Advice buying used jeep

Howdy,
New to the forum. I've never owned a Jeep (Wrangler) but I am looking to join the family. I already have a few cars, so I am not looking to spend a ton; I am looking for a summer car that I Can ride onto the beach that will last a few years. I went to the dealership today to see a used one.
Images to follow. Hopefully the URL's work, will try to fix if not!

2002 Jeep Wrangler Sport
182,114 miles
Asking price: $5,900

Pros: Inside is tolerable and tires are from 2019; engine sounds and looks clean. "1 year warranty"
Cons: Check engine light on; some rust --> damage assessment is my inquiry.










How bad is this rust? Is it worth the price?

 

Welcome @callmeachilles ...based off the pics the rust looks a bit more than surface rust but could use some TLC. The price is a tad high for the mileage and condition but the CEL issue needs to be identified and repaired before moving forward. It’s an 18+ yr-old vehicle so there could be additional expenses to keep the Jeep running like exhaust, top, suspension, etc. Currently it won’t pass DMV inspection with the CEL

 

Yeah, CEL on and rust is a no sale for that kind of money.

 

Thanks much for the replies. Will continue to keep my eye out. Its a small town dealer, nothing huge or corporate. I assume the 1 year warranty is as useless as it seems. Will likely just save up a little cash and buy from private dealer

 

A bit unusual for the dealer to try to sell any vehicle with a CEL and based off that one rust pic the frame looks fairly solid and just needs some TLC to keep the inevitable rust in check. The 4.0L is a plus but watch for the other parts of the power train with that kind of mileage. Just be prepared for additional repairs to keep it on the road as it would for most vehicles.

 

Thanks!!! how long would you expect a jeep with 180K miles to last anyway?

 

The 4.0L is arguably one of the better engines with plenty of torque down low. Reportedly well maintained examples have gotten 300k or more.

 

I think the previous owner just drove it.

 

If it would be me, I wouldn't purchase it. It would take too much money for recover it. If you're looking for a well-known and truly great resource, maybe I can help you with an advice and tell about this exact website with plenty of used cars' options. Few months ago, when I was getting a used car in the good condition for my son, I was getting it via this resource.

 

I live in a rust belt in Canada, and I don’t see anything that would deter me from buying it except the price. But it will need work and rust repair, mostly descaling, rust converter and POR15. It’ll need a muffler, maybe a full exhaust system, and some skill removing rusty fasteners. All doable. The mileage is a bit high. When I buy old vehicles I try to find a private sale from someone who didn’t drive it much. The nice thing about Jeeps is that parts are cheap and plentiful used. I rebuilt my 2011 with mostly take off parts from late model rubicons.

 

[QUOTE="Justanotherjeeper, post: 41782, member:
The nice thing about Jeeps is that parts are cheap

I’ve never heard Jeep and cheap used in the same sentence. Lmao!!

 

Lol, yeah the vehicles are expensive, but the parts are cheap if you can find them and they work.