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buying first jeep

2K views 41 replies 12 participants last post by  IRQ 
#1 ·
I am shopping for my first Jeep. With what I can spend i will be looking at something in the 80's or very early 90's and high mileage. I have found a 1990 sahara, 200k miles for about $4000. All I have seen are pictures on craigslist but it appears to be in pretty good shape, in and out. If it runs good what do you guys think about the price? Also, is the sahara just a YJ with a different trim package?
 
#6 ·
Just to give you an idea, I bought a 1995 Sahara in Nov. 130k only real mod was a lift. Only three small frame rust spots. Mechanics all sound

I'm trying to get it back to close to showroom. I paid $5700. I've already put about $4000 or $5000 into it. Probably have 2 or 3k more to put in.

You're probably not trying to do what I am, but as mentioned, ya gotta budget repairs in. Even those rigs that have been stored in barns and have 30k miles on them usually need at least some work.

And trust me, craigslist pics can be VERY deceiving.

Saharas tend to run more. Next in line are renegades/bases/SEs, depending on year, since they are rarer and usually have 6s under the hood. If you're planning on a lot of highway driving, consider it.

Most ppl on here rec staying away from 87's.
 
#7 ·
Thank you all for your advice. I will definitely take it all into consideration. In regards to expecting and preparing for money to be spent soon after buying an older jeep, I am now concerned about the mileage (200k). it is an automatic so I hope that would have extended the life of the motor, but I have to assume it will need a new one very soon. Also maybe even transmission. I am really starting to think I need to pass on this and look for something cheaper so I have money to put into when needed.
Thanks again for all your help.
 
#8 ·
When you do find another one, get underneath and look at the frame rails, pull up the carpet under on the drivers side and see how bad it is.
personally I would rather find one with mechanical issues I can fix with a good body and frame then the opposite

I paid $8,500 for my 95 Yj but with 30,000 miles, but I think I have at least 1 k so far into it with tools and quality fluids.

Bottom line no matter what you get these older jeeps are expensive
 
#9 ·
I guess I was subconsciously referring to you jeep in my post, IRQ. Haha.

To the OP, as you can see, mostly all of who buy old jeeps don't do it because we want a jeep and because it's more economical. We do it because we want an old jeep and a project/challenge (despite the amount of bitching we do about our repairs/fixes).

If you don't want a project, I'd maybe look into an older TJ instead (98, 99, or 2000) that is in good shape.


Like this:
Used 1998 Jeep Wrangler in Culver IN for Sale By Owner - Carsforsale.com

Although that one seems too good to be true somehow. :confused:
 
#10 ·
I guess I was subconsciously referring to you jeep in my post, IRQ. Haha. To the OP, as you can see, mostly all of who buy old jeeps don't do it because we want a jeep and because it's more economical. We do it because we want an old jeep and a project/challenge (despite the amount of bitching we do about our repairs/fixes). If you don't want a project, I'd maybe look into an older TJ instead (98, 99, or 2000) that is in good shape. Like this: Used 1998 Jeep Wrangler in Culver IN for Sale By Owner - Carsforsale.com Although that one seems too good to be true somehow. :confused:
Oh ya!! That seems way too good to be true!! That jeep here would be like 10 grand!
 
#16 ·
Good advice in this thread. I bought an 88 about a year and a half ago for $2500 and have put more than that into it... fuel pump, carburetor, distro, battery, u-joints, tires, radiator hoses, posi-lok, thermostat, labor... Just empty every pocket... Great fun to drive though!
 
#22 ·
I think that $4K for a 90 with 200K and an automatic is an outrage. For starters most Jeep owners prefer a stick shift. To me an automatic in a Jeep says I bought this for my wife. I think an automatic hurts the value. Secondly 200K is a lot of miles. Sure I know that the straight 6 motors run for a long time but what about everything else? How about the other mechanicals like trans, and rear?

Take your time and don't rush into anything. I spent the past 6 months looking for a Jeep and finally this Saturday I brought home my 95 Wrangler. It has a 4cyl, 5 speed, with 130K miles. It needs 2 front floor pans but the mechanicals, and frame are good to go. It's an original paint job with a few scratches and dings here and there but I could care less. It's a solid Jeep that I scored for $1000.00.

Don't rush into anything and take your time looking. Good deals on solid rides are out there.
 
#24 ·
I think that $4K for a 90 with 200K and an automatic is an outrage. For starters most Jeep owners prefer a stick shift. To me an automatic in a Jeep says I bought this for my wife. I think an automatic hurts the value. Secondly 200K is a lot of miles. Sure I know that the straight 6 motors run for a long time but what about everything else? How about the other mechanicals like trans, and rear? Take your time and don't rush into anything. I spent the past 6 months looking for a Jeep and finally this Saturday I brought home my 95 Wrangler. It has a 4cyl, 5 speed, with 130K miles. It needs 2 front floor pans but the mechanicals, and frame are good to go. It's an original paint job with a few scratches and dings here and there but I could care less. It's a solid Jeep that I scored for $1000.00. Don't rush into anything and take your time looking. Good deals on solid rides are out there.
Hahahahahhahahahhah "to me automatic in a jeep says I bought this for my wife" hahahahaaha that so funny and so true!!
 
