So, browsing Jeeps like I always do I came across this:


Jeep Wrangler Sahara
2 Dr, Hardtop
a/c, 4x4
6 spd Manual trans, new clutch
68500 kms
100,000 km drivetrain warranty
5- 20" custom rims and tires
also have the 5 factory rims
Great Fun!
$17000 or best offer

She has offered it to me for 15, but as the title would suggest, there is a catch. This vehicle is a theft recovery. Due to this, the warranty claimed in the ad will be useless. The title will also not be clean.

Seller claims to have purchased the vehicle in may of last year from a dealer, post theft-recovery fiasco. She claims the vehicle has never been in an accident, and that aside from the 20"s (lol) this was the exact condition they bought it in.

Now CLEARLY there was damage during the theft, as at least the front right quarter panel has been replaced.

My question is, what do you guys think? Should I consider this, or stay far away? I would obviously go through the steps of getting a car proof, and paying to have it checked out by a mechanic. I know this would hurt the resale, but I don't plan on selling it for a long time, if I do at all. I would probably also push for 12-13 instead of 15, and maybe let her keep those 20s...

Ok fire away.

 

Yeah if it passes the mechanics test and has no other obvious damage the 13-14k range would work for me. There is some truth to the saying "drive it like you stole it". I'd be careful especially since she is willing to drop the price 2k already.

Really it's up to you. If you are going to mod the heck out of it and just need a frame and body then it could work. If your looking for a DD and solid engine, I'd try to find a jeep with a more solid past. Love my manual 2010 Sahara tho!

Good luck

 

If you are not paying cash beware that some banks will not loan on a vehicle with a tagged title.

 

what year is it?
new clutch at 68k kms, that's early. It's reflective of bad driving or mechanical problems. Usually it's bad driving and since you don't know the original driver it's anyone's guess. New pedals?

 

I'd want my Mechanic to use a fine tooth comb on that one.

 

The term Drive it like you STOLE it comes to mind.... Be cautious.

 

13-14k doesn't sound bad. But! Only if u plan on keeping it. If all mechanical components work fine and the body and interior is clean... I'd get it. Just know that the title is going to be ur weak point in a resale

 

There is no reason the warranty would be invalid, if it was only a theft recovery. Warranty blocks are normally only placed on salvage vehicles.
Any local dealer should be able to tell you if there is a warranty block on the Jeep and what warranty still applies.

Might be worth checking out after a detailed inspection by someone you trust.

 

Unless you plan on turning it into a dedicated trail rig, I would keep looking. Who knows what headaches are hidden in that thing.

 

I've decided to move on. I need my rig to be a reliable daily driver as well as a weekend warrior, so the security in having a valid warranty and no previous issues is important to me.

I called Chrysler HO for info on the warranty, and they told me that as soon as there's a change to the title there is no longer a valid factory warranty.

I definitely appreciate the input from everyone. If it was going to be a dedicated trail rig toy, I'd take a closer look.