First time Jeep purchase - seeking advice

Thanks for all the advice. Since I posted, I drove the Jeep, had a local (Winston-Salem) mechanic do a PPI, then went over the PPI with my own mechanic.

My local (Raleigh) mechanic said, because the blinkers, brake lights, stereo, and gauges all don't work, to check with the PPI mechanic about the wiring, because that can get expensive quickly if they have to take the Jeep apart to rewire everything. When I called the PPI mechanic back, they said they didn't check the wiring. It was too hard to check, so they didn't. :wtf: Perhaps I expected too much from the PPI...

Anyhow, he offered it to me for $8k. Says with everything working they are going for $15-18k range. But, having lost all faith in the PPI I paid for, I think it's time to walk away.

This was a really useful learning experience though. Driving it was.. an experience. One I really enjoyed. I'm 5'10" and I wouldn't want to take any road trips in it, but that's not what I want it for. It would be fine putting around town. The nostalgia factor is hard to beat. I think either a CJ-5 or 7 is what I want. I did look at YJ/TJ's and have plans to go drive a TJ, but I doubt it will provide that vintage experience that I really enjoyed.

I have been following other listings and I don't know that he's totally off-base with his price range. This one just sold for $16.5k: 1978 Jeep CJ-5 V8 and another I saw near Charlotte is listed (not sold) for $20k: 1970 Jeep CJ5 for sale by owner - Waxhaw, NC - craigslist
Edit: here is one that sold recently for $11.5k that looks to be in great condition. Seems you can get a decent one closer to $10k if you're patient: 1980 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade 4-Speed

Anyway, thanks again for all the advice. I welcome more discussion! Trying to learn all I can during the process.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top