#23 ·
As noted 200k is a lot of miles.. at that point either a 5spd or auto is about at the end of its life if even if taken care of. Also look outside your area.. nothing wrong with driving a couple hours for the right jeep. Last one i got was 5 hours away.
 
#30 ·
Well finally Received a response on the 98... Notice it's not actually in Culver IN as listed, but WA state. Love the part about third party protection. Scam for sure. Writing a response just for fun:

Here is the email:

"I've just seen your email. I'm emailing you about my 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, that is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained, hasn't been involved in any accident, runs and drives excellent and has a clear title. Everything works: lights, gauges, radio, seats, windows, locks, etc. Has no electrical or mechanical problems, damages, dings, scratches or hidden defects.

I bought it when I was serving in Fort Lewis, WA US Army base and now I am deployed in Poland. It will be delivered from Washington state. I have dropped the price to $2,455 that includes delivery and handling to your address because I'm in a hurry to find a buyer. I need to sell it before February 27th when I will be leaving on military duty with my medical team, back to Afghanistan for a year.

I have setup this sale with Amazon Payments so this deal must go through them. The transaction will be managed by Amazon Payments for our own protection as they act as a neutral third part, which means that you will have a 5 days inspection period (starting from the moment when you get it) before committing to buy it. If is not in same condition as I said, you will ship it back on my expense and Amazon Payments will send you a full refund. But I assure you won't be the case.

If you're interested to conclude this purchase in a timely manner email me your Full Name and Shipping Address to open a case with Amazon Payments. They will contact you to explain the entire procedure without any obligation to buy it or fees.

I don't want to offend you, but it is priced for a fast sale so if you intend to apply for a loan or financing please do not reply to this message.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Alison Rosen"
 
#33 ·
Well finally Received a response on the 98... Notice it's not actually in Culver IN as listed, but WA state. Love the part about third party protection. Scam for sure. Writing a response just for fun: Here is the email: "I've just seen your email. I'm emailing you about my 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, that is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained, hasn't been involved in any accident, runs and drives excellent and has a clear title. Everything works: lights, gauges, radio, seats, windows, locks, etc. Has no electrical or mechanical problems, damages, dings, scratches or hidden defects. I bought it when I was serving in Fort Lewis, WA US Army base and now I am deployed in Poland. It will be delivered from Washington state. I have dropped the price to $2,455 that includes delivery and handling to your address because I'm in a hurry to find a buyer. I need to sell it before February 27th when I will be leaving on military duty with my medical team, back to Afghanistan for a year. I have setup this sale with Amazon Payments so this deal must go through them. The transaction will be managed by Amazon Payments for our own protection as they act as a neutral third part, which means that you will have a 5 days inspection period (starting from the moment when you get it) before committing to buy it. If is not in same condition as I said, you will ship it back on my expense and Amazon Payments will send you a full refund. But I assure you won't be the case. If you're interested to conclude this purchase in a timely manner email me your Full Name and Shipping Address to open a case with Amazon Payments. They will contact you to explain the entire procedure without any obligation to buy it or fees. I don't want to offend you, but it is priced for a fast sale so if you intend to apply for a loan or financing please do not reply to this message. Hope to hear from you soon! Alison Rosen"
Hahah brutal!!!
 
#36 ·
Here is my response... Already know this is going nowhere, but good for entertainment value :)

"Thanks for the response and best wishes with your next deployment.

It's too bad the vehicle is in WA State as we were planning to see in in person as it is listed as residing in Culver Indiana and we could be there in a flash.

Without an in person inspection, I'm afraid we are not interested.

One thing I can not figure out, though, Why are the front bumper tow bars installed backwards? Looks like a rebuild. Not that it really matters... if it were in our area we would definitely pay a visit to look at it with cash in hand

All the Best,
Dan"
 
#39 ·
Here is my response... Already know this is going nowhere, but good for entertainment value :) "Thanks for the response and best wishes with your next deployment. It's too bad the vehicle is in WA State as we were planning to see in in person as it is listed as residing in Culver Indiana and we could be there in a flash. Without an in person inspection, I'm afraid we are not interested. One thing I can not figure out, though, Why are the front bumper tow bars installed backwards? Looks like a rebuild. Not that it really matters... if it were in our area we would definitely pay a visit to look at it with cash in hand All the Best, Dan"
Show us what he said back!
 
#41 ·
Okay, this is as far as it will go for me, but definitely a scam... points for creativity though.

"The car is at our Military Logistic Department in Fort Lewis, WA Army base. Since the car is in a military base with no access you can’t go there and take it only the Logistic Department can deliver it because the car is in their custody. They will deliver it to your home .... Amazon secure pmt, etc. etc."
 
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