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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 09:39:03 AM

Title: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 09:39:03 AM
Someone on Craigslist is selling a 2000 4 banger automatic Wrangler  with 58k miles for $7500.  That is exactly KBB private party price for excellent condition.  Because a 4 cylinder automatic is generally the least desirable Wrangler in terms of resale value would you hold out for a much lower price?  Also this one has no rear seat.

I actually kind of want this model because I want an automatic and would like the extra 1 or 2 mpg over the 6 and want to pay less than a 6 would cost.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: sharpxmen on April 13, 2010, 10:10:09 AM
Someone on Craigslist is selling a 2000 4 banger automatic Wrangler  with 58k miles for $7500.  That is exactly KBB private party price for excellent condition.  Because a 4 cylinder automatic is generally the least desirable Wrangler in terms of resale value would you hold out for a much lower price?  Also this one has no rear seat.

I actually kind of want this model because I want an automatic and would like the extra 1 or 2 mpg over the 6 and want to pay less than a 6 would cost.

is it stock or does it have any mods on?
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: oldjeep on April 13, 2010, 10:21:09 AM
Around here in MN, that would be maybe a $5000 jeep assuming it is in stock condition
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 10:45:56 AM
It is stock.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: bammerman on April 13, 2010, 11:29:05 AM
Around here in MN, that would be maybe a $5000 jeep assuming it is in stock condition
Where at in MN oldjeep?  I lived in Mankato before I went overseas.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: oldjeep on April 13, 2010, 12:02:14 PM
Where at in MN oldjeep?  I lived in Mankato before I went overseas.

Victoria (Near Chaska/Chanhassen).  I went to school in Mankato - many years ago.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: sharpxmen on April 13, 2010, 12:26:21 PM
It is stock.

pros: only 58k miles. no mods means less likely someone did a hack job on it. (and maybe only one owner which usually goes long ways when it comes to the vehicle's condition)
cons: no mods, you'll need to invest some money depending on your plans with it.

if it's in pristine condition (I mean flawless) $7500 sounds reasonable to me (although i would negotiate the difference for the rear backseat).

i would think that 5 or 6k would be alright otherwise given the low miles on it (like oldjeep said, $5k in his area).
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: Jeffy on April 13, 2010, 01:02:20 PM
Well the automatic is a 3-speed and not the better 4 speed.  The auto was probably around $1200 option but if you plan on building it up then I would look for either a +2003 with the 2.4L or get a manual.  The auto isn't bad but you start off with 3.73 gears and no OD which is like starting off in a hole.  If it was a 4.0L then I'd consider it.  KBB isn't that accurate anymore as most trucks have dropped in price since the $4 gas days.

If you're plans are to drive around town only and keep it relatively stock, then it would be OK but not for that price.  I think $5-6000 is probably what it's worth.  TJ's have really dropped in price and you can find a 4.0L for around that price with a bit more mileage.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: neale_rs on April 13, 2010, 01:11:03 PM
Sounds too expensive.  Here in Mexico 10 year old TJs (the newest used that can be imported) go for about $6000 USD and used cars are more expensive here than in the US.  So it looks like about $5000 would be about right.

Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 01:20:36 PM
It would be used for winter commuting on 40 miles of expressway and around town use.  Occasionally I would take it camping 3000 miles away.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: Jeffy on April 13, 2010, 01:23:51 PM
It would be used for winter commuting on 40 miles of expressway and around town use.  Occasionally I would take it camping 3000 miles away.
40 miles on the highway?  Are you going to keep it stock?
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 01:48:32 PM
40 miles on the highway?  Are you going to keep it stock?

