Noticed lots of Jeep fans here. I've been looking for something
in 4wd for hunting, downsizing from a 96 Dodge Ram. I saw a 2006
Jeep Wrangler 4liter inline for sale 52,000 miles, for $14,500. Nearly new tires on it. What do you think?

depends on what package/options are included. Not a bad price if in nice shape.

Its just the base model hardtop, looks like 32in tires. excellent condition. Owned by an engineer, who married a gal with
2 kids. So the Jeep went. Thinking I may offer $14,000, and hope I don't insult anybody. I just haven't had a jeep since my 84
CJ-7. So I'm kinda clueless about jeeps. I tried to find a used
Ranger or a Tacoma, and nothing in a 150mile radius. Worse comes to worse, I could try to save up more money and wait.

Insult is less than that.

You could buy a really nice Grand Cherokee or Commander for signicantly less money and have some cash to do some serious mods. Wranglers are way cool and I have owned a couple. The ride for highway driving is not the greatest but do they ever hold their resale value. Many guys get frustrated with the lack of cabin space if they want to haul much gear. Fun factor on wrangler is way up there for sure. The 4.0 engine is crazy long lived but thirsty. It is also easy to work on. If the miles are really only 52k then you have a rare find in an 8 year old Jeep.Good luck with your Jeep search.

I'm on my 3rd. Wrangler. If it's big enough to carry what you need, they are a great choice for a hunter. Particularly good if you need to tow it behind some sort of RV.
It needs to have been properly maintained and not beat up. If it's been wrecked or rolled, pass on it.
Drive it and see if it works in 4WD, etc.
If you need to drive in ice and snow, or drive it long distances, you be better off with a full size truck. E

Like Jeeps, but the killer in old jeeps is RUST..make sure the frame , floor pans, brake lines are rust free. if it's stick , pay attention to the clutch for any noise when the clutch petal is in or any chatter at the point of let off. the 6 is a great engine , but in a jeep , it's everything else.

offer him 8...don't go over 9.5

IIRC & FWIW - '06 is the last year of the 4.0 and the TJ/LJ

It was a wash. No jeep for me.

Don't give up.Plenty of them out there. Shop around and you will find a better price. I picked mine up for $15,000 4 years ago. It is a 05 Rubicon LJ and had 40,000 miles

You want to be sure it has the Dana 44 in the rear. 4.10 gears and a stick make it better. If not keep looking. A Rubicon with lockers would be even better.