Topic: How much to pay for 4 banger automatic

[keithert]

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.

[oldjeep]

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

[keithert]

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

[oldjeep]

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

[Jeffy]

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.

[keithert]

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.

[jagular7]

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.

[oldjeep]

Here's a TJ that's actually worth 11K
http://www.mn-jeep.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22764

[keithert]

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.

[sharpxmen]

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

[keithert]

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.

[sharpxmen]

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

[JohnnyO]

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.

[dwtaylorpdx]

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