Interested in buying an 84 cj but need some advise

jaketime81 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 03:39 PM

ok, I sold my 97 tj last year for financial reasons and im kicking my self in the head for it. I miss my jeep. But check this out, Im interested in getting a cj and found this one on ebay, It is only about 10 min away from me and im going to go check it out. But my question is regarding the salvaged title, what does it do to the value, any other suggestions or comments is appritiated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

-Jake

redrooster · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 05:13 PM

It looks to be in reasonable condition. I am suspect of the salveage title deal though. Nobody runs a salvage title on a vehicle for only a small dent. Usually it must be beyond reasonable repair or beyond economical value to repair. The insurance company "totals" it out and sends it to the bone yard. If a body shop decides they can buy it from there they file for a salvage title when they rebuild it. Those are the only instances I know of that get a salvage title, but it may vary for your state. If you are serious about it then run a Carfax report to see the real reason.
Other than using that knowledge in your "bargaining tool belt," screw it! It's an old fun CJ that will be your best friend. If it drives well and you like it, buy it. I wouldn't give more than $3K for it personally and would aim a lot lower at first.
Good Luck

redrooster · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 05:18 PM

One more thing...I don't think that is the original motor either. To my knowledge, CJ's never came with serpentine belts. That is more than likely a 258 out of an early Wrangler before they went with the 4.0.
It doesn't really matter though as long as it runs good.

wm69 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 10:22 PM

Go drive it and see how it does. I think the Kalifornia jeeps had serpentine on them to run the smog pump and all that other commie crap that state makes you have. If it drives good and you like it, buy it. I'd get under it and look around good for any frame damage and you may even ride behind it while someone else is driving it to see if you can tell if the frame is tweaked (that and check for uneven tire wear that would also indicate a tweaked frame. If it's not rusty and you can't see any major repairs I'd go for it. It's a 20 year old jeep you can beat around in. If it's a little messed up it will be that much easier on you the first time you run into something....

TwistedCopper · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 10:40 PM

It looks decent, but judging a vehicle from an eBay auction is impossible. I agree with the fact that there is more to the salvage title than a dent on the rear. Vehicles are not totalled for small dents like those, although it may have been a lot worse it appears there would be more to that story. Check the frame for welds or signs of straightening.

I would definately want to drive it before I gave any $$$ over.

tomve · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2005, 01:13 AM

Confirming '84 - '86 CJ7's produced for sale in California, have a serpentine belt. I'm not sure about years prior to '84.

GaryMB · #7 (**permalink**) 07-17-2005, 07:41 PM

My 1984 California CJ7 has a serpentine belt on the 258. Not everyone knows this, though. When buying stuff like pulleys and belts I have to buy them for the early Wranglers as most auto parts retailers' computers say all the CJ's came with v-belts.

dju91001 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 01:01 PM

My 84 cj has a 258, and the drive belts are v-belt .....?