Jeep guys - should I buy this?

Flashpoint

Flashpoint

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A friend/acquaintance of mine has taken in a 2004 TJ, 5 speed manual, 4.0 straight 6 with only 70K miles. I can get it for $9K. Pics below. I would jump on it but I already have an 05 Kia Sorrento with 4x4, low range and even a rear LSD that will do anything I need around the farm.

I always have 2 cars because they are always old/high mileage, and it let's me scratch different itches. My current non-DD other car is a 04 Mustang GT with just over 200K miles and I would have to sell it, so no more zoom zoom and V8 music. My son has a new Bronco and his friends all have tricked out Jeeps, but the most they do off road is go to the beech, lol. So this is something I could conceive of doing more things with him with, so there is that.

I'm thinking this is may be just too good to pass up though, is it as good a deal as I'm thinking?

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Ben Jefferson said:
Make SURE all the smog stuff works and that it passed inspection!
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Super important
I had to replace the cat on mine (97, 5-speed, 4.0L, 85k miles then) and the O2 sensor quit shortly after. I put in about 6 of them. Everything from OEM, off an old one and brand new aftermarket. It still throws a code.
Same thing on the one my sister had (2000, 5-speed, 4.0L, 120k miles then).
They run and drive fine with the codes though.
You likely won't have as much fun in anything but a something sporty/muscle as you will in those old TJ's.
 
BlackGun said:
Sell your Mustang GT for a Jeep. Not me.
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Yeah, it's a delimma for sure, but if I sell the Kia then I won't have a car I could put the GF and dog in and go on a long trip. Mustang doesn't have the room and a Jeep like that kinda sucks on the highway.
 
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Me. said:
No, you should not.


What’s his number? I’ll call to let him know you are passing on this. :D
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I’ll do better than @Me. I’ll give you $50 for the guy’s phone number. 😉
 
If the drivetrain is still stock (big if on a TJ), you will have a NP231 transfer case and Dana 30 front axle. If it came with the “big tire package”, it will have a Dana 44 rear. If not, it will be a Dana 35. But you definitely need to ask about the drivetrain because the previous owners could have swapped a lot of stuff in there over the past 20+ years
 
Lager said:
So the Kia with all its off road capabilities cant be driven on the beach and you have to have a Jeep to do that? The Kia already has low range and a limited slip rear diff, what more do you need and might be able to save yourself $9k
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Quit talking sense, will ya?

No the Kia will do all those things, they just wouldn't want to be seen with it. 🤣 It is seriously lacking in ground clearance and articulation for any serious off roading though. The main draw is the low miles and related equity, at least I'd have a car that wouldn't need something every other time I drove it. Now I jinxed it haven't I!

I've always wanted to say this:
"It's a Jeep thing"
 
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Flashpoint said:
Quit talking sense, will ya?

No the Kia will do all those things, they just wouldn't want to be seen with it. 🤣 It is seriously lacking in ground clearance and articulation for any serious off roading though. The main draw is the low miles and related equity, at least I'd have a car that wouldn't need something every other time I drove it. Now I jinxed it haven't I!

I've always wanted to say this:
"It's a Jeep thing"
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Really want to thank you for this post. Am thinking about buying a beach capable vehicle and never considered the Kia with its low range and rear locking diff. Most Wranglers are only 2 wheel drive at best with its open rear diff unless you spring for the rear posi option, and its ride is horrible on the road as compared the Kia. The last Jeep I had was a CJ7 with the rear posi and manual locking hubs. I did a lot of 4 wheel riding in Florida in the swamps and on the beach in real deep sugar sand. Never needed to air down the tires and it performed well. At my age, I think the KIA would be a better choice for me. Thanks again.
 
Lager said:
So the Kia with all its off road capabilities cant be driven on the beach and you have to have a Jeep to do that? The Kia already has low range and a limited slip rear diff, what more do you need and might be able to save yourself $9k
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Would you shut up? We're trying to help him.




"Gee guys, I don't know if I should get this super awesome classic jeep that's better than anything stellantis sells now when I've already got a Kia."

That's you. See how that sounds?
 
GoWolfpack said:
Would you shut up? We're trying to help him.




"Gee guys, I don't know if I should get this super awesome classic jeep that's better than anything stellantis sells now when I've already got a Kia."

That's you. See how that sounds?
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STFU !! I'm learning something here, Good lord, If I didn't like you so much , I would,,,,,,,,,,,, hell I don't know.. 😁
 
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Lager said:
Really want to thank you for this post. Am thinking about buying a beach capable vehicle and never considered the Kia with its low range and rear locking diff. Most Wranglers are only 2 wheel drive at best with its open rear diff unless you spring for the rear posi option, and its ride is horrible on the road as compared the Kia. The last Jeep I had was a CJ7 with the rear posi and manual locking hubs. I did a lot of 4 wheel riding in Florida in the swamps and on the beach in real deep sugar sand. Never needed to air down the tires and it performed well. At my age, I think the KIA would be a better choice for me. Thanks again.
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It's not a locking diff though. It's a Limited Slip Differential, which I prefer for 99% of conditions because it is always active.
 
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Lager said:
STFU !! I'm learning something here, Good lord, If I didn't like you so much , I would,,,,,,,,,,,, hell I don't know.. 😁
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I follow a Facebook group called "Corolla Beach Idiots" where they mostly post pictures of people stuck in the ORV areas of the outer banks. If that's taught me anything, it's that the most important factor in making it on the beach is the nut that holds the steering wheel.
 
Drive it before you buy it. 2 dr Jeeps aren’t for everyone. Especially anything pre-jk. (Road manners/handling related….short wheelbase problems….not a fan myself)
 
My .02. Drive it for a while its an exp most people arent used top in those older jeeps like this one. I had one after high school and loved it. That was a 2002. Creature comforts arent really comfortable. However its a jeep......and with that power and drivetrain combo is very reliable if maintained property. Also thats a very good deal

Im sure that Kia is great on gas and comforts and cheap.
Only live once.
JEEP just empty every pocket
 
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The 4.0 and and a manual transmission should easily get past 250k without any major repairs, just so you maintain it and drive it responsibly. Fuel mileage will be terrible, about 15 mpg. Just my opinion, I would take a vehicle with only 70k off roading...... Save that for the high mileage club.
 
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