Jeep decision

[pabloarchitect]

Hello all:

I'm about to search for a used Jeep and thought this would be a great resource to help zero in on the appropriate one to look for.

I'm new to Jeeps (growing up my family had an early seventies Wagoneer and CJ), but I've never owned one.

What I'm looking for - used jeep that would serve as a daily driver for 4 to 6 months and then be relegated to weekend status for camping...maybe pulling a boat in future and home depot trips. I'm an architect and usually have jobs out in rural areas and a Jeep or truck is more appriopriate than my sedan for those trips.

I would prefer 6 cylinder and stick. I like the mid eighties CJs, but maybe a Wrangler is more appropriate. I"m not mechanically inclined, so all work beyond oil changes would be done at a shop...so that's a factor. No huge demand for stereo or AC, but I do have a 5 year old so back seat with belts is a must and the hardtop would be good, though I like the bikini tops, too. Any trail stuff would be light weight.

Lastly my budget is 4-6k. So with that in mind and considering reliability an issue, should I be looking for and older CJ or would I be better suited to a late 90s Wrangler?

Thanks for any info and help.+

 

[mylittlecj5]

With your criteria. especially with having to send it to a shop for maintenance, get the newest Wrangler you can find. Early CJs require a certain dedication to the garage to keep them in top condition.
And remember, Towing with a short wheelbase vehicle is unlike anything else. The safe capacity is akin to what your sedan might tow, and there is very little room for lumber without a trailer.
Sorry to be the bearer of not good news, but thats the way I see it.

 

[pabloarchitect]

You're right about lumber...for that reason I secretly lust for a Scrambler, but probably not in the price range. While i'll admit my scenario is best suited for a truck...I've been wanting a jeep for awhile. The home depot requirement is more "honey do" than need. It would mainly be a fishing and camping vehicle.

 

[Petescj]

Right now on Ebay there are 5 Scramblers in Brady Texas. I think 4 of them have a starting bid of $2500. Try your luck.

 

[pabloarchitect]

Thanks...I'll check it out.

 

[Petescj]

Heres another source you may wanna check >>>>http://www.cj-8.com

 

[CJ]

What size boat? Many use a 7 for just the purposes that you intend. As long as it is relatively stock and not lifted a huge amount a 7 can be a relatively good towing vehicle for small loads.

 

[coldwater]

You're in kind of a rock and hard place scenario with your want list. Towing kind of leaves a 5 out, a 7 would tow a light load easily, but 7's are old and will require work from time to time. You could get one that has been rebuilt, but it would be twice your budgett going in. A newer wrangler may fit the bill, but finding good solid not wheeled and turnkey units will cost you a bit more. CJ's are kind of a "commitment" to own, and pretty much encompass the whole zen thing of work and pleasure. Not everyone is up to the task. Then there is the hard top issue, have you considdered the possibility of going to a cherokee? They can be a hell of a capable trail rig, and will fit the bill for cost, hard top, and utility for you as well.

 

[pabloarchitect]

Thanks for the info. Regarding boat size...something small for fishing. Cherokee is also an option. However, I've owned a convertible in the past (used to autox miatas) and that aspect of the jeep appeals to me.

Eventhough, I mentioned I'm not mechanically inclined, I'm excited about the prospect of being more involved. So when the vehicle transitions to weekend car...I'll have the time to delve into it. I'll just need it to be relatively reliable for daily transportation for a couple of months. I just sold my BMW 330i (zhp) and will be looking for a replacement in the fall.

I realize this makes it seem like my mind is made up and I'm just trying to convince myself (probably so), so basically it comes down to which generation of Jeep may be best.

 

[coldwater]

You'll get plenty of argument depending on who you ask. But for me? CJ's are the king! I think I can strip my Jeep to the frame with no mere than a pocket full of wrenches and a screwdriver, and the engine compartment is so open and simple you can sit in there with a cooler full of beer, a fat girl, 2 cats and a medium sized dog, and still have room to tear the engine down in frame. I built it over 12 years ago, and it has never once let me down since, so when you get them right, they are like a faithful dog.

 

[BrockGrimes]

CJ7 or 8 you'll want the extra room behind the back seat, mainly safety for the kiddy. I drive a CJ5 and would really like the 7 for extra space. I plan to center mount a bucket seat for my son and move it forward, so he'll sit basically between the front seats, and get away from that back tailgate. Plus a family cage install.

 

[hole]

The 8 would fill your needs if you can find one that works in your budget. Now that I have an 8 it falls into the same catagory as my guns, " you can pry them from my cold dead hands "

 

[pabloarchitect]

It seems the 8s come in two categories: very expensive and redone or midrange and needs some work. But, you're right, the 8 would work out great.