That would fetch $4k here with no problem. But I agree about the head.

 

Like my old one?

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/ho...-hitch-234017/

 

It's weird, yours has rotted out spots, but then parts of it look like good metal - mine is rusted top to bottom and it looks like layers of metal all rusting separately but at the same rate. I'll take a pic when I'm home from work.

 

The '01 sold before I could get out of work.

Anyone have any knowledge on areas to look for low-rust vehicles in the northeast while searching? VT seems to always be rusted through and through, NY is a mix, as is PA and CT.

 

Yeah, I'm not certain I could buy with confidence from anyone who made that big of a mistake.
He very well could be using canola oil instead of motor oil as far as We Know!

 

The best thing would be to try to get one that's from AZ or Southern CA (though they have the extra emission b.s.) where it's dry and they don't salt the roads. The further south you go the odds of low rust increase. However a lot of how rusty a vehicle is in this part of the country is how well it was cared for.

Unfortunately unless you're planning a trip, know somebody or are willing to buy "sight unseen" - you may just have to be patient and keep looking. Do consider what several members have expressed and maybe widen your mileage limitation. Even swapping an engine or transmission can be more cost effective than repairing rust.
Over the course of my 00 TJ's life as a daily driver (00-14) I think I spent close to 3k on various frame repairs due to rust. I could have avoided most of that if I had taken steps to protect it from that horrid road salt from day 1 (damn youthful ignorance!).