your thoughts on the AMC Eagle

[omaha_rick]

what are your thoughts the the AMC Eagle?? it looks as im going to end up with one for a 'beater car' to drive to-from work and around town, but the more i talk to my buddy (who currently has it in IL) it sounds like it is in good condition. so it may turn out to be used for more than d.d. duties, such as minimum maintenance roads and easy offhighway trails. also camping and hunting. i know there is a cult following for them and i have found the info on amceaglenest.com overwhelming, but im also looking for 'outsider' opinions, does any one here have experience with these early crossovers??

any help would be great
-rick

 

[RocKrawler]

Had one, you need to be an engineer if you ever have a vacuum leak or electrical problem - hope its cheap!

 

[truck mechanic]

I have one wating for its turn in the shop, once Im done with the Scout the Eagle will be restored and upgraded. I wanted one when they where new, dind get one back then so now I do.

 

[Warn Industries]

Well, talk about a vehicle that was ahead of its time. It was the Subaru Outback before Subaru Outbacks were popular!

I had a friend with one back in high school. It was in mint condition (and this was in Minnesota!). They're totally quirky, but kinda cool.

- Andy

 

[reece146]

Very cool in their retrotacular way...

Gotta wonder if a cheaper Jeep Cherokee (XJ) would accomplish the same goals though.

That said, if you want it for the kitsch factor then go for it. If you are looking for a reliable gas-n-go appliance I'd look elsewhere.

2¢

 

[Quill]

My son really likes the two door Eagle. Someday after school he will find one.

 

[shortbus4x4]

I owned a 83 Eagle SX4 for a while, had a 6 with 5 speed. All black with rear window louvers etc. It was a sweet ride, still miss it. If I hadn't of wrecked it I would have put the Mopar fuel injection on it to take care of all the vacuum lines and emissions crap. They are fun little cars.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Subaru 4wd wagons actually preceded the Eagle by at least 3 years.

1976 Subaru ad:

In terms of quality, reliability and longevity, American cars from the late 70's were probably the worst cars ever made. The Eagle might make a fun around-town car but I don't think I'd count on one for traveling to a remote location.

 

[Eaglefreek]

No matter what car you get from the early to mid 80's it will be an emissions nightmare. If you live in an area where you can simplify the miles of vacuum lines and toss the Carter feedback carb you will solve most of any future problems. Honestly they are pig slow stock. If it weren't for the fact that I added a 4.0l head and a hotter camshaft it would not be fun to drive. I've spent quite a bit of time and money getting mine to where I would have no reservations about driving it anywhere and any distance. They aren't that great on gas. I use a Ford Festiva as my DD since my eagle gets about 16-17 mpg.

 

[FreeManDan]

Now that we have air check emissions at our inspection stations, I have never ever seen one running and pass. Every one I have ever known to have one had black smoke, popping tail pipe, engine running rich at times and lean at other times....kinda problems. It's like an expo pacer...but if you get one running for less then the down payment on a toyota taco then more power to ya:costumed-smiley-007

 

[omaha_rick]

thank you for all the feedback. this car is in west-central IL were rust is not as much of an issue as i have here in omaha. i have also been told that the interior is very good. those are my two biggest concerns, the rest of the drivetrain is is easy to reapair and/or upgrade in my opinion.
it was given to my buddy after the P.O. started messing with vaccuum hoses. the car still ran, but was stuck on high-idle. if i decide i like it, i am planning on "upgrading" the emmissions system as possibly the carb. the price for me is $200, which leaves alot of room for these "upgrades". i only have a 1mile commute to work so gas mileage above 10 is an improvement over my current D.D. but mileage would be a concern if the car sees road trip duty.
as of now i am planning on heading to IL over memorial day weekend, but the suspense is killing me. i have always liked these cars and have wanted one of my own for the unique factor.

thanks again for the advice
-rick

 

[snorkel54]

Here's a mint example.

http://www.gessweinmotors.com/show.aspx?vid=1648907

 

[Ruined Adventures]

Rock, flag & Eagle...

okay, ignore the obnoxious music and this starts out pretty impressive...saw it, and I figured i'd share it here since this is the only place on Expo that the Eagle seemed relevant

 

[Warn Industries]

That is awesome. Inspired a blog post on Warn.com, too! (Thanks!)

http://www.warn.com/blog/2011/06/02/what_is_ths_most_unusual_vehicle_youve_seen_wheeling.shtml

- Andy

 

[Tennmogger]

I have always liked them but never owned one. I did see one a few weeks ago at Coco's Corner http://www.bajaexpo.com/coco.htm . There's probably not a rust problem there in Baja either

Picture below

Bob