New to Wranglers... looking to buy one

**horatio102** · 03-30-2001, 01:03 AM

I've got a '99 WJ that I need to get rid of (quit my job and went back to school) so I wanted to get a YJ or TJ instead. I'd really like the 6-cyl (going from an 8 to a 4 would blow). I found a '92 YJ for (asking) $8500. I took a look at it, and it looked kinda nice. It's got a 5 speed, 6-cyl, hard top, cd, sound bar, etc. But it was bounced off of something. The driver's side of the bumper was bent at a 45* angle right at the frame. The fan shut off when 'vent' was selected. My main gripe is that the brakes were horrible. On wet pavement should you be able to lock up the brakes? It's got 30x9.5 BFG AT's (brand new with a well worn 31x10.5 Goodyear GS-A spare). I stood on the brakes as hard as I could and it seemed to gently glide to a stop. Needless to say it's not in my garage tonight. Should those tires rub at all in turns? They rubbed while turning one direction, but I can't remember which.
Thanks for any help

dartboy · 03-30-2001, 09:36 AM

Sounds like a lot of cash for a 92 yj.

FLHT_FXRS_YJ · 03-30-2001, 12:10 PM

Unless it has some kind of lift, 30x9.50 might rub, especially if the springs are sagged. 31x10.50 will rub w/o a lift

**horatio102** · 03-30-2001, 03:58 PM

It sounded like a lot of cash to me too. I looked up Kelley BB, and it came to like $9500??? Then I checked Nada and it was 7600. I figure I'd offer them 6000 or so, knowing it was wrecked. I'm continuing my search. Hopefully I'll find something in a bit better shape.

Tonka · 03-31-2001, 02:11 AM

THe "vent" selection won't work on a YJ unless it has a/c. without a/c all you have is floor heat and defrost(no vents under the dash to direct )

**horatio102** · 03-31-2001, 05:23 PM

oooh. That makes sense. It was getting dark, but I didn't see any vents up top. I guess it you want air you can open the window. Hmm. Kinda silly if you want hot air blowing on your hands. Oh well. Thanks.

jmsjeep · 04-02-2001, 12:04 PM

Thats to much cash for a '92 without alot of add-ons or very low mileage.

Cody_91YJ · 04-02-2001, 01:19 PM

Sounds like to much for the condition its in.
when I bought my YJ('91) back in 1999, it was
completly stock, had sound bar, new 30" tires, and was in practically brand new shape. But it was only about 6500.
I'm thinking you should have to pay under that with the Jeep your looking at.

Whats the mileage on it?

**horatio102** · 04-03-2001, 03:55 AM

Well I drove another Wrangler today. '97 TJ Sport with 105k miles. It's got tilt steering and 5-hole alum wheels, and that's about it. The stereo was ripped (read, ripped) out so there are bare wires in the dash, along with broken plastic bits where the stereo used to be. The top is leaky, holes in the windows, problem areas along the tailgate, etc. When I got there it was in the back farthest corner of the lot, and the battery was dead. Hmm. The internet guy said it was in rough shape. He was right. Mechanically it seemed to be fine. It drove like a dream, it just needs a bunch of cosmetic work. Not being too picky I was going to go for it. They were asking $14,995 or some ungodly amount. I quoted them their "Internet price" of $11,995. I also told them that book value was 11.2k for one in good condition with 105k mi. and that I was discounting it $1500 for the broken stuff. They would not budge. I know that it was sitting in the back corner for at least a month. I owe about 13k on my '99 WJ, which books out at almost 22k. I said I'd be willing to pay $1500 out of pocket for the swap. Denied. Just for giggles I sent the guy back up with me paying $3500... still no go. Obviously they didn't want to move it. So it's back out into the woods I go. I'd rather have the TJ (no offense) because of the coil springs and friendly interior, but I might go back to the Toyota dealer and make an offer on that White '92. I don't recall right now, but I think it had like 50k miles.

So here's my question. Leaf or coil? I would like to (eventually) lift it 3-4" and put 33s under it. I don't want to spend a fortune doing it. This will be my 2nd vehicle (until I move, then I'm getting another toy) so it won't matter if it's the most comfortable thing out there.
Is it possible (how much $) to swap coil springs on a YJ?
How much does it cost to swap gear ratios & add posi/locker?
What should I look out for on a YJ that has had some sort of frontal collision?

I used to work at a paint shop so I know about checking seams, looking for overspray, etc. I looked at the skid plates and they were fine.

Thanks for the input.

**horatio102** · 05-05-2001, 03:49 PM

Argh. I"ve come full circle. I want a Wrangler. I don't need practical.

The White '92 is STILL for sale. But get this... they're asking $500 MORE now. What the heck?

Ok, for whatever reason I was only looking for used Wranglers in Carpoint's classifieds. I've searched Autotrader.com and there is a bunch more out there in my price range.

This board is too quiet.

rayray · 05-06-2001, 04:00 PM

Wayyyy too much money!!!!

**NaeKid** · 05-06-2001, 06:09 PM

Stick to your guns .. go with the "black book" price guide on it .. and show whoever will read it with what you would be willing to pay for it. Always deduct "problems" from the total .. cause you will have to pay for it, or you to make them fix it before you pay the blackbook value. Never pay more than blackbook unless its in amazing condition!

**horatio102** · 05-07-2001, 02:31 AM

Yeah.. When I switched to Autotrader for locating them online a whole bunch more popped up.
That '97 TJ Sport I looked at was sad. High mileage ($1500 worth of deduction), ripped top in several places, broken dashboard from stereo theft, and the dealer wouldn't come down at all. They wanted about $2000 too much.

The most excellent news is that somebody called about my Jeep today, took it for a drive, and is interested in purchasing it. I offered to split the cost of the extended warranty with him as a deal maker. Tomorrow he's going to talk with his bank (Boeing CU) and see about a loan. That means I might have an extra stall in my garage SOON!!
Do you know what we do with extra stalls in garages? FILL THEM!

As soon as that WJ is out, the RS goes in, then the Civic gets traded in on a YJ. That'll leave me with a (somewhat) fuel efficient AWD sedan and a 4wd toy. Who knows which one will be my daily driver.

smithbuiltYJ · 05-07-2001, 04:24 PM

I just bought a '95 YJ last august, with 40,000 miles,hard top, and in excellent condition, mechanically and cosmetically. I paid $10,500 and I think I did ok. Just saw another used one with soft top only, and 105,000 miles, not sure of year, but with later model YJ roll bars ('92 - up?) they are asking $6599 for that, body was in a little rougher shape. $8500 seems a little steep.
Happy Trails,
Marshall

Loomis4wheeler · 05-07-2001, 05:35 PM

I'm not sure how long you've been looking, but take your time. Here are some things to consider:
1. 92' and newer are fuel injected($2k for after market injection kit)
2. 92' and newer (some 91') have the high cage in back(good for friends and family)
3. Be weary of mods completed by previous owners(unless you know the person). Bad lift jobs can be a real pain.
4. Forget about jeeps that have the "Show", but no go.(the chrome looks good, but you will pay more for these rigs and chrome won't get you over the rocks).
5. I think the keys are: Fuel injection($2k), Lift kit atleast 4"($.7k), 33" tires($.6k), Gears/lockers($1.5k or more).
Your axles are the costly items. If I were to do it over again,I would have scraped my 35 rear end and paid $3400 for a 44, 4.56gears, ARB, and disk breaks(installed). I recommend you scan some mags(JP is a good one), look at the adds, see what you would like to install in your future jeep and cost it out. That way you'll know how to compare the jeeps you look at.
Good luck