1977 CJ-5: Good buy or no?

xSasquatch · 07-01-2012, 05:30 PM

I'm looking at a white 1977 CJ-5. Has a clean interior all throughout. Racing style seats. Newly rebuilt AMC 304. New seals on the transmission. New u-joints. 3 speed manual. New soft top, and the original hard top is included. New tires. Redneck ram power steering kit. I believe it has aftermarket shackles and suspension that sits it up higher. The problem is that there is some rust on some parts of the undercarriage but it could be only surface, but it was hard to tell. It lacks a heater core and A/C. Also, I don't know the mileage on the Jeep prior to the rebuild. The guy's asking $5,000, but I'd like to not spend that same amount in repairs, and I need something that's somewhat dependable. Is that a good buy?

mule75 · 07-01-2012, 06:10 PM

I think 5K for a 35 year old truck that still has some rust, that could turn into alot of rust, is a bad idea.

If you can look at it, look at the frame, had a buddy that had a 77 CJ7, and frame was all rot out of rust, and might not be visible. take it for a test drive, and then knock on the frame with a hammer

or something, see if it sounds hollow.

hope this helps

brownbagg · 07-01-2012, 08:30 PM

dependable on a 35 year old truck, buy a honda instead, 77 cj5 unless its in mint shape should sell for about $1500. mint shape $3000

tacjeep99 · 07-01-2012, 08:46 PM

5,000 is about what it sold for new, it hasn't depreciated much in 35 years?

Without pictures hard to say what value is, I would say not more than $3,000 tops, and it would have to be in pretty good shape at that.

xSasquatch · 07-01-2012, 11:17 PM

Alright, thanks for the input. I'll see if I can talk him down a bit👍

TheRealKTrain · 07-03-2012, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownbagg

dependable on a 35 year old truck, buy a honda instead, 77 cj5 unless its in mint shape should sell for about $1500. mint shape $3000

The asking price is completely dependant on supply and demand. Pricing varies by location. Such a blunt statement doesnt help anyone. I dare you to find me ONE 1977 CJ5 in MINT condition ANYWHERE in the U.S. on Craigslist for under $2000. You wont do it. Read up on Economics specifically supply and demand.

Harvey5678 · 07-04-2012, 05:16 PM

I agree if the rust is on the frame it will start falling off if u hit it w a hammer and u will be able to tell if it's just surface rust. Wish I would have done this to my TJ before I got it. And I also agree $5,000 is to much