hi everyone. I have a chance to purchase a 1997 TJ Sport (5spd) with 132,000 miles. what is the estimate life span of an engine? How soon would I need an overhaul? Would it be worth wile to spend $1000-1500 more to get one with less than 100,000 miles?
thanks

I think I would be looking for a 98 or newer that had less than 100K on it... Also the 98 and newer would fall inside the 10 year federal truth in milage guidlines for sure.
What are you trying to spend? Around here 10K will buy a real nice Wrangler..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

yeah, it really depends on what kinda deal you're getting. And how well maintained it's 100+k have been. I would expect to get at the very least another 150k out of it.

Hi musclecarboy,

It realy depends on the previous steward of the vehicle. imho

I've seen people with 10k miles on a new $30k+ suv or truck and they have beat the snot out of it. Then there is the guy who takes realy good care of his ride and the thing looks damn near new. Give it test ride and invest in having the engine / drive train ispected at service garage.

C. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

132K isn't much for the inline six, 4cyl might be due for an overhaul.

Of course things like towing and larger tires put more than normal stress on a drivetrain. If regular maintenance was performed any Jeep with 132K should be running just fine.

I have to agree with cjensen, milage means nothing compared to history.
I rented a Rubicon in Hawaii with under 50K on it that was already burning oil, steering was loose ,shocks were leaking and generally showing signs of heavy abuse on the entire drivetrain.

Howdy Seatleguy Guys hardly ever think about where the strain is when running much taller tires.
The beating is taken by rod bearings, pinion bearings, motor/tranny mounts in particular.
The strain of having WOT at all times does indeed wear parts that normally would last many times longer.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I worked a summer job for a Mitsubishi dealership that had a shady practice of adding what detailers call motor honey to trade ins with high miles.This stuff is truely nasty. Thicker than honey from what I remember, quieted clacking valves instantly.

Basically it's a 100+ weight oil that sticks to EVERYTHING inside the motor and makes it run quiet for a few hundred miles. This of course is a bandaid for a worn out motor and the oil pump and filter will quickly clog causing the motor to overheat and die.

The cover up was a "complimentary" oil change with regular 10w40 and yes carwash before the unsuspecting prey would drive their newly purchaed bomb off the lot.

Salesmen called this "the reach around".
Long story short, if the oil on the dipstick feels sticky or stretches between your fingers RUN AWAY!!!

I haven't gotten my Jeeps up too high yet but I sold my '90 Montero last year with 170,000 miles and it was running fantastic. Took no oil between oil changes and had no leaks.

I'd heartly agree it depends on the life it's had thus far.