Yes, 29 or 30 inch BFG AT's probably.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: Jeffy on April 13, 2010, 01:51:09 PM
Yes, 29 or 30 inch BFG AT's probably.
I guess if you're keeping it stock, it wouldn't be so bad but liek I said, you don't have OD so you'll have to rev it up to cruise.  What are your highway speeds 65-70mph?
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 02:21:20 PM
Yea 65 to 70.  I had a 4 cylinder Wrangler previously.  It was a 5 speed with 31 inch tires.  I remember that 5th gear was pretty much useless at speed.  It would do 70 okay though in fourth.  I've driven a couple automatic 4 cylinders only up to 50 mph.  Up to that speed they seemed fine.  When I test drive this one I'll get it out on the expressway and see how it does.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: Jeffy on April 13, 2010, 02:28:35 PM
Yea 65 to 70.  I had a 4 cylinder Wrangler previously.  It was a 5 speed with 31 inch tires.  I remember that 5th gear was pretty much useless at speed.  It would do 70 okay though in fourth.  I've driven a couple automatic 4 cylinders only up to 50 mph.  Up to that speed they seemed fine.  When I test drive this one I'll get it out on the expressway and see how it does.
I still think it's priced too high.  KBB isn't accurate for many niche vehicles.

The problem with comparing the manual to the auto is that the axle gearing is not the same.  You're comparing 3.73:1 gears with 4.11's and that makes a big difference.  It doesn't matter if you don't use 5th, because the manual has deeper gears to begin with.  These drivetrains were all carry over from the YJ and meant to cruise at 55-60mph when the national speed limit was 55 mph.  Now that it's 65mph, it makes for sluggish performance.

Also, I would hope at that price the jeep has AC and a hardop.  I'd really look for a 4.0L if it's going to remain stock.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 02:36:15 PM
It has AC but no hardtop.  I'll try for a lower price or else look for a 6.  Problem is a 6 with similar specs would be more like 10 grand or have a lot more miles.  I've driven the 6 though and agree it is nicer.  This will be a winter vehicle and a summer toy.  I have a Miata that I usually drive.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: oldjeep on April 13, 2010, 02:51:59 PM
It has AC but no hardtop.  I'll try for a lower price or else look for a 6.  Problem is a 6 with similar specs would be more like 10 grand or have a lot more miles.  I've driven the 6 though and agree it is nicer.  This will be a winter vehicle and a summer toy.  I have a Miata that I usually drive.

10K for a 2000 TJ?  Where do you live?  Realistic price around here would be $6-8K
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 03:01:03 PM
Chicago area.  I see TJ with 150k+ miles advertised for $9000.  Don't know what they actually sell for.

Here is an example of high priced high mileage ones.

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/inventory.jsp?dealership_view_name=null&dealer_id=612419&advanced=&default_sort=&result_car_id=null&make=JEEP&make2=&model=WRANGLER&start_year=1981&end_year=2011&min_price=&max_price=&search_type=both&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&x=41&y=11&suppressStyle=null (http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/inventory.jsp?dealership_view_name=null&dealer_id=612419&advanced=&default_sort=&result_car_id=null&make=JEEP&make2=&model=WRANGLER&start_year=1981&end_year=2011&min_price=&max_price=&search_type=both&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&x=41&y=11&suppressStyle=null)
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: oldjeep on April 13, 2010, 03:07:29 PM
Chicago area.  I see TJ with 150k+ miles advertised for $9000.  Don't know what they actually sell for.

Here is an example of high priced high mileage ones.

Ah, if you are looking at dealers for 10 year old cars then I understand the prices that you are seeing.  Private party is generally much cheaper. 

Here's a decent one
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1687508557.html
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: Jeffy on April 13, 2010, 05:51:09 PM
Definitely go private party.  Dealers as going to be high because they need to make their money back.

