Buy or run

[sdnative13]

Long time lurker first time poster in this section. I am looking to buy a jeep and came across this ad on Craigslist.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4381128846.html

To me it seems like more than just tires as the ad claims. What do you guys recommend. I planned on having it inspected but seeing that it's two hours from my house not too sure where to take it and what to look for. Any advice is welcomed.

 

[Yarjammer]

If the owner is too cheap to replace tires... What other basic maintenance items has he forgone? If the vibration from the tires is excessive it very well could have caused accelerated wear on the suspension and driveline. Think about what happens when driving on washboard all day long.

IMHO Run.

 

[MattScott]

I've bought and sold quite a few cars on Craiglist, at that price range, I highly doubt the seller will be willing to have an inspection done. It's a Jeep for $1650, it'll probably be gone before you could go pick it up.

Without sounding cross or rude, at that price range you're either going to get a POS which you'll end up putting more money into than it is worth, or you'll have a car that you'll be able to flip. That latter is a rare situation.

 

[goin camping]

Smog may be a problem since it's a non Ca. car. The tires and suspension are also a red flag.

Personally I don't go look at cars that don't have interior and engine pics. Always figure there is a reason.

 

[stolz]

It sounds like he has the Death Wobble...

 

[Idahoan]

Since you said take it to a mechanic, run. Find something with low miles.

 

[sdnative13]

I think regardless of price I would take any used car to a mechanic to be inspected before purchase. But my gut feeling does agree with most of you.

 

[Jim K in PA]

It's an XJ. If the body is rust free and as clean and straight as the pictures imply, I would be all over that deal like Rosie O'Donnell on a cheese cake. Whatever is wrong with it is easily corrected for not much $$. Jeep parts are cheap. What it is worth depends on what you need or want it for.

It does not say if it is auto or manual, but add points for an AX-15. '99-up is external slave too.

 

[sdnative13]

I would more than likely be removing/upgrading the suspension, tires etc at some point. It would not be a daily drive, mainly used for trails, possible even trailered there and back so that was my initial though but I just don't want to get a POS. I think I might go take a look at it, get it inspected and go from there. If the body, interior, engine, trans are in good working order I might just on it.

 

[Chris85xlt]

look for signs of an accident. Rarely do you find paint that good looking without being in some possible big accident.

 

[fowldarr]

I don't think it looks like a bad deal for the money. I would definately have it inspected, contact a local mechanic and set it up for when you are down there. I'm not sure what goes into the 'death wobble' fix for these, but worth looking into before you drop the cash, aftermarket and replacement parts are readily available, the body appears to be in good shape, I would request pictures of interior, engine, and undercarriage prior making the drive.

 

[fowldarr]

Keep in mind that tires are going to cost $1000+ (for new), so I would talk him down a little, I bet he would readily take $1500, and you might be able to get him as low as $1200

 

[sdnative13]

sent the person a text message asking for more pictures, and a vin number to run a carfax report. So I'll let you know what happens

 

[SSF556]

It is "Super Clean"

 

[sdnative13]

Ok well I never heard from that person so I found a few others: which one would you choose?
94 $3500
91 $3500
93 $2995
92 $2200
98 $3600
93 $1000

I am kind of leaning towards the 98 only because I have heard good things about 98-99.5 but is it worth the extra $2600 asking price over the 93 lets say?