Used 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - 112k Miles for sale in Rexford, MT

2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
112k Miles, 4.0 I6 and 5 Speed

Are you looking for a used Jeep to use for "Jeep Stuff" but don't want to tear up a pristine old TJ? Here's ones you can enjoy without feeling guilty. Don't let the pictures fool you, this is NOT a pristine Jeep and your eyes WILL see more scuffs/scratches/dings than pictures show. The previous owner (and myself) used it like a Jeep should be used. Tons of light scratches everywhere, a few larger scratches, a couple of small dents in the hood. Previous owner had a dog that scratched up the paint from it's feet hanging out. It's not perfect, but is still a great Jeep that's not totally beat to snot.

The interior is in good shape overall and is quite clean, just the usual tons of dust in the nooks and crannies expected from topless/doorless driving on gravel/dirt roads. No mud/nastiness/funk or anything like that, just fine dust. Not considering dust, the seats are in great shape with no tears or filth, dashboard and door panels are all very nice with no damage or fading.

Factory stereo w/ console subwoofer and it all works and sounds great.
Heat and Air Conditioning works properly.
All lighting works. Cruise Control works.
Everything works as it should, even the fog lights.
It drives straight and smooth, steers easily, even at highway speeds.
Starts quickly, runs smoothly, runs at proper temperature.
I had 4 new Les Schwab Back Country AT tires installed last year when I bought it, Less than 3000 miles on them. Factory size. 5 nice Moab style factory rims.
Front and rear tube bumpers (thin walled tubing but they look nice)
Aluminum step boards

The previous owner did a variety of maintenance items around 100k miles. Newer front brakes, new clutch, rear main seal, oil pan, new complete exhaust including catalytic converters, brake lines all new, fuel lines, ball joints, shocks, added some Rubicon Express front end parts, various other maintenance stuff.

Now, the million dollar issue when it comes to old Jeeps: Rust. Experienced Jeep TJ owners know what to expect when it comes to frames and rust. This Jeep does NOT have frame rot, but it does have rust underneath, some small bubbles starting on the front fenders, certain parts in the undercarriage are starting to get rusty. But as best I can tell, there is no frame rot. All the holes inside the frame feel pretty good when you poke around with your fingers. The spring and shock mounts are good (not perfect, but still good), control arm anchors are good, steering box, knuckles, all that looks good. But it's definitely seen road salt and winters. Rear body mounts are newer, side mounts are sort of iffy/questionable looking, but intact. I've driven it for a year and about 2800 miles and it's still doing well. I don't believe it's anywhere near "death due to rust" and will still provide many years of fun for someone, but it's definitely got rust and old age sneaking up on it and it's at the point it needs someone to start dealing with it. A little Fluid Film type product would go a long way.

I've tested the locker axles and they seem to work and actually lock. The compressors kick on, dash lights show locked, they feel locked, but I'm sure the air bladders and compressors are getting old. One of the compressors will cycle on and off every few seconds.

Being a Rubicon, it's got the NV3550 transmission. Every forward gear stays locked in and is easy enough to shift up and down. But every now and then you'll stick it in reverse and it pops out once you start to let off the clutch. Stick it right back in and it stays and reverses just fine. Can't predict when or why it does it, but it always stays in after that first pop out. I've lived with it for 2800 miles and it's not gotten any worse. Clutch feels good and grabs smoothly, holds as it should. Transfer case works in all ranges and shifts in and out easily. There is oily mess underneath on the skid plate and underside of the body, but at last check everything was still filled with gear oil. Doesn't burn engine oil, doesn't smoke, engine oil has stayed clean. No sludge when looking in the oil fill cap. Radiator looks to have been replaced back in 2013 and the coolant is clean.

It's got a decent/okay soft top with tinted windows. Back plastic window is missing. It cracked last winter in the bitter cold from my own stupidity so I tossed it, but I still have the tailgate bar. Front header bar is cracked on passenger side.

I've got a wall mount door hanger and a box of various other parts to include with the sale. Mirrors for when the doors are off, foot pegs, new door hinges, brand new coil pack, plugs, and even 4 hole injectors to give it a tune up but it's been running well and starts and drive reliably so all I did was change the oil 2800 miles ago. Battery is several years old, but still cranking. I've owned it about a year now. It's been fun, but I never should have bought a Rubicon. I would rather have a little ole YJ with half doors just for running around in. I've lost enthusiasm for it and want to get out of it before it sits and rots.

Overall, it's an 18 year old Jeep and needs TLC but is still a great runabout with lots of life left. Probably best for a Jeep enthusiast since it's a Rubicon and it's getting into the old age Jeep issues point in life, but anyone can drive it home today as long as they understand what they're getting into with an older TJ.

Price is $8000 cash FIRM. I don't like to play pricing games or waste time so I've priced it extremely fair, taking into consideration it's issues. And I've described it accurately and plainly so you're going to know up front what to expect. You can come look it over and under all you want and we can go for a good long test drive, but don't waste my time if you want to dick around on price or are going to freak out over the rust. Again, no frame rot, and perfectly drivable as it sits.

Located up in The Yaak, Montana. Come see some beautiful scenery and take a Jeep for a fun test drive out here. Email me and show some serious interest and then we can set up time to come see it.