OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
+1 on the '40 Andy.I've got a flathead 8 just waiting for a worthy home.
D.G.
D.G.
D.G.wife wants a jeep
- Thread starter DeathGrip
- Start date
Evil One
Member
I had an 87 "XJ" Cherokee Laredo.
Sold it with 314,000 miles on it.
4.0L 5 speed 4x4, and I got 24 mpg on the hiway.
Had goodyear wranglers on it 235-75-15s and it never got stuck.
One of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned... I REALLY miss it.
Jim
Sold it with 314,000 miles on it.
4.0L 5 speed 4x4, and I got 24 mpg on the hiway.
Had goodyear wranglers on it 235-75-15s and it never got stuck.
One of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned... I REALLY miss it.
Jim
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
We had a 87 cherokee and the electronics wrer impossable to diagnose.That thing had a mind of its own.I'm a OK mechanic and know some real good techs and they all were scratching their heads.Maybe we were unlucky but its left me very leary of AMC/Crysler jeeps.
I can't talk her out of it.She's always wanted one.
If I could only find her a pinto!
D.G.
I can't talk her out of it.She's always wanted one.
If I could only find her a pinto!
D.G.
HGWT
Member
My first jeep was a new 1975 cj5 and in the next 4 years I had bought 3 more cj and 2 jeep truck. I like the jeeps so well that I marry the dealers daughter. Wouldn't ever be without a jeep. I have a 1959 CJ3B down on the farm that I just love and wouldn't sell it for any amount of money.
Evil One
Member
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
How'd I know?
I guess I'm shameless and just wanted to see your pinto again.Ahh,the memories.....
D.G.
I guess I'm shameless and just wanted to see your pinto again.Ahh,the memories.....D.G.
The Last Standing Knight
Member
Memories and Nightmares
My dream vehicle was a Jeep, but not a CJ...it was a J-10. For those that don't know, Jeep made a full sized pickup for many years even though it wasn't commonly seen (it had its market, in its time)...it was on a par with the Ford F-100 in size, but had much more in common with an old International.
It was a tough old rig, but was VERY high maintenance (when it broke down...it BROKE down), got around 9 mpg with its 360 V-8, had a small fuel tank (16-18 gallons) which gave limited range between refuelings, it was slow and ugly but that thing would go where others couldn't under conditons others wouldn't.
They stopped making it circa 1987 and parts for it dried up REAL quick (this was before the internet) along with the larger Cherokee (the original large sized one) and the Waggoneer.
While this thread brings back fond memories, I am reminded of the fact it was hard to find parts for (even from the dealers) and despite being babied, started literally falling apart at around 95k miles. In the end, I would not drive it as I considered it too unreliable except for short jaunts to the store and I sold it just short of 100k.
With one exception, all of the vehicles I have had since that time have outlasted that J-10 both in mileage and quality
The Jeep we assocate with legend IMHO no longer exists except in name and design (somewhat) only. This is sad. I hope that the brand survives just long enough for some upstart to purchase it and restore it back to its well-deserved glory...only then would I ever buy another Jeep product.
My dream vehicle was a Jeep, but not a CJ...it was a J-10. For those that don't know, Jeep made a full sized pickup for many years even though it wasn't commonly seen (it had its market, in its time)...it was on a par with the Ford F-100 in size, but had much more in common with an old International.
It was a tough old rig, but was VERY high maintenance (when it broke down...it BROKE down), got around 9 mpg with its 360 V-8, had a small fuel tank (16-18 gallons) which gave limited range between refuelings, it was slow and ugly but that thing would go where others couldn't under conditons others wouldn't.
They stopped making it circa 1987 and parts for it dried up REAL quick (this was before the internet) along with the larger Cherokee (the original large sized one) and the Waggoneer.
While this thread brings back fond memories, I am reminded of the fact it was hard to find parts for (even from the dealers) and despite being babied, started literally falling apart at around 95k miles. In the end, I would not drive it as I considered it too unreliable except for short jaunts to the store and I sold it just short of 100k.
With one exception, all of the vehicles I have had since that time have outlasted that J-10 both in mileage and quality
The Jeep we assocate with legend IMHO no longer exists except in name and design (somewhat) only. This is sad. I hope that the brand survives just long enough for some upstart to purchase it and restore it back to its well-deserved glory...only then would I ever buy another Jeep product.
klondike
Member
"We had a 87 cherokee and the electronics wrer impossable to diagnose.That thing had a mind of its own.I'm a OK mechanic and know some real good techs and they all were scratching their heads.Maybe we were unlucky but its left me very leary of AMC/Crysler jeeps."
