Looking for any Jeep experts.....

[pro2am]

Originally Posted by Kent

That looks like a load of info. What I am looking for around this area is a 70's CJ5 in running or near running condition. Looking to spend $2000 or less.

Kent

If you're looking for a place to buy one. Try e-Bay, Craigslist, or local papers. Sometimes you'll find somebody selling one on one of the forums already listed, but getting a hit near your area is a long shot.

I think a 70's era CJ for $2K is reasonable, depending on where you are located, and how much work you want to do. Meaning...I don't think I would buy one from the rust-belt north of you. You might want to concentrate on South or West of where you are in Missouri.

[pro2am]

Originally Posted by dasanii19

Im looking for a jeep myself and found this. Is this a good model? and a good price?

1979 CJ7 Jeep Dual ARB's Rubicon ready 33" BFG tires

Yes, it looks good, and has a decent price.

But what Amishclark said should be considered. Don't buy a Jeep sight-unseen. It can be an expensive hobby. There's a saying that Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket...for a reason.

[Brickboy240]

I, too have thought about buying a Jeep for work/play on the family ranch. We all have pick-ups (Tundras) and ATVs and a few motocross bikes, but the ATVs and MX bikes cannot be ridden into town to get feed or supplies or pull a trialer on-road, wheras a Jeep can do this.

I have noticed that you have to spend about 5-7 grand to get a Jeep that looks roadworthy and not beaten to death. In that price range, I can get a Wrangler that is pretty much bone stock with a soft top in the 92-95 year range. Not too bad.

One thing I am going to avoid...and you might do the same...is any Jeep that HAS been lifted or has tons of lights or huge tires or a winch. This means the previous owner probably HAS off-roaded it and who knows how much he dogged the thing. Look for one without a big hitch, too - less chance the owner overloaded it and pulled a heavy trailer.

You may be buying a Jeep that LOOKS great, but could be a boatload of trouble and be in the shop all the time or need a clutch, tranny or worse. I want the "mall-queen" cream puff Wrangler that some teenage girl took to school, the mall and Starbucks - I know damn well it has not been mudded or sunk in a creek. I'll add the better tires and a winch later on, thank you.

My only reservation about Jeeps is that I have heard they're not very reliable, mechanically (well...they ARE Chryslers). Since I have Toyota trucks, Volvo sedans and Honda ATVs and MX bikes, I am spoiled to vehicles that are ultra reliable. I will have to lower my expectations on the reliability of a Jeep, but they sure look like alot of fun.

- Brickboy240

[txstyletj06]

check these sites for used BUILT rigs

www.pirate4x4.com

www.jeeps-offroad.com

www.lonestarjeepclub.com

www.rubiconownersforum.com

www.pavementsucks.com

or here for any type of offroad vehicle and they all have for sale forums

www.top4x4sites.com

i have been an avide jeeper for 6 years now and my TJ sits on 37's locked front and rear with a ford rearend and i use it as my daily driver. i would suggest if you plan on getting a 2 door jeep, not an FSJ (cherokee, grand wagoneer) that you stay away fron anything older than the CJ7's. Cj5's have bad rust problems and to be quite honest in stock form the wheel base is just too short! if you want any other info just pm me!

[beardman2]

My only experience was a 2000 TJ (wrangler). Depending on what kind of wheeling you intend to do I personally would aim for bone stock as well. I was amazed what I could do in a bone stock TJ with no experience and without coming close to denting anything. That way you can built exactly what you want.

Reliability wise it was just fine. Never went to the dealer in the three or so years we had it. We only traded it in for more cargo room.

Miss it like crazy though.

[amishclark]

Originally Posted by beardman2

Reliability wise it was just fine. Never went to the dealer in the three or so years we had it. We only traded it in for more cargo room.

how many miles? how hard of wheeling? i have had my taco for three years...just over 40k, and i wheel that sh!t hard. no problems, and no trips to the dealer...i do all regular maintenance myself...the dealer sees it once a year for inspection...

stock jeeps need work to be effective, imho. the biggest tire you can fit is usually 30", maybe 31". stock jeeps (rubicon aside) also do not come with any type of locker. there is a plethora(sp?) of aftermarket parts for both jeep and toyota, but (again, imho...) the tacoma is a better "out of the box" performer by far. plus, i like the longer wheel base...that said, wranglers still come with a solid front axle, making lifting them cheaper and easier. you can do a solid axle swap on a yota, but you have to cut off the front IFS...