Buying Advice

[Malkey]

Hi guys, I drive a Daihatsu Rocky and obviously need help!
I'm thinking about buying this jeep and was hoping for some advice.

What I know:
1985 CJ7
5 Speed

What I think I figured out:
2.5" Superlift
1992 Chevy 5.0

I took a bunch of photos and they can be seen here:
MobileMe Gallery

It's at a dealership and they're asking $3k.
Any advice or observations are much appreciated!
thanks

 

[coldwater]

Well, It looks to be an original Laredo model CJ. It has an AMC20 rear end, and what apears to be a T-5 tranny. The bad part is the the rear and tranny are not the greatest units you can have, especially behind a V-8. The engine conversion dosen't look like a recent job, which is actually a good thing, assuming that the PO didn't have a pile of up front problems with it and bailed out. The wiring looks typical Jeep, meaning a little hacked up, but good luck finding one that isn't! The good. The body seems to be in great condition, but before you go any further CHECK THE FRAME FROM TOP TO BOTTOM!!!!! It has a sweet little Warn winch (if it works) and the tires look to have a ton of life in them. Now for opinion time. Will it have problems? You bet it will, EVERY Jeep has problems. You are going to inherit someone elses issues, and their's no way around it. BUT, from what I can see in the pictures, and provided it runs well, and can pass Cali. inspection, my personal opinion is that 3k is a good price to pay, and "I, mysel" would do it. If I could get it for 2,500, I would drop coin on the spot.

Conclusion, Runs good, pass inspection, drives straight, GOOD FRAME I would give 3,000 for it. If I could get it for less? I would be thrilled.

 

[Old Dog]

You really can't look at pic's and say buy or don't buy.
Like CW said check it out from top to bottom and drive it to be sure it runs and drives well. If it does and you like it, I would jump on it also.

 

[Malkey]

Thanks for the input everyone. I ran the carfax on it, and it looks like it sat from 2004 to last year, then failed smog twice back in November which is the most recent data. If I see a legit smog I'm going to go for it, otherwise it's back to craigslisting.

 

[coldwater]

Thanks for the input everyone. I ran the carfax on it, and it looks like it sat from 2004 to last year, then failed smog twice back in November which is the most recent data. If I see a legit smog I'm going to go for it, otherwise it's back to craigslisting.

Too bad, there are a lot of things that are good about that jeep, but being Cali. you can run up a pretty good chunk of change trying to get it through their dumbass inspections. Did you drive it? If it works well other than the smog fail, maybe a qualified technician can give you an idea of cost to make it right, and you can cut a deal with the lot??

 

[Malkey]

Yeah I did drive it. It seemed like it could use a tune up but otherwise ran fine. I even got it out on the highway to see how it cruised. Other than feeling like it might tip over (I guess that's a CJ thing?) it was smooth. I'm guessing the PO never did any regearing because the RPMs were really low, which would be a problem, except it's a V8.

 

[Malkey]

I bought it! Thanks guys. Turns out it was smogged in December and Carfax just wasn't up to date. So excited!
Thanks

 

[coldwater]

I bought it! Thanks guys. Turns out it was smogged in December and Carfax just wasn't up to date. So excited!
Thanks

Congrats on your new CJ. Judging from your pictures, I think you got a good solid base to work from.

Now...you DID get under it and check the frame....right???

 

[2lostspace]

Congrats!! Welcome to the world of the CJ. x2 on what coldwater said did you take a good look at the frame and tub?

 

[Malkey]

Yeah I checked the frame all over. I grew up with a Kaiser Jeep M715. You haven't seen frame rot until you saw that bad boy. I definitely knew what to look for. The carfax showed it has spent it's entire life in CA. The frame looks beautiful.

 

[coldwater]

Yeah I checked the frame all over. I grew up with a Kaiser Jeep M715. You haven't seen frame rot until you saw that bad boy. I definitely knew what to look for. The carfax showed it has spent it's entire life in CA. The frame looks beautiful.

Then I think you got a good del on a nice little 7. Now go have some fun!