they vary considerably depending on location, it does sound high to me though. The favorite places for these to rust is the bottom of the windshield frame, the top of the fenders and the tub just forward of the front lower corners of the doors, take a magnet with you to make sure these places are metal. check the universal joints on the driveshafts especially the ones inside the front knuckles. The 4 x 4 system on these trucks is pretty reliable, the only problems I've seen has been with the linkage so pull the lever to see if it goes into the various positions and if it does you should be good. The obd2 system will certainly save codes even if the cel is not on, whether the scanner will read them or not depends on the scanner. Crawl under and check for oil near the joint where the motor joins the gearbox (bellhousing) as it could indicate a leaking rear seal. If you have more questions I will be in the chat room on Sunday night begining at eight Montreal time.

Re: About to buy a 2001 TJ
 

Thank you very much you helped a lot. I saw a pretty nasty oil leak around the rear main just where you mentioned. Did not buy it.

Now I am going to see a 1998 TJ with only 178k and a 3´´ lift which is exciting. It has an intresting paint though lol.
It´s the 4 cyl one which will be slow, but hey I am driving a Chevy Van now haha. I don´t plan to drive any races anyways. Off-road it should be just as capable right?

Greetings from the greater Vancouver area where everything costs you an arm and a leg or two...:)

Re: About to buy a 2001 TJ
 

I never had any complaints driving the 4 cylinder but a lot of guys would disagree, but I drive like a grandpa cause I'm an oldfart. capability off road has as much if not more to do with the driver than the actual machinery. If it has a lift look carefully around to see what else has been done and if it has been done properly, pay particular attention to brake hoses.

Re: About to buy a 2001 TJ
 

If there is a lift and larger tires on it, one thing you should be sure to check out is the steering box. It's located on the frame between the front bumper and the grill and thus easy to check on.
The extra weight of bigger tires is notorious for wearing them out and even worse cracking the mounting point on the frame. High wear is usually exhibited by leaking seals as things get sloppy
and outta round, especially check the top seal. Used boxes are hard to come by and usually will let go soon after installation. Rebuilds are expensive and heavy duty replacement units even more so!
Ask me how I know all this.
topbanana
2004 TJ Rubicon

Re: About to buy a 2001 TJ
 

Thanks guys for your help. I ended up buying the 98 TJ. So far I love it. I will properly introduce myself to the community now.