Purchasing a TJ, Opinions Wanted
 

Hi all, my wife and I are looking to purchase a TJ as a 3rd vehicle for those snowy New England days and some Summer fun, and wanted to grab your opinions.

Seems that for around $5,000 - $7,000 here in NH I can get a 2000 - 2005 TJ with around 150K miles.

For around $9,000 - $11,000 I can get the same TJ with 70K miles or so on it.

Assuming both are optioned similarly, and have solid frames / minimal rust, would you pay an extra $4K for the lower mileage?

Looking at an automatic 4.0L and we'll probably put 8K miles or so on it per year.

We also plan to put a small lift in it, so we'd be replacing the suspension.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Make sure you go with the 4.0....don't even consider a 4 cylinder.
I personally would prefer the 70 k on the clock because I tend to
keep vehicles a long time........but the 4.0 is a strong motor and
taken care of should be fine.

Maybe you have reasons for wanting a TJ rather than an LJ, but I sure liked my 2006 LJ better than I would have liked a TJ.

I have you priced LJ's lately? Those things are getting crazy. There in high
demand down in the South because of the perfect starting wheel base for
rock crawling.

I'd agree with only looking at 4.0L's, but for something that is an extra vehicle/toy, I'd lean towards saving the money and sacrificing mileage. Those jeeps are easy to work on in regards to regular maintenance items, and that motor should last a long time if taken care of. If you were looking for a year-round DD, then I'd maybe say the premium for the lower miles is worthwhile.

There were changes made to the TJ in 2003, not big changes but I would look for a 2003-2006 if you can find one. If you plan to keep a long time I would invest in a lower mileage one.