Buying a Jeep... Maybe

Josh318 · 09-13-2005, 01:07 PM

I'm thinking about buying a 93 wrangler automatic tranny, 118,000 miles.
I've heard from a friend who had a jeep, that they are really loud, and he said he'd never buy one again. His had a soft top, the one I'm looking at has a hard top and a bikini top. Will that make a difference as far as sound. Never owned a jeep before and would like some input. It's in good shape, and looks really nice.
To buy, or not to buy?

askwhy · 09-13-2005, 02:02 PM

Hi there. I just asked similar questions in my post titled "Is a Jeep right for me???" --You might read it to see if any of that advice applies to you.

Since my post, I bought an '01 Wrangler and so far, I love it! (I have had it for a little more than 2 wks, so I am still new at it). Mine is a stick and it has a soft top, so the ride is bumpier than it was in my 4Runner and definitely louder, but it kind of defines the Jeep, to be honest. The louder and rougher ride doesn't bother me nearly like I thought it might- and I drive it to work on the interstate 80 miles every day. Getting off of work and remembering that I have the Jeep drive home to look forward to is worth any noise, bumps, or whatever I was concerned about before. The overwhelming feeling I have heard from Jeep owners is that they LOVE their Jeeps, so your friend may just not be a Jeep type. Maybe he now drives an Acura.

So my advice is- there is obviously some part of you that is attracted to the Jeep appeal. Let that take over while you take a few test drives and see how you feel when you are done. Then imagine feeling that every day. If you love it, do it. If you don't, I have a great 4Runner for sale.

Good Luck!

Josh318 · 09-13-2005, 02:53 PM

That is hilarious. He drives a Hondai, and a cavalier.
I'll check out your thread.
Thanks,

scoutinkeith · 09-14-2005, 07:55 AM

I just bought a 93 wrangler about a month ago.
the one thing that I noticed when I was looking for a jeep, make sure to check the floorboards!!!!! I looked at countless jeeps that were all in the late 80's to mid 90's year range, and more often than not, the floor boards were in really rough shape. I actuailly put my foot through one wile getting in it to test drive it, the carpet was covering a hole about the sive of, well, my foot.
I finailly found one in really good shape, and I love it. it's a 93 sahara, w/ 6cyl, and manual trans.
mine's only got a soft top, but it's not all that loud, and I'd imagine that a hard top would be even quieter.

good luck with your purchase

Josh318 · 09-14-2005, 08:19 AM

I'll be sure to check the floor boards. Thanks for the heads up.
The one I'm looking at is an automatic. It's in really good shape from what I can tell. It's a Renegade. Still not sure if I want to take the plunge and buy it. It's got 118,000 miles on it already.
What kind of gas mileage should I expect from it?

kkiowaTJ · 09-14-2005, 03:28 PM

i have a 99 saraha auto,u will get around 15 mpg,if your lucky better but most likely 15,u should look for a 97 or newer though,rides alot better,more room and better off road performance,thats my opinion,somone else might like the leaf spring bouncy ball effect,i had one and when i got my saraha it was like going from a lumber wagon to a caddy,but they all get 15 mpg and thats what u wanted to know,hope this helped

Josh318 · 09-14-2005, 03:43 PM

I would like to get a newer Jeep, but they are a little out of my price range.
I live in florida, and I'm not going to off-road it much, but it would be great for going to the beach with dunes and whatnot. 15mpg is about the same as what my truck gets. I'm going to go look at some jeeps tomorrow and see what I like.
Thanks for the info!

GreenJeep10 · 09-15-2005, 12:06 AM

I say go for it. I own a 97 sahara with 113,000 on it. I did hava a softtop but only have the hardtop now. Tried to help a friend with a leaky softtop. He ended up with my softtop and I ended up with Mazuno Zunos golf clubs and Nike bag. I think I got the raw end of the deal but I was helping him out. Softops are louder with road noise but how many other convertables aren't.I have ridden in older model Jeeps and the ride is rougher but its a Jeep. Like I said go for it, but what do you expect from a Jeep owner.

Josh318 · 09-15-2005, 08:04 AM

I'm going today to check it out. From the pictures the owner showed me at work, it looks like its in good condition. Other than the floorboards, is there anything else I need to check or ask about while I'm looking at it?
Once I look at it, I'll know if I want it or not. The only problem is, my wife says I have to get rid of my truck if I buy the jeep. Not sure if I'm willing to make that kind of trade..

GreenJeep10 · 09-15-2005, 12:34 PM

Only bad thing with getting rid of your truck is you don't have anything to haul stuff. Trucks are good to have in case you need to move, bring home large items from auctions and bringing home improvement supplies home, like lumber. 20 2x4 12ft long does fit in a wrangler very well. The truck might be a 3rd vehicle and there incase you have car trouble with one of the others. You might bring up these points to the misses and hope she doesn't shoot down the Jeep deal. And remember you can get a pull behind trailer for those large items too but don't tell the misses this. Good Luck to You! GJ10

My girlfriend and I have 3 vehicles and they are all 4 wheel drive........Just incase.

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