tips for Buying Used Rubicon

1496 Views 17 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Steve578, Dec 24, 2010

pilotrt

Discussion Starter · Dec 23, 2010

Need some advice in regards to a used 2005 Rubicon. Here is the ad description.

"2005 JEEP TJ RUBICON: 2005 Rubicon
4litre with 6 speed trans.
Recently rebuilt front and rear diffs.
Newer clutch
Hard and Soft tops
Bobby Long front cv axles
Chromalloy rear shafts
3.5" RE superflex lift
1.25" Body lift
1" engine mount lift
Currie corectalink steering
Riddler diff covers front and back
RE front track bar, not installed yet

Has been off roaded".

The diffs, he says one had a broken axle and metal got in and wrecked the rear. The front, a leaking pinion seal let in water and wrecked it. The thing that really has me puzzled is that it has only 44,000 kms and he's already replaced the clutch, and he says the pilot bearing is making noise? Wadda you think?

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

Okies

· #2 · Dec 24, 2010

All depends on price and over condition.

Diffs gernading wouldn't bother me all that much, but the rebuild would. Is it done right? Did they go after market on the lockers or back to oem?

Been several threads on noisy clutches. I suppose this wouldn't be am issue if priced right and over condition was okay.

If it was abused I would walk. There are too many clean rubi's out there that are priced right. My problem is those deals are 3000 miles from me.

pilotrt

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 24, 2010

I don't want to slag the vehicle yet as I don't have all the full details, I'll know more tomorrow. I've never owned a jeep, but the clutch thing has me curious. He's asking 13,500.00. What about the pilot bearing noise? I talked to a friend of mine that owns a reputable transmission shop today regarding this issue. He said that as far as he's concerned, it's really hard to pinpoint the noise without a visual inspection. I have a feeling that this unit has been ridden hard, but at 44,000kms how beat up can t really be. Anyhow, the replies are appreciated.

gregert12

· #4 · Dec 24, 2010

Any pics?

:worthless:

wickedrubi

· #5 · Dec 24, 2010

have someone follow behind you to check for wheel wobble etc. someimes you cant feel a slightly bent axle shaft or tracking issues

wickedrubi

· #6 · Dec 24, 2010

also ive seen them beat to hell at under 30,000 miles . they looked good but rattled and everything was (sloppy) to say the least. hammered from day 1

pilotrt

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 24, 2010

I can't copy the pictures from the site. I'm new to the site and not sure if I can post the url? The truck looks good from the photos, but they are only from one side. Like I wrote, I'll see it tomorrow. I just want to draw on the knowledge base here to search for any potential problems.

RT

gregert12

· #8 · Dec 24, 2010

pilotrt said:
I can't copy the pictures from the site. I'm new to the site and not sure if I can post the url? The truck looks good from the photos, but they are only from one side. Like I wrote, I'll see it tomorrow. I just want to draw on the knowledge base here to search for any potential problems.

RT

yes, you can post the url on here.

here is a thread you may get some buying tip ideas.
http://www.rubiconownersforum.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=71806

By your description, when I was looking for my jeep, which is a daily driver, I would have walked away from a vehicle like that. Anything can be fixed, it just depends how mechanically inclined either you or your mechanics is.

pilotrt

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 24, 2010

here is the link.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/JEEP/TJ/GARS ... rucks_vans

Okies

· #10 · Dec 24, 2010

Is that price CDN? If so what would that be in USD?

If that price is USD then I'd say it's in the money. Here, bank will lend the low side of NADA, 13-15k.

Like I said, overall condition, how's it run and drive, shifting should be smooth, listen for odd noises. Look for a dirt road or parking lot and engage the lockers making sure they lock and unlock.

Since it's been wheeled don't freak when you see the underside all beat. These Jeeps are tough, well most of them are.

Steve578

· #11 · Dec 24, 2010

That bad boy has an ROF sticker on it. That should make it worth another $1,000.

Topless Rubi

· #12 · Dec 24, 2010

I think I saw pictures of that jeep around here, under green jeeps maybe.

john

kidmugg

· #13 · Dec 24, 2010

Steve578 said:
That bad boy has an ROF sticker on it. That should make it worth another $1,000.

Then hopefully he'll chime in...

gene p

· #14 · Dec 24, 2010

From cad 13,500.00 USA 13,379.00

gene p

· #15 · Dec 24, 2010

From cad 13,500.00 USA 13,379.00

Steve578

· #16 · Dec 24, 2010

Topless Rubi said:
I think I saw pictures of that jeep around here, under green jeeps maybe.

john

Found it. Belonged to funinmud.

http://www.rubiconownersforum.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=53286

Okies

· #17 · Dec 24, 2010

13,300 is in the money.

Dayum, Steve. You are on the ball my friend. Sticker and the owner, wow!

Steve578

· #18 · Dec 24, 2010

Okies said:
Dayum, Steve. You are on the ball my friend. Sticker and the owner, wow!

ROF internet detective at your service.

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

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