advice on buying a CJ anyone?

jeepgrrl · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Hi, everybody. I just found this site and I am hooked. I have a 98 Cherokee Sport... bought it new, love it, love it, love it. But it is not the CJ I've always wanted. Any advice on how to pick a CJ that will be my second toy, something to work on and learn on, but won't be a money pit just to keep running? What should I look for and avoid? Help! Thanks in advance!

willys · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

hey girl, you say you want somthing to work on and learn as you go, without spending tons of money, the first lesson, or rule, is you cant...... it will cost you to work on jeeps, [how do you like it so far?]

jeepgrrl · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Yeah, I know... just empty every pocket. It was probably a stupid question. I have found CJ's that run good but are rust buckets and ones that all restored, but have some mechanical problems. (I can't really justify buying a completely restored one... major bucks!) I'm thinking if I find one like the former, it leaves money to improve looks over time. But I'm not sure how to know if it is mechanically sound... ugh.

David · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

I posted a long response to the "I want a jeep" message under general chat. You might check that out for some specifics. In general, you'll save yourself a lot of grief by thoroughly checking out whichever vehicle you want to buy. All models had their pluses and minuses. My overall advice is to take someone with you who really knows jeeps, or take the jeep to a good 4wd shop before purchase. They know all sorts of things to look for that you'd probably not think of. That way, you at least know you're not buying someone else's problem. Good luck.

------------------
1974 CJ-5
Chevy 350, T-18
Locked F & R

#5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Thank you so much, David! That was the advice I was looking for! I'll be more careful to read through things before I post another question!

Guest · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

have you thought about a yj if you havent got a jeep yet and the only reason i suggest that is a lot less rust and the cj you do find thats been restored could still have a lot of bondo in it

O IIIIII O · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

As I have said in past post, I always suggest the YJ for first timers. If you like the looks of the CJ you can change out the front clip. The YJ tub is galvinized(no rust) and if you get one that is '91 or newer you'll have fule injection. For some reason they seem to be cheaper than the CJ's, or at least the same price. The inline 6 will run forever. Taking it to a good machanic or off road shop is the best advise someone can give you though. Good luck.

#8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Thanks, guys! I am still looking, and I have pretty much followed all of your advice and narrowed down the search to a YJ with an I-6 and newer than '91. The CJs I've found are either rust-buckets that have grass growing all over them (which I'd love to give some TLC but are more than I can handle) or already fixed up and going for a lot of money. I'd also like to know what you all think of a used TJ. They are certainly more expensive, but I've heard good things about the improvements they made, especially the suspension. Is it worth waiting a little and saving up some money to try a TJ?

O IIIIII O · #9 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

I would love to get a TJ. You can get one w/ a Dana44 rear stock! The suspension is great! It has some great flex!. The list kits are a little on the high side,... but worth it. If you get a kit w/ extended control arms you'll have every one checking your flex out. Our poor leaf sprung Rigs will never measure up! This is by far the best thing Jeep has done. To bad they went to lunch when they made the Liberty! [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

[ August 22, 2001: Message edited by: O IIIIII O ]

Guest · #10 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Great news! I was thinking a TJ might be the best thing for me just because they are newer, and hopefully inherently more reliable in the short run. Agreed on the Liberty. I'm so glad I got my cherokee before they came out with this thing. At the cherokee round-table discussions at Camp Jeep the last two years, this was what the soccer moms wanted... map holders, radio controls in the steering wheel... please [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

jehartma · #11 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Hey grrl! I'm a little late jumping in with this one, but...if this is going to be your "toy", why not stick with the CJ you have always wanted? They are less expensive and easier to work on (in my opinion) than YJs. I have heard a lot of comments on rust, but there is a solution...buy an arizona jeep. May sound crazy, but you could probably spend a long weekend out here and look at 15 CJs. I just bought a stock 83 CJ5 with no rust for $5500. Even with airfare, hotel, etc., you will save over a newer YJ, and you get to see the beautiful sonoran desert to boot. Anyhow, good luck!

#12 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

WOW! What a great idea!!! My friend just moved to Phoenix and has been asking me to visit! I hadn't even thought about that! I like your attitude too... get what you wanted in the first place. Thanks! [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

jehartma · #13 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Glad to help out. Before you make the trip, have your friend send you a few Truck Trader magazines from Phoenix so you have an idea what's avaiable. Also, check out www.cars.com, which lists all the vehicles for sale in the Arizona Republic (our big newspaper in Phx). Finally, you can go to www.autotrader.com. If you need a zip code for the web sites, you can use mine...85029. I have a good mechanic that will check the jeep out for you when you make the decision. Email me at josh_hartmann@hotmail.com and I'll get you his info. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]