I would definitely get a hardtop and probably AC as well and a 4.0L.  Winter vehicle, the hardtop can't be beat.  Summer, you can take the whole top off and get a bikini top for less.  Not to mention, it will cost more to get a hard top and matching doors afterward then it is to get a soft top.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 13, 2010, 08:47:14 PM
Here's a decent one
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1687508557.html

Nice Jeep but it is stick.  I really don't want stick because my last SE was stick and it was a pain to drive.  In a sports car I like stick, but not in a utility vehicle.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: jagular7 on April 14, 2010, 07:49:55 AM
For a basic commuter, and it depends how you like to drive with acceleration or not, the 4cyl/auto will be a leisure accelerator. You will need to put your foot into it constantly to keep the momentum and speed. I've got a 97 4cyl/auto. It is your basic TJ with vinyl and nothing else. It was soft top and 1/2 drs. Got it 5-6 yrs ago for $3600 out of OH. 125k miles.
For a commuter, I'd suggest 6cyl. For the mileage you'll be traveling (40), keeping your foot into it or manually shifting to keep accelerating, you won't be the 1-2 mpg difference than that of a 6cyl. I've got 35s and 4.88s. I'm a little high in rpm compared to stock by 200+rpms. But I get 13-15mpg on a real good flat highway run with a slight tailwind. I really can't accelerate past anyone and forget about going up an incline. The 3sp auto does have the lockout tc and that is another 2-300rpms lower.

For your camping travels, bet you'll be pulling a small trailer or having the Jeep packed with equipment. Adding weight to the 4cyl will hinder its capability as well. For the travel distance you have for camping, why not look along the route in CL? for something? Also, check with CarMax as they have non-negotiating pricing so you really can see what they have for what cost. You can also get a vehicle from one Carmax delivered closer to you for pickup. They have their own transit/shipping service. CL is a good way of getting something, but figure, you are looking at something nearly 10 yrs old. You can get a good buy as well as get a bad one. Being that old of a vehicle, do you want to carry a loan or have it clean and clear? Are you mechanically incline to be able to repair the Jeep or would you need to get a mechanic?

If anything, go take a look and drive it. Look for traffic to simulate a traffic environment you'll be in mostly with it.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: oldjeep on April 14, 2010, 08:53:19 AM
Here's a TJ that's actually worth 11K ;)
http://www.mn-jeep.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22764
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 18, 2010, 05:26:23 AM
The seller has dropped their asking price in the ad by $500.  I bet they would sell for $6500 or maybe less.  I'm going to try to look at it tonight.  I'm used to driving an automatic tracker so I'm used to little power.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: sharpxmen on April 18, 2010, 07:16:09 AM
The seller has dropped their asking price in the ad by $500.  I bet they would sell for $6500 or maybe less.  I'm going to try to look at it tonight.  I'm used to driving an automatic tracker so I'm used to little power.

offer $5k and settle at $5500
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: keithert on April 18, 2010, 08:22:43 PM
I looked at it tonight.  It had more rust than I expected. There was a little on the flat fender areas and the windshield was pretty bad in places. I drove it a couple miles and only took it up to 45 mph.  It ran okay but being a four was rougher than the sixes I've driven.  Her price was down by $500 because recently the back seat was stolen.  I didn't get the impression she would go a low lower.  I think it would be worth maybe $5000 but not a lot more.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: sharpxmen on April 19, 2010, 05:23:57 PM
I looked at it tonight.  It had more rust than I expected. There was a little on the flat fender areas and the windshield was pretty bad in places. I drove it a couple miles and only took it up to 45 mph.  It ran okay but being a four was rougher than the sixes I've driven.  Her price was down by $500 because recently the back seat was stolen.  I didn't get the impression she would go a low lower.  I think it would be worth maybe $5000 but not a lot more.

search some more, if it has rust it can be costly to repair
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: JohnnyO on April 20, 2010, 08:09:39 AM
I paid $4500 for our '97.  4-banger, 3 speed auto, EXTREMELY clean and original in, out, and under for a 13 year old vehicle.  Had 142,000 miles on it though.  One rust spot on top of the LF fender.  The used car lot had a valve job done on the head before I bought it.
Title: Re: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on April 20, 2010, 07:48:29 PM
If there is any visible rust,,, there is rust you can't see. The body mounts(Body side not frame side)  and frame are often the first to have rust.

Dave