1997 makes it among the very first TJ’s, and only really only little changes were made right up to part way through 2006 when they ended production and JK was released. Very easy to modify and get parts for, especially aftermarket upgrades. Inspect all the usual culprits- oil leaks, milky oil, coolant leaks, put a cheap OBD11 on and check codes (port is under steering), ect... take for a drive and make sure no overheating issues, will drive like a little tractor but still track straight and all that so shouldn’t be any vibrations or major wobbles (they are known for the dreaded death wobble around 80kph so get to that speed, hold it and look for a small pothole to drive over and see if DW occurs. Be prepared to hang on). If there is a DW it can be fixed but will take time to work out just what is wrong - google it, there are many posts.
On Carsales two years ago there were upwards of 150 TJ Wranglers for sale across Australia on any given day. Now you’re lucky to see 10.
People are holding onto them. I purchased mine over 10 years ago and will hold onto it probably forever, and eventually get round to doing an EV conversion.
Fantastic cars, but very limited in storage space- not a family car, and can only tow up to 900kg’s.
There is a heap you need to know about them, and I suggest you spend a couple of hours searching the US forums of which there are many. Type into google : “buying a used TJ forum”
As to value, anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on condition and added extras like air lockers ect... Because no two TJ’s are the same, the value is subject to the particular vehicle at the time.
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Jeep TJ rebuilt 4.0L, Custom Steel Roof Racks, vintage ((Jeep specific)) 15” Centerline Hellcats,
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Wrangler Jane (97 TJ)
