I was wondering if a 2002 Jeep Wrangler sport with a 7' Boss HTX plow is a good deal. 117k miles and has the 4.0 straight 6 motor. Asking price is $11,500 but the prices of Jeeps are crazy and I 've been told that the 4.0 is the way to go. It won't be a daily driver if I buy it but a toy to plow and hang around in the summertime. I don't like the idea of buying something with so many miles either but the new ones are like $40k.
Price sounds high but like you said the price of old Jeeps has gotten a bit nuts. That year 4.0 is in the age range that has the weak cylinder head prone to cracking. Especially for that kind of price make sure you or a mechanic checks that out as well as overall vehicle condition. If the head cracks, coolant gets into the oil and wipes out the cam bearings, lowering oil pressure, and ultimately destroying the engine. The 4.0 is a very robust engine but the years 2000-2002 have the bad head castings. If the seller claims the head has been replaced with a good one be sure to verify that.
Another thing to check is any sign of coolant drips between engine and transmission. There are core plugs in the back of the head and the block that on an 18-year-old Jeep may need attention. To get to them you have to take the engine out, drop the transmission down, or cut a hole in the firewall.
