Question for you motor heads

[3Roosters]

Hey there,
I am looking to gain some insight on a used 2005 Jeep Wrangler I am looking to purchase. It would be mostly as ice fishing rig and cruising around town with the top down waving at people during the summer. I don't anticipate putting more than 5,000 miles on it a year. It will not be the primary vehicle for us.
The one I am looking at has a 4.0L with an inline 6. 117,000 miles. I have read where if good maintenance has been done that this engine COULD get 300,000 miles. Any truth to that?
What things should I be looking at or inquiring about before I open my checkbook?
Good things about this motor?
Bad?
Thanks!

 

[Allen]

Pretty much any modern engine from the big manufacturers should easily go to 200,000 with proper maintenance. What kind of shape is the rest of the vehicle in?

Let's see, 83,000/5,000 = 16.6 yrs of engine life by your driving estimate. In short, engine should not be your concern as I think the rest of the vehicle will nickel and dime you to tears ahead of that.

 

[SDMF]

The 4.0 is unlikely to be the source of difficulties.

 

[3Roosters]

Stabilizer rod has been replaced recently I have been told. Dealer said something about coolant leak that they will look into, correct fix or repair before any $ changes hands from me. I know there will be nickels and dimes spent on it..just was looking for info on this engine from any of you who have owned one so I don't break the piggy bank on engine related items in addition to what else it may need thru the years.
I am attempting to locate previous owner(s) so I can get what items were done thru the years so I know if I should keep my $ in my pocket on this one.

 

[fullrut]

I've owned two Grand Cherokees(99 & 03)with 4.0's. One the head cracked at around 150K. Found out afterwards it's not uncommon. Not a real expensive fix. They were able to "pin" the old head. 99 is still going. Good on gas, still easy to work on and parts are easily available. Not your grandpa's slant six anymore. Those were about as close as indestructible as could be.

- - - Updated - - -

Stabilizer rod has been replaced recently I have been told. Dealer said something about coolant leak that they will look into, correct fix or repair before any $ changes hands from me. I know there will be nickels and dimes spent on it..just was looking for info on this engine from any of you who have owned one so I don't break the piggy bank on engine related items in addition to what else it may need thru the years.
I am attempting to locate previous owner(s) so I can get what items were done thru the years so I know if I should keep my $ in my pocket on this one.

Make sure the pressure test the cooling system.

 

[westwolfone]

One good way to judge the Longevity of a vehicle is to look at craigslist and see how many miles are on the ones being sold on there.

 

[scrotcaster]

I got a 98 Cherokee with 160xxx miles on that has been to hell and still on its way back, been virtually maintence free for what i need it for..

 

[Taylorman55]

JEEP = JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET lol

 

[2400]

Hey there,
I am looking to gain some insight on a used 2005 Jeep Wrangler

The one I am looking at has a 4.0L with an inline 6. 117,000 miles. I have read where if good maintenance has been done that this engine COULD get 300,000 miles.

Thanks!

Which transmission and axles does it have in it? Does it have big tires, a lift or anything else like that?

That 4.0 is a pretty bullet proof engine it might well out last you.

 

[deleted___account]

I'd honestly steer away from purchasing that vehicle from a steelership and find a private seller. For that year and those miles that dealership stole that puppy on trade for dirt cheap. If you're ok with them making $3k off you then so be it but take a look around at prices elsewhere first.

 

[3Roosters]

Which transmission and axles does it have in it? Does it have big tires, a lift or anything else like that?

That 4.0 is a pretty bullet proof engine it might well out last you.

I have just seen it online, plan to visit in person Saturday.
It has a HD 6 speed manual transmission
3.73 axle ratio
Dana 30/186mmfront axle
HD Dana 44/226mm rear axle
Tires look fairly good as far as wear from the pics anyway...30. 9.5 R15 AT Wrangler.
It doesn't look like it has been lifted.
Hearing that, any red flags or things I should ask or inspect ? They still haven't gotten back to me about previous owner so I may walk.

- - - Updated - - -

I'd honestly steer away from purchasing that vehicle from a steelership and find a private seller. For that year and those miles that dealership stole that puppy on trade for dirt cheap. If you're ok with them making $3k off you then so be it but take a look around at prices elsewhere first.

My thoughts exactly as far as the dealer possibly stealing it...although if they took on trade not really knowing exactly what might have been wrong with it...they may be trying to sell to get off their hands versus fixing..
Just an fyi though..they wouldn't make 3k off me on it. or anyone..not on the sale of this. But yeah..maybe a good bet the dealer made a killing on the trade in to a different vehicle.