Buying a Wrangler What should I do?

[hx214]

Alright guys here is my situation. I am buying a wrangler 97-98 range, and i've seen everything you could see in about the last 2 weeks. Ive narrowed it down two about 3 jeeps. Ive got 2 that are 98' with around 80,000 miles on them, both are in almost Identical condition, normal wear and tear and rust underneath and the dealers are asking $6999. The third one is a 97' with 102,000 miles, but it was the dealers personal jeep and it looks like you could eat off the entire machine. its in better shape then the other 2. he is asking $6400, but I was going to offer about $5200 and I think he'll take it. What I wanted your opinion on was what do you think is the better deal? Should I be more concerned about miles or at this point in the jeeps life should I just worry about over all condition of the machine? I'm still in the mind set that 100,000 miles on a car is a ton, but as i've read about jeeps it seems that when they just hit their stride. I will need the car for primary transportation for about a year and then It will more than likely be a toy. the more money I can save now the better, because Im about a year away from graduation, and im kinda poor! haha

Your educated opinions on this matter will be very helpful in my choice.

Thanks in advance

[fredjacksonsan]

IMO the 97 wouldn't be bad, at 75% of the price of the 98's, if it's in excellent shape. You've checked out the appearance, how are the mechanicals? And is the dealer offering any warranties?

[hx214]

The engine and the parts on the 97' are cleaner with less rust, but the engine has 22,000 more miles so I dont know what to do? Would you put your money on the 97's engine? Think it will stay strong? (I hate used car buying.... )

[JDPascal]

Based on the price difference, mileage difference and the condition I would opt for the 97 even with the 22k diff in odo readings.

Given the difference in overall condition, I view the chance of that 22k meaning extra wear in the power train is slim.

The 4.0L engine is just broke in at that distance. Look after it and you will get 3X that use out of it for less than 1/2 the depreciation cost to the original owner. Besides there is atleast $499 still in your pocket even if you pay asking price for it.

JD

[hx214]

thats what I was thinking to, but I have one monkey wrench to throw in there, the engines in these are the 2.5 4 banger. Does that change you opinion at all?

[JDPascal]

I guess the choice of engine depends on what you want to do with it. My preference would be the 4.0L - (like you too probably), but there are lots of the 4 bangers around. That would be affecting the asking price of course but you know the market better where you live.


Have you checked the price guides that are on the internet?? I don't have the links cause most of them are for the states and I get the black book price guides for Canada. You could do a google for them if you haven't already.

You say that it will eventually be a toy after you get done using as a daily driver. Do you want a toy or a TOY???!!!!

JD

[fredjacksonsan]

The 2.5 is pretty much bullet proof. Doesn't produce a lot of power, but lasts if you do basic maintenance.

With the 4 cyl you'll need 4lo on the beach and in other high power required situations, but it's up to the task.

[hx214]

Ya I've checked all the kelly blue book prices and got all that info, so I can haggle with the dealer. I CANNOT find a good v6 around here (Northern Ohio) Either nobody got them or nobody is selling them! I only found 1 and it was 9000 dollars and it had 109,000 miles on it, and the dealer would not go down at all, so that was a bit outta my range. Im glad you said that 4cly engine is bulletproof and is a good one, that will help, I think i'll go with the machine that is in the best shape, instead of worrying about miles. Im not to worried about the loss of power, I had that little 2.2 chevy engine for about 6 years (that was a dog) so anything is going to feel like it has more power. Thanks alot for you input guys, it really helped

[fredjacksonsan]

Welcome. Dealers will probably be willing to move on a 4 cyl.

Oh yeah, and Wranglers don't come in V6 at this time, they're I6.

[hx214]

Ah ya got that Im just not used to saying I6... sounds good, I'll try to rake the dealer over some coals for a good deal haha I hate those guys..

[fredjacksonsan]

Me too, they're bastards. Good luck with them.

[die_tryin]

I would say go with the 2.5 if your looking for a daily driver. It's easier on gas and you really don't NEED the extra power. If you want to lift it or put aggresive tires on it you'll have problems with power. It really depends on what the end goal is. I opted for the 2.5L and I had to make a few mods before I was happy with the power.

[fredjacksonsan]

I always got better mpg in my4.0 than the 2.5! So in my experience the 4.0 is better on gas. What's your mpg die_tryin? I got 16 city/23 highway in the 4.0, and the 2.5 always was 17-highway, beach, city; didn't matter. The new 2.4 we have gets 22.9 hwy, haven't been in town enough to get city mpg.