[RubiConvict]

I went to look at and test drive a '99 GC Laredo today (the one mentioned in a previous thread of mine).

The vehicle was down the street from the owner's office and he was busy, so he just gave me the keys and told me to take it for a spin. But as I was walking out, he mentioned that it might not start because it had been sitting all weekend.

He was right, when I turned the key, all I got was a clicking noise. I popped the hood, took a look, and noticed both battery terminals were corroded pretty badly.

When I went back, he assured me that the battery could just be cleaned up, and everything would be alright. He said the problem had occured before.

I know the battery had a connection and some power because I could run the air conditioner blower, the power windows, and the keyless entry system, but when I turn the ignition key, all I get is a bunch of clicking.

Does this problem seem as simple to fix as just a new battery, or is there something I'm missing? Something he's not telling me.

He has owned the Jeep since new and he said there were never any mechanical problems besides this corroded battery. I appreciate any thoughts you guys might have!

P.S. Will the battery voltage gauge on the dash read correctly with just the key turned on, or does the engine have to be running for an accurate reading?

[techie]

I think it might have been your post I replied to earlier today. First of all, unless you're mechanically inclined and looking to get a deal because of a problem, don't bother. Any car that doesn't start because it sat "all weekend" has problems. Do you really want to buy a car that already has problems.

Second, I would seriously recommend doing some research on 99's before buying. There are numerous posts on the internet about people who had to have major drivetrain work on their 99's more than once before they even hit 15K miles. They all had similar problems.

Just my opinoin, take it for what it's worth.

[RubiConvict]

Originally Posted by techie

Second, I would seriously recommend doing some research on 99's before buying. There are numerous posts on the internet about people who had to have major drivetrain work on their 99's more than once before they even hit 15K miles. They all had similar problems.

Just my opinoin, take it for what it's worth.

All opinions are appreciated. The owner said he'd get the battery problem fixed, give me a call, and I could look at the Jeep again. I've got nothing invested, so I've got nothing to lose right now. I figured I might as well let him do his work, and then check it out.

If it's as simple as a battery change, that doesn't bother me. If the starter is going bad, or there is some mysterious electrical problem draining the battery, I'll probably say thanks but no thanks and move on.

BTW, my dad is a very knowledgable mechanic, so any vehicle would pass by his watchful eye before purchase. I don't want to buy someone else's problem.

[techie]

Any thoughts or concerns about the 99 thing? Have you done any research on them. Can your dad find out what he can about them?

When I was looking and I found those posts, I just kept seeing red flags, and chose a different year because of it. All 99's aren't bad, of course, it just seemed like a lot of people with the same problem. All of them were under warranty, so it was more of a inconcenience for them.

Just hate for someone to not know what could possibly be a common problem on a production year before they buy.

[RubiConvict]

I appreciate the concern, and I am continuing to research the '99 as well as other model years.

My only thought is that the problems you indicated occured very early in the life of the Jeep (less than 15,000 miles). The Jeep I am looking at has held up for over 4 years and over 100,000 miles. If a driveline compenent were to fail, it could just as easily be due to old age and continuous use as to faulty engineering from the factory.

My dad owns an '84 Corvette. The '84 model year is one that almost everyone tries to avoid because the 'Vette was completely redesigned between '82 and '84. (There were no '83 models produced.)

Not quite all of the bugs were worked out for the brand new cars, so there were some common problems, leading most people to avoid the '84. That being said, I think the '84 is a great car, and we've had no major problems.

It sounds like the '84 Corvette is like the '99 GC: buying one is just a crapshoot. I just have to decided if I want to take my chances.