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Newb here, couple questions!

1K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  terrible2 
#1 ·
Ok, first post. Been loitering around here for a while and finally decided to join.

First off, within the next two weeks (im hoping, gotta sell my car first) I'll be the proud owner for my first TJ. :cool:

Currently I'm looking at a 1998 Sport 5spd w/ hard doors/soft top. Its a good buddy of mine's, dad's Jeep. It's completely stock inside and out (MIGHT have 30s, but doubtful) but i want it that way (less chance of things being screwed up AND i want to mod it myself. ;)

He's always babied the thing, kept it in the garage, and only drove it too and from work (NEVER offroad). As of right now he's on a business trip so I havent gotten the exact miles yet but im goin to make a gracious estimate of around 160,000 miles. (He's also recently done a lot of work on it, still waiting back to hear of what exactly, but im guessing routine fixes given the miles). But either way I know the Jeep is in great condition.

He's told me he's willing let it go for $6k. Does this seem like a good deal?

I've been researching this for literally the past 3months, and here in Atlanta people are outrageous with their asking prices for Wranglers. So far the best IVE found is average of 5.5k for 4Bs, and i really want the 4.0 (ive driven a 4B for waaay too long :banghead: (Not to mention the fact that people jack up prices if they have full-doors :flipoff: --but i gotta have 'em) And I want the Jeep in good to great condition, (given the age of course) which is why im leaning toward this jeep.

Just thought I'd ask for some other opinions, good deal? or keep looking, pass up the deal and wait another possible 3months? I'm on edge...

(Sorry for the long post, my first one and ive had a LOT I wanted to get out) :)

Any help greatly appreciated... Thanks!

Edit: Just want to add that I've used and am very familiar with KBB/Edmunds/NADA, but given the high re-sale value of wranglers around here, these prices are no where near what i could find one for (unless i want a fair conditioner at excellent price). Thats why im asking... Thanks!
 
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#3 ·
6k with 160k miles? I dont know if you know its been babied and changed it might be worth 6k, but you can find cheaper wranglers for within 50-100 miles for 160k.

You live in the states you can drive to other states where its cheaper. But then you do have the security of knowing that its been babied. I personally think its a little high I would want more of 4-5.5k but I also always look for the best deals. You might be getting an ok deal with some security which is good.

I run my honda everyday hoping the engine wont bust.
 
#4 ·
Ha, I know how you feel, I'm selling my first car, a 1998 Mazda Protege 1.5L w/ almost 189,000. Timing belt NEVER changed--scares me every mile. But she's been a charm and lasted me 4years and still runs great.

But thats my main dilemma, spend a bit more for a vehicle i know is in good condition with a clean title that has the 4.0 i want? OR go elsewhere and spend less for a 4 banger that could possibly have underlying problems/previous damages or wrecks... (Cause around here if its a TJ with no body damage, a I6, ANY lift (even a BL or BB) and tires bigger than 30"... people want no less than 8-8500. ftw...
 
#7 ·
it sounds a little high to me but you do know that its been treated well. id keep that one in mind but keep shopping. i waited over a year before i found the right jeep, just take your time and don't rush it or most likely you'll regret what you rushed into.
 
#8 ·
Thanks... Im going to try and find something that gives me the liberty of offering him a little less. Maybe 5-5.5k... But i guess we'll see

As well as find out ASAP what the actually miles are on it, cause if its a lot less than my estimate, I think itll persuade me a little more...
 
#9 ·
Knowing the full history on a near stock TJ is worth a LOT! The price may be a touch high but I would do the deal in a minute versus saving $500 to a grand on something you know nothing about. Must Wranglers of that age have generally been more than 'silightly used' somewhere during those years.
Check it out closely...if it is all it sounds like, make him an offer that makes you feel good ....BUT I would not let it get a way. Good Luck!
 
#11 ·
check each possible jeep on carfax. i think it was 30 for one use and 40 for 10. the way i understood carfax to work was that carfax goes around and buys the records from body shops, dealerships, etc. and lets you access their records. so if your potential jeep has had work done on it, more then likely it will show up in the carfax. its def. worth knowing the vehicle history, you'll sleep better at night.

if im wrong somebody please correct me.
 
#13 ·
Thanks guys, I'm gunna wait and find out the actual miles and go from there, and after doing a little more research, I think i might actually be going with it. Cause specbill was right, its true that knowing the history on a vehicle is worth a lot. My last car i bought for 2500, and within a week i had over 1k on a new trans, clutch, and a bunch of other BS, so knowing that I know where the Jeep has come from kind of comforts me... Cause after 6k cash im not goin to have the money to fix every little thing that may be wrong with a Jeep i know nothin of...

and terrible2, it might not hurt to change it, but its really a toss up with foreign models. Some timing belt will give out around 80-100k, and some (like mine) will last toward 200k. and theres no real way to tell if its going bad other than to open it up (and at that point you might as well change it!) But if its goes, you got a BIG problem, ha. But just dont take any long trips, so help wont be far. :D
 
#14 ·
I'm from Missouri but when I was looking for mine Atlanta seemed to have much better deals then I was finding in the St. Louis area. I saw a couple where they were asking around $7K for 2000 or later TJs with around 100K miles on them.

That said I don't think $6K for one with 160K is a horrible deal. Depends on the condition. Also, I know a lot of people on here would say they would want to see it between $4500 - $5000. I don't know about you but I don't remember seeing ANY 4.0 sports with hard doors for that price when I was looking.
 
#15 ·
No sir, they are few and far between... even at stealerships I havent found any 4.0s (in good condition) listed less for than 9k and they'll still have 120-150k+ on them... less than 100k you're talking 11k+ at stealerships

Now a private owner...If a 4.0s got less than 100k on it 'round here, then you're talking around the 10k range for a 97/98...

Doesnt make sense to me...
1997 Sport w/41k for $10588
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport **41K 1-Owner**

2002 X 4.0 w/93k for $10950...
2002 Jeep Wrangler X ~2-Owner! RIMS! WHEELS, X 4.0L Manual!

Sadly I've had to set my limit for 6k... wish i could spend more but im also trying to find a new apartment.

But i think after these responses I'm gunna probably go with this deal, maybe talk 5.5, but definitely not let it go. Cause i dont think saving a grand is worth not knowing its history.

Thanks everyone!
 
#17 ·
90k at stealerships at 11k are a ripoff, theres jeeps with 60k some rubicon selling for 13k with alot of mods on it. so just keep that in mind. Paying a little more for piece of mind is something i would risk. Though if it somehow ends up crapping out on you im sure youll be pissed = )
 
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