New to Jeepz. Need help!

[Wally]

Hi, my name is Jason but must call me Wally. I live in Columbus, Ohio. I am 16 and have been wanting a jeep for a long time. In the last year or so I have wanted one even more ever since one of my friends got one and put a lift and 33's on it. I have been reading alot about Jeeps for awhile now and have decided that I really do want to get one, I just have a few questions. I really want a Cj or a Yj, any year is fine with me. I am looking to buy one that is very inexpensive but since alot of people off road around here it is hard to find. I want to put hopefully a 4" lift and I haven’t decided what size tires. I will probably be off roading a couple weekends a month but it will not be to hard core. One of my main questions is would it be easier/ cheaper to buy an old jeep for cheep that needs a good amount of work or should I buy one for more money that only needs some minor work? My dad and I can do almost all of the work by our self’s and bring in friends if we need so that isn’t a problem. Another Question I have is either way do any of you know where I should be looking for cheep Jeeps?
Thanks in advanced for your time and help.

 

[arligreen]

I would probably start out with one that costs a little more upfront. I got my first Jeep when I was 17. It was a 79 CJ5 for pretty cheap, but it needed a lot of work and all repairs and replacements just kept adding up. Now I've got a 99 Wrangler Sport that cost more upfront, but it's much more reliable and doesn't cost near as much as the CJ did.
All practicality aside, that CJ was the most amazing vehicle I've ever driven. I'd still have it if it hadn't been totaled by an idiot running a red light. If you find an old 'cheap' Jeep that you want, go for it. Rebuilding them is SO much fun.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Welcome to Jeepz, Wally!! You couldn't have picked a better site to join if you want help with Jeep issues (or pretty much anything else). The folks here are the most helpful, intelligent bunch I've seen when it comes to Jeeps, and are always eager to lend a hand answering questions, giving advice, or just chit-chatting.

If it were me, I'd go with an older, cheaper Jeep. A few reasons why: First, it will save you money for more mods sooner. Second, it sounds like you and your dad are pretty close, and working with him on something like this will bring you closer and make the Jeep more special. I wish my dad could have been here to help me with my Jeep. Sure, there may be a few more "maintenance" issues with an older Jeep, but parts are generally cheaper and used parts might even be more readily available at salvage yards. If you take your time and shop around, you can get a good deal on an older Jeep like I did. I spent about 3 months looking at 40 or 50 Jeeps before I found mine. It was 9 years old, in mint condition, with only 54,000 miles on it. Never been off-roaded, never even driven in the rain, and kept in a garage all it's life. Plus, it was dirt cheap (relatively speaking).

Again, welcome to Jeepz. Stick around and keep us updated on your progress!

 

[OutOfStep]

Any Jeep with less than 100,000 miles is a great place to start

The best place to look for cheap Jeeps is on a college campus in the winter or spring

 

[currupt4130]

94 or 95 YJ with a 4.0, unless you get a killer deal on something earlier, thats about the best base to go with. Good fully boxed frame, zinc plated body, good engine, good transmission, and an external slave unlike the 88-93's which have a problematic internal slave. TJ's have an external too, and if you can find a good deal on one of those, get that. Do not get a 4cyl. The transmission is weak and unreliable. I went through a couple before I did a costly upgrade.

 

[deesweet]

The best place to look for cheap Jeeps is on a college campus in the winter or spring

thats how i got my TJ from some dumb kid from florida who couldn't handle NJ winters. good luck in your search. i wish i had the time, space and money to take on a project like that right now.