Jeep Values?

Topic: Jeep Values? (Read 956 times) previous topic - next topic

Jeep Values?

October 01, 2012, 06:32:45 PM

I've never been a Jeep guy, but my wife has always wanted a cheap old Jeep to cruise around in. I had been keeping my eye out for a CJ7, but a guy I know just priced his '87 Jeep YJ to me. It's a soft top, 4cyl, 5 speed. Has 1/2 doors and aftermarket aluminum wheels and some off brand tires with good tread.

I believe he said it had 130,000 miles but I have seen it and its a good looking Jeep. No rust and good paint.

I'm gonna go look at it tomorrow, what do these things normally bring? What issues should I look for? Any Jeep guys around?

Jeep Values?

Reply #1 – October 01, 2012, 08:05:39 PM

I don't know jack about Wranglers, but as far as a CJ7....if it's cheap, it's probably rusty as hell, or needs a lot of work.

In fact, most of the ones in that shape are at least 5 k around here.

1981 was the last year for the AMC V8 (304 ci) and 1986 was the last year for the CJ altogether. The last few years had a rear called the Dana 20 (perfectly round diff) that has 2 piece splined axles....very weak. More power and bigger tires will exaggerate the problem...got 3X experience on that lol.

With that said, I learned how to drive in my dad's 81 CJ, and came close to being maimed for life when I flipped it in 1995.
He won't sell it for any price......someday soon we are going to restomod it a little...I hope to be able to convert the the 304 incher to efi..

Anyway, if you go the CJ route, there's plenty of aftermarket for it, everything from seat covers to steel body tubs and more.

Jeep Values?

Reply #2 – October 01, 2012, 08:06:54 PM

Cant help on the YJ but I just traded my TJ when I bought my new truck. It was an 04 with auto,6 cyl, a/c full doors, and 150k on it. I was wanting to get about 7500 trade in and ended up at 8400. Those things hold there value pretty well. I bought it new and got just under 1/2 of what I paid for it. I drove the 4 cyl before I bought that one and didnt like it. With the soft top there is alot of wind noise and people always asked me if it was cold in winter, actually quite the opposite, best heater in a vehicle I have ever had. My wife always wanted one as well and I was working for MB when they still owned Chrysler so got a killer deal on it, I can tell you this they are very easy to work on and an absolute blast

Jeep Values?

Reply #3 – October 01, 2012, 08:10:05 PM

The frames rot like CRAZY. Make sure you check by the skid plate under the TRANNYand T CASE. Normally they are all rotted to HELL. I fix at least a half dozen a month for sereyous rot.

Jeep Values?

Reply #4 – October 01, 2012, 08:12:33 PM

Yes, also the trans case skid plate tends to hold mud in next to the frame...will cause rusting too.

Gotta treat 'em like fine silverware...wash after every use, and occasionally, a little polish makes 'em shine lol

Jeep Values?

Reply #5 – October 01, 2012, 08:13:45 PM

Here is a nice one we raised and it has no rot. We rebuilt the frame rails and dog legs. And of course trimmed the quarters and fenders.

Jeep Values?

Reply #6 – October 01, 2012, 09:37:45 PM

Take a hammer with you. I've seen a jeep (here in Arizona) with a frame that they painted over the rust. My "62" Willy's looks like new compared to it and it was only maybe 10-12 years old. A SERIOUS death trap. The kid who owned it sold it as fast as he could and never said a word (what's that tell you?). I love my Jeep, like what's been said before, they are a blast! I've restored mine once but I've got a lot more plans for it (no emissions)!!!!

Jeep Values?

Reply #7 – October 01, 2012, 10:52:29 PM

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I need to check the frame. It's priced cheap and he says no rust so we shall see.

Jeep Values?

Reply #8 – October 02, 2012, 04:59:40 AM

tom
look at the jeep guys adding vents into the hood to let all that heat out.
Litterally the heat cooks wiring

Jeep Values?

Reply #9 – October 02, 2012, 09:14:23 AM

I talked to the Jeep owner this AM (we work together). He says the only issues he knows of are 1.) fuel gauge broken 2.) the drivers seat mount is broken and needs welded or replaced. He did say that with the bigger than stock tires and the 4cyl, it lacks a lot in the power department. I don't plan on doing much of anything but crusing the country roads so that's fine with me.

He's asking $3500 but told me he'd take $3000...and from what I've can gather that is cheap. I have seen him drive it to work before but never really looked it over closely. Like I said, its not rough at all. Actually it is pretty nice looking for a 25 year old Jeep.