So I want to buy a jeep...

"pfftballer" (pfftballer) 01/28/2014 at 10:00 • Filed to: None

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I know next to nothing about Jeeps, but I think I want to buy this one. I love everything about it except maybe the color. 2000 model with 70K and the seller is asking $9k. It seems to check all the boxes for me.

4.0 6 cyl engine. Manual tranny, LSD. Hitch so I can tow my boat etc.

So Jeep people, tell me is this a decent choice for a new Jeeper? I'm not going to dd this thing so I'm not concerned much about fuel economy.

red014 > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:06

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It's about as reliable an engine as you're going to find. With Jeeps that have several years under their belt, it's suspension and body rust (at least up in New England it is). Aside from a standard mechanic inspection, the suspension is stiff, so shocks wear fairly quickly and check the corners of all the body panels as well as on and under the carpeting for rust or water stains. That's a sign that the top leaks—standard fare for all convertibles. If it all checks out, that's a good price compared to what I saw when looking this summer.

Sethersm > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:09

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Check the tow rating on a Wrangler. It is surprisingly low for a body on frame vehicle with a reasonably powerful engine. The reason is the really, really short wheelbase.

THOMAS5 > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:09

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My uncle has a CJ7 for sale for less than 1000 bucks that runs and drives great. I think it has about 120,000 miles on it. Its dark blue with a manual tranny and a LSD (I think). If you are interested I could post some photos.

His is probably too old for what you are looking for but what the hell

deekster_caddy > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:10

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It all depends how well it has been maintained. If the p.o. really did the maintenance right, it should be fine. If he is like my neighbor and uses recycled oil and the shittiest antifreeze you can find, stay away. Stay really far away. But the engines are durable.

Basically, look at the fluids and under the hood. If the antifreeze is clean, it's been maintained well enough (or did they use the orange stuff)? If the oil looks good, chances are it's at least had a recent oil change.

Drive it. Do the brakes feel right? Etc.

pfftballer > deekster_caddy 01/28/2014 at 10:13

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Thanks man. He said it just had a new clutch put in, he said it has a professionally installed lift and LSD. He has a K&N intake on it too. But yeah, I'll ask about maintenance records.

pfftballer > Sethersm 01/28/2014 at 10:14

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Good point. Thanks man.

Bad Kev > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:14

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I would be interested. Where are you located?

pfftballer > red014 01/28/2014 at 10:15

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Thanks man.

pfftballer > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:15

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Where is it?

THOMAS5 > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:18

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It is in Tuscaloosa Alabama

KB Garage > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:18

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Add me to the list of interested parties.

THOMAS5 > Bad Kev 01/28/2014 at 10:18

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I'm in Atlanta and the Jeep is is Tuscaloosa Alabama

pfftballer > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:19

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He should have no trouble selling it. That's a great price, but several states away from me. Thanks though.

THOMAS5 > KB Garage 01/28/2014 at 10:20

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Since lots of people seem interested I'll talk to him and post it on oppo in a day or two

Bad Kev > Bad Kev 01/28/2014 at 10:21

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Edit.. Bleh.

deekster_caddy > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:22

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If that's the case he's probably been taking good care of it. Sounds like an enthusiast as opposed to a cheap bastard! ;)

Bad Kev > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:22

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Could you send some photos to kevin6432@gmail.com?

If it's in decent shape I may be interested in making a trip out there!

Sn210 > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:23

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I had a 93 and my sister had a 97. Just echoing everyone: the 4.0 is excellent and the Wrangler in general is easy to work on. Watch for rust on the frame and body. My sisters jeep started to bubble under the front fender and under the tailgate hinges. I think another common issue is cracks in the exhaust manifold/header where the tubes meet up. Good luck!

KB Garage > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:24

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Just echoing what others have said. The 4.0L is a great engine. Just make sure there's no excessive rust underneath. Also, since there appears to be a lift on that one, I would make sure there is no slack in either driveshaft due to sloppy U-joints. The only somewhat common problem (easily solved) that I've seen on the TJ is the plastic sides of the radiator can sometimes crack. Hope you get it. They're great vehicles.

KB Garage > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:25

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That would be great. I have nothing to do this weekend. Depending on its condition, sounds like I may be taking a trip to Alabama. Keep me posted please.

THOMAS5 > KB Garage 01/28/2014 at 10:28

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Alrighty, Ill definitely keep you posted

THOMAS5 > Bad Kev 01/28/2014 at 10:29

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I'll make an oppo post later and it will have pictures and information

Lazzris > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:30

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I had a 94 loved it but had to sell it cause I mucked up my shoulder and could drive a stick shift. Watch for rust and lifter tick on some 4.0L. Rust on the trans cross member plate. The bolt holes rusted on mine, and windshield. And if its a soft top the zippers tend to rip when they are not upkept.

Bad Kev > THOMAS5 01/28/2014 at 10:32

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Aww man.. That means someone else will probably buy it.

:(

Lazzris > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 10:33

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Great engine sold mine with 120k on it and 10 years later I still see it on the road.

pfftballer > Sn210 01/28/2014 at 10:45

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The owner told me it has some "superficial rust spots"

THOMAS5 > Bad Kev 01/28/2014 at 10:52

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I'll give you priority

Wacko > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 11:04

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Like Sn210 said check the frame for rust,

If the guy goes in the mud often, it gets in the holes in the frame, then the frame will rust. On my 97, I had to repair many sections of the frame, the worst parts are where the rear suspension arms attach to the frame, and around the rear wheels.

I use mine basically in the bush trails around my place.

Wacko > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 11:10

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and Hope you like working on cars/trucks, because owning a jeep does require work.

but are easy to work on.

pfftballer > Wacko 01/28/2014 at 13:16

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Sadly I've been wrenching on old redblock Volvos for most of the last decade. I guess what you're saying is to expect a similar experience. ;-)

classbutnostile > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 16:40

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Had three Wranglers. Watch for rust on frame and body. Look inside the door wells and where the fenders meet the body under the flare. Frame rust should be evident (if it exists) anywhere near the rear overhang (mine went there first).

If this thing had not been lifted properly (looks like a 1" spring spacer) and has lots of those miles driven on the lift you can have all sorts of issues including loose linkage which can bend from improper travel. Wranglers will float around, but one of mine would wander like a god damned Bayliner because of it's life on a shit lift.

classbutnostile > classbutnostile 01/28/2014 at 16:44

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'88 YJ, '97 TJ, and '12 JK in case you were wondering.

MarloRocci > pfftballer 01/28/2014 at 17:17

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The biggest advantage to Jeep is the huge engine bay. It allows you to fix virtually everything without having to yank the engine. You can even pull the entire front off if you want. DIY gold.