My son had an identical experience with his "87. We changed every sensor that we could find - save the one that the new owner found. He then bought
a 01 Cherokee and ot has been very good.
Like my grandchildren, when they are good, they are really wonderful, but when they are bad...
My son had an identical experience with his "87. We changed every sensor that we could find - save the one that the new owner found. He then bought
a 01 Cherokee and ot has been very good.
Like my grandchildren, when they are good, they are really wonderful, but when they are bad...
Wife has a 2007 Wrangler...neat buggy/hardtop/6speed.
Anyone remember the Jeep "Scramblers"?
Anyone remember the Jeep "Scramblers"?
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
Gonna go look at a '99 Wrangler Sport with 4.0 Auto and AC tomorrow.It's clean with 53,000mi on it.Bone stock and unmolested.
11,000 bucks asking price.We have a '97 Explorer that is shot-out for trade.
Any thing to look for?
D.G.
11,000 bucks asking price.We have a '97 Explorer that is shot-out for trade.
Any thing to look for?
D.G.
Evil One
Member
One thing to keep in mind about that 87 and older jeeps... they had the renix engine management system... totally different to that engine control systems on the newer ones.
Jim
Jim
revho
Member
one word: Scrambler
m657
Member
Speaking of J-10. I had a J-20...the 3/4 ton monster "Brutus" with solid everything considered suspension. It rode like the kidney transplant team was just waiting to hear you were in town... 401 high capacity V8---and I mean 12mpg IF I was lucky. Lotsa power, handled pretty good. Rode like a hay wagon on cobblestone.
I got it with 47k on it about 1982-nearly new.... planned on keeping it a long time as I liked a lot of its features.
It started having little snits where I could drive for a couple hours (or minutes) and it would just quit. Sit for 1/2 hour or so, it would fire up for maybe another 100 miles, 24 hours, or who knows.
Had all possible checks, tunes, trouble shooting, engine/brain box/etc closely scrutinized by specialists in 3 states. Went on a 2000 mile road trip that cost $800 in towing...and never left the pavement.
Had the ultimate hot rod shop check it out, AND the ultimate Jeep dealership in Portland, Boise, Pocatello, Missoula. Couldn't find the trouble. It got so it would just die for 2-3 days, then revive & go on.
I finally made it back home, it actually ran 400 miles without incident. I had spent $thousand$ trying to make it work.
The day after I got home, went out to drive down town.
It was dead again.
I had it towed away and bought a GMC 4x4.
Strange, that was about 23 years ago, and I've never had to use my towing insurance since.
I got it with 47k on it about 1982-nearly new.... planned on keeping it a long time as I liked a lot of its features.
It started having little snits where I could drive for a couple hours (or minutes) and it would just quit. Sit for 1/2 hour or so, it would fire up for maybe another 100 miles, 24 hours, or who knows.
Had all possible checks, tunes, trouble shooting, engine/brain box/etc closely scrutinized by specialists in 3 states. Went on a 2000 mile road trip that cost $800 in towing...and never left the pavement.
Had the ultimate hot rod shop check it out, AND the ultimate Jeep dealership in Portland, Boise, Pocatello, Missoula. Couldn't find the trouble. It got so it would just die for 2-3 days, then revive & go on.
I finally made it back home, it actually ran 400 miles without incident. I had spent $thousand$ trying to make it work.
The day after I got home, went out to drive down town.
It was dead again.
I had it towed away and bought a GMC 4x4.
Strange, that was about 23 years ago, and I've never had to use my towing insurance since.
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
revho
Member
Sorry about the off topic. Bone stock and unmolested it might be worth that to the right person, but you are looking at an 11 year old vehicle. I would bump up to a 2004-2006 unlimited (LJ) for a couple grand more(or less depending on the deal). This will get you some more room for cargo and gear. They only made them a couple years so you might need to look around. They also came in the rubicon package with dana 44 axles and electric lockers. This personally would be the only "newer" style Jeep I would be interested in.
I think for $11,000 you could get something comparable but a few years newer IMHO. If it has never been offroad and is in really good shape, then it depends on how much your wife likes it. Is it private party or at a dealer?
