Looking at 2004 KJ Sport, 80k mi $2300

Hey all,

Recovering XJ owner here - sold my '99 I'd built out with an OME lift to my uncle a few years ago for our family's use in Colorado camping. Been Jeepless since...stuck in a Subaru Outback.

I'm checking out an 04 sport for $2300, only 80k miles, owner says it has a CEL on, doesn't know the code. I'll bring a reader and check it out.

Aside from that, are there any big red flag issues I should look for on the KJ? Not talking good oil and fluid checks, but KJ-specific quirks or big issues that I should be aware of (esp death codes a CEL may be...). I'm quite unfamiliar with the KJs and KKs - know a lot about XJs though

We are looking for something to tow a small travel trailer (a Casita), and I think this might do it. Do not yet know if it has a factory hitch. I'll google how to determine if there is a ****** cooler.

Regards,
Aaron

The rocker arms will fall off due to sludge, you can hear that and it will throw misfire codes. There is stuff all over youtube about it, fixes and symptoms. The valve covers can leak. The window regulator plastic internal pieces get brittle and fail causing the , usually rear, windows to drop down open. There are upgrade kits for that, not expensive and fairly easy to replace. I'm told water pump failure can be a common issue, but I replaced mine ( on my 2004) as insurance a few years ago while I was in there changing the belt, tensioner, idler, anyway. I'm sure the other people on here will chime in with stuff. There is a ton of stuff, how to's and symptoms and repairs all over the 'tube and here and online.

Not doing routine oil changes and overheating would be the big killers of the 3.7. Like Lardog said, if it has a misfire code I would be suspect of valvetrain issues. A misfire code doesnt automatically mean big issues though, could just be a coil....

Just to add to what has been said already. Expect the suspension to be sagged out unless it has been replaced. These things can be picky about what spark plugs and electronics (sensors) are used and are often the cause of CEL's. Depending on where it lived (salt on roads) rust can be an issue underneath as with any vehicle. Don't let any of what's been said, they're great little trucks especially if taken care of.

Overall maintenance is key. Any repair records would be nice to have.
Spark Plugs should be swapped out every 35k miles. These coils fire these plugs hot, and gaps get eaten away. Changing plugs is fairly easy.
Use NGK ZFR6F-11G gap at .040 as per the under hood sticker.
The 2004 model is probably the best year to have. None of this nanny electronics, tire pressure monitoring etc. Rare window regulator issues as well.
It's hard to find one with only 80k miles on it. As long as it's not rusted up (inspect it well) probably ok. Price sounds very good.
Let us know what the code or codes are.
Servicing the rear diff is recommended every 35 k (dino) only, know if it has a trac-lok limited slip diff.
From the vin# free online, you can see all the options, trac-lok does require a 4 oz bottle of limited slip additive.
https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/build-sheet.64657/

^Tire pressure monitoring was an option on the 04's, mine has it.

04's do seem like a good year, only had 1 regulator issue and it wasnt the typical issue you read about. The cable actually rusted in two. They all came with the bigger fan shroud so its easy to add HD cooling too.

Thank you all!

Hey all, so I have not actually going to see the vehicle. The owner was out of town, we kept missing connections, but she’s not reduce the price to $1000. Says the codes are “Code p700 p300”

so P 300, generic misfire code. I suppose the transmission code could be thrown by a poorly running engine, just don’t know. She was duped when she bought it, just wants to get out of the truck. But I don’t want to inherit a giant bucket. Looks to be in really fine shape though.

Worst case, have to replace the engine, about what does that run?

Ahh..Try & find a KJ that doesn't have the issues and codes...https://www.google.com/search?q=jee[kj.cpm+P0700&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1