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Buying an 87 wrangler, how do i start and carfax?

2K views 25 replies 11 participants last post by  former USMC 
#1 ·
Im thinking of buying an 87 wrangler, it hasn't ran in 10 years but was kept indoors. Couple questions;
1. What should I look for in determining whether to purchase?
2. How should I try starting it if I do buy it?
3. If anyone could run a carfax for me could you send me a pm?
 
#3 ·
I can't run one for you, but keep in mind that Carfax is not very reliable at all. In my own experiances it has added things that weren't there, flagged things that never happened, and ommitted things that should have been. Spend the cash on a good pre-buyers inspection from someone you trust who can actually run their hands over the vehicle.
 
#4 ·
is this gonna be a project car?
Yes and no. It was running when put into the garage, but nothing was done to store it. It will need tires for sure, otherwise exterior and interior is in great condition, not sure how mechanical has held up.



Spend the cash on a good pre-buyers inspection from someone you trust who can actually run their hands over the vehicle
Im gonna bring a friend who is a mechanic with me, but I was looking for advice from people who have owned and dealt with the specific type of car, like what usually goes, or things to check that are expensive to replace...
 
#6 ·
Good price for 87 that hasn't run in 10 years

It's an 87 with minor cosmetic problems. It ran before it was stored but the tires are shot, a few exterior problems, mostly clean though with the mechanical part unknown. I'd like to make an offer, what would be a good price?
 
#7 ·
ohio,huh. check for rust rust and more rust. under the jeep. frame and all. shackle area,power steering,rust under carpet,rocker panels,fuel tank mounting.
 
#8 ·
Hasn't run for 10 years? Assume that all gaskets and rubber parts have to be changed due to deteriation. Probably the fuel tank needs a major cleaning/overhaul. All filters will need to be swapped and budget a bit extra to get rid of the various varmits that may have called it a condo...

'Barn finds' usually end up costing a lot more than buying one that's in decent shape unless you have a ready access to tools, supply, and knowledge.
 
#9 ·
I would offer to take it out of the barn that's about what its worth. 87 is the dark horse of the YJ. BA-10 tranny, odd ball t-case, etc etc.. Look for a 91 or newer if you can with the 4.0L fuel injection, AX-15 or auto and NP 231.. far better plat form to start with.
 
#11 ·
The Ba-10 is a weak tranny, lots of issue, the t-case Np207(?) was used for a very short time, then switched to NP 231 for years,lots of aftermarket parts. The 87 was the 1st year for the YJ and just had lots of issues. The engine is good, but the miles vacuum lines are by now dry rotted, I think the soft top on that year used snaps as well. In all if you wanted a good frame and body okay but there are better years to look for.
 
#12 ·
Is it auto or manual? My 87 dosen't use snaps on the soft top. Nothing wrong with an 87. They use just as much vacuum line as any 4.2. The 207 transfer case is fine , it uses a wider chain than the 231. Just make sure there is no rot. Check the rear and front frame and the shackle mounts. The carb will need rebuilding or replacment. Good luck.
 
#13 ·
I love my 87 and yes the trans will be a issue if you plan on doing hard fourwheeling but if your just going to have a street jeep then it will be fine. you will want to do what is called a nutter bypass to make the 4.2 run a lot better and that cost nothing to do. the carb. was a pain on them and you can do the mc2100 upgrade for about 150-200 .

Just have your friend check for rust at the places mentioned above and you will need to clean out the tank( if it was stored with fuel ) or buying a new one ( plastic if you do ).

Jeeps do require attention so if you get one you will become a jeep mechanic in no time.

But if you do get it make sure you post some pics and let us welcome you to the forum.

It's a Jeep Thing and others just don't understand.

Give me a call if you have any questions while your looking at it.

scott howard
940-923-8118
 
#17 ·
Manual

Run as fast as you can from it! It may be a great deal on paper but the many unseen things you will have to fix down the road will nickel & dime you to death. Unless this guy is going to give it to you, I wouldn't waste the time. Why has it been sitting for so long? I'd just look for something a little newer & running. The deals are out there, you just have to be patient. I wasn't & have spent a boat load of cash to get my 90 the way I wanted it. I've since seen several that were in better shape & built already.
Odds are I can get it for under $200
 
#16 ·
Run as fast as you can from it! It may be a great deal on paper but the many unseen things you will have to fix down the road will nickel & dime you to death. Unless this guy is going to give it to you, I wouldn't waste the time. Why has it been sitting for so long? I'd just look for something a little newer & running. The deals are out there, you just have to be patient. I wasn't & have spent a boat load of cash to get my 90 the way I wanted it. I've since seen several that were in better shape & built already.
 
#19 ·
It all depends on condition. You could spend a small fortune just getting it in a running condition. The hardest thing on any vehicle is it just setting. It's amazing how things can go downhill in a hurry; let alone 10 years. And just why has it been sitting for 10 years? Did the previous owner start it on occasion? I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but sometimes the cheapest deal isn't always the best.
 
#20 ·
If you are able to fix it I would buy it. I paid $400 for my 87, it had been sitting for over 4 years. The head had to be rebuilt due to the valves sticking in the guides. Mine was sitting outside so it had some rot. I couldn't be happier with the jeep. I would run the trans till you have a problem. Just figure on replacing it if you are going to do serious offroading.
 
#24 ·
If there is no title activity why would there be any information on carfax ? Every motor vehicle just doesn't magically end up with a history reported to this firm.
What are you worried about with a two hundred dollar vehicle. One can't get a set of tires mounted for this price.
Buy it, drive it, enjoy it.
 
#26 ·
I meant if it hasn't been driven in the past ten years OR the title hasn't been changed to a new owner that would mean no reportable accidents could be recorded. Insurance claims and ownership are the only recorded values. Many old vehicles are operated without insurance and when they crash are fixed out of pocket. Therefore no record of any repair exists. Carfax is not as accurate as they would like you to believe.
They don't tell the extent of the damage either. A new cadillac headlamp capsule damaged in a parking lot would amount to be a reportable crash in my state. Would that be worth knowing ?
 
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