What would you do? looking for car advice

4 Comments

Good Day, all !!

I found myself in a predicament, and pondering on what to do. On Tuesday I was driving my 2000 TJ wrangler to work. As I pulled off the highway and onto a red light my brakes hit the floor. Naturally, I pulled off and had it towed to my regular garage figuring a leak in the brake line. After a couple of hours he called me back, and I was anticipating a $100-$200 bill, but NOPE... I was right about the brake line, but a big ass monster arrived. Turns out the frame is a few hairs from rusting a complete fracture... They told me they wouldn't even risk driving it the 2 miles to the welding shop.

Well, my question is, would you go through getting it Fixed? Some additional info: I have an excellent welder locally ( He welded the frame about 3 years ago, but he's not cheap) The damage on the frame now is right by the rear control arm ( I think that's what it is at least) Other than the rust damage, and a few dings here and there its in overall decent shape. 168,000 miles.

So would you put the ol' Jeep to rest? or to put another $1200.00 est. in it? The biggest key of info is, I really don't have the money currently; I just started a new job 2 weeks ago

Any and all advice and opinions will be greatly appreciated!!

2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ saraha

Hardtop, 168,00 mi

Pittsburgh PA

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Comments ( 4 )
  • Grunewald
    4 years ago

    Wow, you amazing car experts!!
    I'm super impressed.

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  • megadriver
    4 years ago

    If everything else on the Jeep is still good. Engine, transmission, suspension, interior, etc... go for the repair option. Sound like that car has more life in it. Also 1200 bucks don't sound too bad for rust repair, especially in the US. I thought it'd be much more... Cheaper than buying a new car, that's for sure.

    But it would be a good idea once fixed, to spend another couple of hundred bucks on good rust protection and redo the rust protection every 3 years, every 2 if it snows a lot where you live and save money in the long run.

    I used to do rust protection on my C-class every 3 years. Even tho mine is a 2005 one, where rust is no longer an issue, a bit more protection never hurts. Pre 2005 ones rusted a lot.
    Now I don't, cause I don't drive the car in winter.

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  • jethro
    4 years ago

    Well I used to live in Pittsburgh. And back then the cars weren't as rust protected as even a 2000 model. I cant believe that the frame is that bad and the body not being far worse.
    However, having said that, I would fix the frame, as the rest of the vehicle doesn't sound that bad. I have a 2014 Ford Fusion that has almost as many miles as your jeep so you don't drive it all that much. The cost to fix the frame is far less than what you will pay for a replacement vehicle. You will have to take out a loan to buy a replacement vehicle, so take out a loan to pay for the repairs. You will be further ahead by fixing and not replacing.

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    • CozmoWank
      4 years ago

      I believe it. My brother had a Jeep Liberty. No rust on the body but the rear axle came off while he was doing about 60mph on the highway. It was from rust. It wasn't that old of a vehicle.

      https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/chrysler-recalls-326000-older-jeep-liberty-suvs.shtml

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