Help deciding between these two Jeeps

Hey guys! I’m brand new I’m looking at buying a tj but I’m stuck between a 2005 rubicon hardtop with 114.7k miles with a 6-speed selling at $14.7k and a 2004 sport soft top with 60.3k miles on a i6 engine with a 5-speed selling at $14k. I know the rubicon is the best tj you can get but the sport has such low miles and is cheaper. Any help would be amazing

—Archie

 

Hey Archie. @Archimedes. If possible. Post a few pics of both. Might help us to help you. Rust, upgrades, possible future issues.
But bottom line is....what do you like? Which one draws you in ya know. Personally. If both are in great shape. I'd go with the Jeep with less miles on her. But again....how well was it maintained? What repairs have been made to both? Any records available from carfax or the owner? Sorry dude. Based on what your asking. I would never give you an "buy that one" answer. And guessin. No other member will either. Post up as much info you can. And try to include pics of body, frame rust if any. What upgrades have been made?
Less mileage doesn't always mean it's the best buy. For us, this forum, to give you our best thoughts and experience. We need to know as much as possible. Especially in a post like this.

Welcome to the forum dude. We are Jeeps Dot Net.

 

Welcome! Between these two similarly priced jeeps it may come down to overall condition. Your planned usage of the Jeep has a role as the Rubicon will have extra off-road features which some DD jeepers may never use. The Sport can be a very capable Jeep with the right parts for trails and fire roads. Jeeps have a well deserved reputation for emptying your pockets as one makes upgrade after upgrade thus some Sport models can become an ultimate rock crawler. Post some pics of these Jeeps with any upgrades for the forum to give you better guidance. Just remember these Jeeps are 13+ years old, may need some TLC and don't forget to check out the frames for rust.

 

The red one is the sport, it looks to be in pretty good shape. I don’t know if any mods have been made. They both look stock. Im looking for a tj to turn into a overlander over a period of time. I’m also going to be using it for as my daily. I haven’t seen either of them in person yet so I don’t know about any rust on the frame or struts.

 

Based off the pics both are clean examples of stock TJs that I would check out. The Sport looks temptingly clean and the Rubicon looks good for its age and mileage despite some flare fade in the pic. The Rubicon has more off-roading gear which is why it retains its value but a clean Sport can be fun too. Good luck!

 

Thanks guys! The sport is very tempting. Which has the better transmission? The rubicon has a 6-speed and the sport has a 5 speed.

 

What is your goal for the jeeps. Are they going to be your daily driver? If so get the low mileage jeep. If your plan is to have it as a weekend warrior and you plan on lifting and getting 36s or bigger tires I would get the Rubicon because mileage will matter less. if your going to keep it relatively mild and drive it some and wheel it some either jeep would work. The rubicon has a better tranny, transfer case and axles if you are going to wheel it off-road often. I often hear that people say these 4.0s are bullet proof and they will go 400,000 miles before needing a rebuild. They are great motors when maintained and not dogged on. I myself have never seen this. I believe that around 250,000 is the point at which you should start looking to rebuild. Consider this when buying any jeep.

 

Personally. Looking at the pics. The Sport seems to be much cleaner. As aggrex mentioned. All the plastic seems to be very faded which there are after market fender flares and bumper replacements out there. Also,as mentioned. The Rubi is much more trail capable. But if your ride is goin to be your primary DD. Then the Sport is probably your best choice. Why's the mileage on both? My choice based on the pics. The Sport.

 

The fading on the Rubicon bothers me only from a maintenance standpoint. If they neglected the plastic, what else was neglected?

Spend some time underneath looking for rust and leaks. Perhaps a third party mechanic inspection would be possible, or a good look under the valve cover with a scope for sludge.

 

I think you meant what's the mileage on both Bob, but correct me if I'm wrong. In her 1st post she stated that the 2004 TJ has 61000 miles and the 2005 Rubi has 115000.

 

Yeah...meant what. Fat fingers on a small keyboard. Lol. Thanks forgot her first post mentioned mileage. Thanks for pointing that out.
Still like the Sport.

 

Welcome to the site. Either choice you cant go wrong. As stated above, great info and IMO it would depend on what you are going to use it for. Also how much you want to spend and how good are your wrenching skills. The Rubi has the best from the factory for off roading, ( axles, t-case etc). Less to do with the Rubi barring any unseen stuff. I started with my 15 Rubi and as the warranty starting running out started replacing stuff. I still have the factory axles and t-case. But have upgraded most everything else as the money becomes available. Either way they both sound like a good deal.

 

Thank you guys so much for the info! I bought the ‘04 sport. We had a great day(80degrees) yesterday and I dropped the top— best decision of my life. My dog loves it too!
—Archie
Photos are to come

 

Ps I’m a guy @OFFGRID

—Archie

 

Great choice @Archimedes. I was pullin for the Sport the entire time. Best of luck to you, your co-pilot and your new Jeep. Your gonna have a blast with it..yeah.....being a member here. Ya gotta post up pics. We love Jeep porn.loll.

 

Here are some photos of us out and about! Does anyone know of any good threads concerning safari tops? I would love to get one with soft sides

—Archie