Craigslist Masters- WTB Jeep

[93formulalt1]

Hey guys, I need some help from the resident "Craigslist Whores" who can find anything and everything on Craigslist. . . I'm picky, and I need help finding the perfect winter beater.

Here's what I want:

Jeep Wrangler/CJ7/CJ5
Prefer between 1978-1999, but not too worried about it.
Mileage doesn't matter, lower=better, but can't be too picky
Engine also doesn't really matter, would prefer 4.0 or 4.2 I6
Must be manual trans
Must have working 4WD
Must be driveable
Must be complete
Must be within 75 miles of Adrian, MI (49221)
Must be less than $2k (Preferably under $1500, but I could probably scratch together $2k if necessary.) I also have a bike to throw in on trade for the right vehicle, I'm going to put a sign on it in the front yard to try to sell it locally, and if it sells, my budget will go up a bit.

Let's see what you find! I found a CJ5 in Bowling Green and a CJ7 in Toledo, both in my price range, I already emailed on them. . . Hoping to hear back this evening so I can go take a look at them.

Might also be interested in a different kind of 4x4, but it MUST have a solid front axle, must be manual transmission, and if it's not a Jeep, must have less than 150k miles. Not looking for a POS or a total project, but if the price and condition is right, I'm willing to do some work.

I know I'll NEVER get a deal like I did on my last Wrangler, but I can try, and I will have another one. That's why I'm so set on a Jeep, because I miss my old one so badly.

[phoenix_rising]

Looks like the deal on my Jeep I told you about last night fell through so I am back on the lookout myself. Sucks I wanted that Jeep too. Good luck on the search Nick.

[93formulalt1]

Looks like the deal on my Jeep I told you about last night fell through so I am back on the lookout myself. Sucks I wanted that Jeep too. Good luck on the search Nick.

I know, you told me. You waited too long to move on it man, that was a really good deal. I've found a couple of good deals so far, there's a CJ7 here in Adrian I'm waiting to hear back on, as well as a Wrangler and another CJ7 in Toledo, and I think I emailed someone about a CJ5 too. . .

You interested in a Cherokee? They are just as easy to work on, just as reliable, and VERY capable off-road. . . Not to mention, easy to lift. They have a SFA from the factory, same engine/trans/transfer case as the Wrangler. About the same gas mileage, too. I'm looking at a couple of different options right now, actually. I'd REALLY like to get into another Jeep, but I did find an '01 Silverado for $1600, it's only a 2WD though, single cab, but it looks decent. Like I said, there's also two CJ7's, a CJ5, and a Wrangler I'm waiting to hear back on. Also looking at front wheel drive cars, but that's not my first choice.

If you're interested, I saw a couple of GTP's that needed some work (one needs a new trans, nothing else) for $1k. I think they were both red, both two door, and both loaded. Might be worth looking into.

[93formulalt1]

Well, that was pretty quick! I'm going to look at a '79 CJ7 in a little while, it's about 15 minutes from where I live. The guy is asking $1,500, says it has a 4.2 straight six that runs like a top. I'll let you guys know after I get back, if it's in decent shape and I can get him down to a price I can rationalize, I may be driving it home this evening. Comes with a hardtop and full doors, so it should be warmer in the winter than my '88 Wrangler soft top was with the half-doors that didn't quite seal right. lol

[93formulalt1]

Just got back from looking at the CJ7, it's in better shape than I expected. Perfect candidate for a resto! Hardly any rust on the body, the paint has seen better days, and there are some spots in the floor pans that need some attention, but overall, it's in better shape than my '88 Wrangler was. I talked him down to $1,300 cash, and I'm going to pick it up this evening. When he cranked it, it started right up, and didn't make any strange noises. Hardtop is in great shape, the doors are as well, but it does need paint all around. I'll probably clean it up and have a friend of mine paint it. I want this one to look like my Dad's old CJ7, black with blue metal flake stripes. The only spots that really concerned me as far as rust goes is the rear of the frame is completely rotted out for about the last 6-8 inches. I know this is a common problem with these vehicles, so it doesn't scare me. A buddy of mine has offered to box those sections in with plate steel for a very reasonable price. I should have this thing looking good in the next couple of weeks! It's going to be beautiful!

Pics to come after I get it home, I'm going to pick it up at 6:30.

[meissen]

Congrats Nick! Didn't realize those cars go for so cheap!

[MunsterZ28]

Congrats Nick! Didn't realize those cars go for so cheap!

congrats nick! the newer ones hold value like crazy. idk what it is about wranglers but if you want a nice one your gonna fork out some cash.

[93formulalt1]

Here are some pics! I had a little problem getting it home, when I tested the 4HI, it got stuck. I drove it home, only to realize that the front tires are a different size than the rears. Threw it in reverse, pulled back on the transfer case lever, and it popped back into 2HI. Runs like a top, drives alright, but it needs some attention, particularly the steering linkages. Overall, I'm very impressed with my purchase. Not bad for $1,200, eh?