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/ctd/1685349292.html <----unlimited
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oldogy
US Veteran
Look any potential Jeep over closely for signs of being buried in mud and or water. I've off road ed with those FL boys many times and they do have a tendency to get them off and in the water. It would be best if you have someone who knows Jeeps look at anything you consider. Money well spent.
If it is to be a DD I would opt for at least a TJ or LJ.
Stay away from any of the 80s vintage with the Peugeot tyranny.
Water intrusion is near sudden death the the auto tranny. For that matter water remaining in any of the gear train, clutch or transfer case is death to the item.
The 4 Cly is not enough to move the Jeep safely at highway merging speeds.
Had a YJ, a TJ and now an LJ Rubicon Sahara edition. Great machine.
I have the hardtop on the LJ, much quieter, more car like but still goes anywhere but no cool factor.
Go to www.flajeepers.net , I believe it is. Real active group and they'll answer your questions.
good luck,
oldogy
If it is to be a DD I would opt for at least a TJ or LJ.
Stay away from any of the 80s vintage with the Peugeot tyranny.
Water intrusion is near sudden death the the auto tranny. For that matter water remaining in any of the gear train, clutch or transfer case is death to the item.
The 4 Cly is not enough to move the Jeep safely at highway merging speeds.
Had a YJ, a TJ and now an LJ Rubicon Sahara edition. Great machine.
I have the hardtop on the LJ, much quieter, more car like but still goes anywhere but no cool factor.
Go to www.flajeepers.net , I believe it is. Real active group and they'll answer your questions.
good luck,
oldogy
OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
Thanks revho,i'll also be looking at a '02 with a 6 and stick.83,000 on the odo.It's to be a city driver for the wife.
Oh yea,It's a dealer and I don't have much cash but really good credit.We shouuld be able to do the payments,but for a total collapse.
But then who cares at that point.I'll ride the dirt bike.
I like the the Topper on the Scrambler though.
D.G.
Oh yea,It's a dealer and I don't have much cash but really good credit.We shouuld be able to do the payments,but for a total collapse.
But then who cares at that point.I'll ride the dirt bike.
I like the the Topper on the Scrambler though.
D.G.
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OP
DeathGrip
US Veteran
oldogy,Both of the ones I'm looking at have never been off the road 'cept when some yuppy cut the curb short.Ha Ha
Call my wife a 'yup,It's OK I still love her.At least she's not a liberal.
D.G.
Call my wife a 'yup,It's OK I still love her.At least she's not a liberal.
D.G.
53k is low mileage but $11k is pricey for a '99, even by Maine standards. Like I posted, the '99 I bought with 98K miles was $6500 from the original owner and was in excellent shape. Knock a couple of grand off the price and you'd be getting into more realistic territory.
m1gunner
US Veteran
11K is way out of line unless there is a large bag of cash under the driver's seat.
Jump on the internet classified sites (mods don't like links, so I won't post any) and see what the asking price is on vehicles within a 2 hour's drive of you. Jeeps are bought as 2nd vehicles usually, and low miles is the norm. Also, jeep owners tend to sell them themselves rather than trade.
On the 11K jeep, offer the dealer your truck and $5300, and stay within a grand or so difference. Be prepared to walk.
There are a gang of jeeps for sale right now equipped the way you want, and money talks in buying at this time. In just 5 minutes of looking, I found 4 1999 and newer jeeps hardtop, air, auto, etc., close to me for well under $7,000 asking price.
If you aren't mechanically inclined, hire a mechanic to go with you and pay him a day's labor at the going shop rate for a thorough exam of any used jeep you intend to purchase.
Jump on the internet classified sites (mods don't like links, so I won't post any) and see what the asking price is on vehicles within a 2 hour's drive of you. Jeeps are bought as 2nd vehicles usually, and low miles is the norm. Also, jeep owners tend to sell them themselves rather than trade.
On the 11K jeep, offer the dealer your truck and $5300, and stay within a grand or so difference. Be prepared to walk.
There are a gang of jeeps for sale right now equipped the way you want, and money talks in buying at this time. In just 5 minutes of looking, I found 4 1999 and newer jeeps hardtop, air, auto, etc., close to me for well under $7,000 asking price.
If you aren't mechanically inclined, hire a mechanic to go with you and pay him a day's labor at the going shop rate for a thorough exam of any used jeep you intend to purchase.
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