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Coming to the expert enthusiasts for some advice

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Coming to the expert enthusiasts for some advice
N

neilspiers

Jeeper
Posts
8
Thanks
0
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA
Vehicle(s)
CJ-7 Laredo
Hi all, I'm a Jeep Fan, but absolutely not a Jeep expert and am looking at purchasing an '83 CJ7 Laredo for my son and I to have fun with and work on together. Anyone out there have some good pointers on how I can go about valuing a vehicle of this age? I have nothing to base my judgement on so any pointers on great places to go for valuation tips would be much appreciated. Looking forward to being able to post threads on our adventures when we find the right CJ7 !
 
Thanks for that - really useful check list of things that I will be sure to use. I'm also not sure how to know if I'm paying the right price for the vehicle in the first place - with older, more classic vehicles like this, I'm keen to know if there are any resources available to know the right price range for the type of vehicle, For example, I've seen a nice looking CJ7 Laredo 4.2liter inline-6 automatic Transmission that's listed at $12k. Pictures look pretty good, but I don't know how to assess the price. Most vehicle value websites don't go much further back than 20 years, so Im finding it tough to get a ballpark idea. I should add that I'm from the UK, where Jeeps are way less common, so I don't even have the 'common sense' element of having grown up with them and seeing what's happened to their value over time...
 
Price just depends on what you're looking for.
Low mileage claims on older CJ drive the price up.
Keep in mind, the lower the price can sometimes mean you're going to spend a lot of money to get it "right"; not always, but about 90% of the time.
Here in CA, beware of engine conversions as this usually means the smog cops get involved.
Do you have a budget in mind ?
What do you want to use the Jeep for ?
Jeeps always need something it seems, so with or without your son there will always be something that needs to be done.
Don't be tempted to buy the first one you see, look around and compare.
Make sure the party you buy from has the title in HIS/HER name.
Funny title, walk away.
Take some pictures of your "finds" and post them here.
 
Appreciate the comments. Definitely able to work on the mechanics, though no doubt there will be learning along the way. And not expecting a 'no hassle' vehicle. At the same time I'm looking to pick up something that is running well and not a 'total project' Really appreciate the comments on reconditioned engines and other tips. I'd been thinking around the $10-12k mark ought to get a pretty well maintained vehicle. Hopefully I'm in the ballpark with that.:)
 
CJ gave you a variety of Jeeps in your area to look at. This one https://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/5766211877.html looks good from the pictures. The latter years came with a Dana 300 Transfer Case , which is desired by most. Interior looks good but not original. Defiantly look under the seat covers. Other things you can't tell from a picture is frame rust, patch panels in the body - specifically the floor and the roll bar attachments, leaks of fluid from engine tranny or axles, u-joints. All of these things will help you determine if it was well maintained.

On the other hand here is one with several modifications and upgrades, 1986 Custom Jeep CJ7 - Fuel injected A little more money, but may be more off-road worthy. Again, lot of areas to check. Especially check for all smog stuff and make sure it works where you are from.

And finally, unless it is show quality, always offer less than what they are asking. Good luck with your search. Maybe read a few more post about this subject in the CJ Forum for additional ideas.
 
:ww:

Please know that you will have to SMOG that Jeep like it's new.
So be aware of what mods any previous owner has done.
Make ANY sale contingent on passing CA. SMOG test.
SMOG stuff for our old Jeeps are get'n very hard to find.
LG
 
Cant thank you all enough - some great info in all these replies and lots to think about and look in to. I appreciate all the pointers. Hopefully it will lead us to a good decision. :chug:
 
Along with what has already been said, You could look up a four wheel drive club that is in your area for any info you might want about Jeeping before you even make a purchase. Although clubs are not for everybody though. You could find a club by looking up the California Association of 4wd Clubs or the California Off Road Vehicle Association. Here is one Club in your hometown:https://ontherocks4x4.org/
 
Keep your budget in mind and look for the best example in that price range. Then buy it. The adventure of owning a CJ starts at that point. We all fix, break, clean, buy parts, repair, upgrade, improve, swap, and love our jeeps. Sometimes we buy basket cases, and sometimes we steal a deal. Have fun!
 
I'm no expert but when I was looking, I went out and viewed as many as I could. I started getting a feel for what it was going to cost vs the condition it was in. Some were too proud. Some looked great and then put together underneath with duct tape. Some appeared awesome in the photos but then were pathetic when seen in person. One didn't even warn me that the brakes didn't work before I went for a test drive!

The first one I viewed is actually the one I got. It was in decent condition but he was more proud than that. After going around and looking at others for a while, I had a better feel for what was wrong and I came back to him. Enough time went by that he wasn't selling and I began pointing out all that was wrong. With this I was able to get a really good deal with him personally towing it to my house from about an hour away.

Thankfully it came with a really good frame and a decent body. If I was going to redo the search again, I'd review and consider the things that would be hard for me to fix or swap. If I can swap an engine, tranny and axles, then anyone can. I'd struggle or not have the patience for swapping a frame or tub so I'd make sure those were in excellent condition. No problem putting on new brake shoes but other than that, I HATE working on brake lines, fluid, etc so I'd also make sure it had some... I'd also find out what the R&P were in the axles since those can be difficult and expensive to upgrade or change.

Just know that there will always be work to do so just pick your battles carefully.

Good luck in your search, let us know how it turns out!
 
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