First timer

[drh]

Hi all -

I'm looking to buy my first FSJ - a daily driver for my two years in graduate school. I've spotted an '89 Grand Wagoneer with 80k on a reman. Jasper engine for $2k firm, new brakes, tires. Hoping to take a look this weekend to see about condition, rust, etc., but as I am a first timer, I thought I would check in with you experts and ask a couple questions:

1. What are the best questions to ask? Where are the common problems and what should I look for to confirm good/bad condition?

2. Will this thing break the bank? If I buy one for $2k, how much can I expect to put into it over the next couple years?

3. Is this a terrible idea?

Thanks everyone! If there's already been a thread like this, feel free to point me in the right direction.

[Chrome]

First, welcome aboard! On a northern truck I would pay close attention to the frame to see if it has holes due to rust. The fuel tank skid plate will be another victim of road salt. Check for the common leaks like tranny, t case, steering box, and engine. Something I always do when looking at a vehicle for the first time is ask to see the vehicle after it has been sitting for at least 12 hours. As soon as I get to the vehicle I open the hood and check the manifolds to see if they are warm. If engine is still cool then start up will show any signs of valve seal leakage. I learned this from buying a car once. The next day I cranked it up to go to work and put a major dent in the mosquito population.

On a vehicle nearing it's 20 year birthday it will need repairs but you can compare what a few repairs will cost compared to a new vehcile payment each month. If you use it as a daily driver and keep it serviced you should have fewer repairs to look forward to.

As to buying it a terrible idea......in our quest for world FSJ domination....nope it's a great idea!

Good luck and happy Jeepin!

[on-a-mission]

Hi all -

I'm looking to buy my first FSJ - a daily driver for my two years in graduate school. I've spotted an '89 Grand Wagoneer with 80k on a reman. Jasper engine for $2k firm, new brakes, tires. Hoping to take a look this weekend to see about condition, rust, etc., but as I am a first timer, I thought I would check in with you experts and ask a couple questions:

1. What are the best questions to ask? Where are the common problems and what should I look for to confirm good/bad condition?

2. Will this thing break the bank? If I buy one for $2k, how much can I expect to put into it over the next couple years?

3. Is this a terrible idea?

Thanks everyone! If there's already been a thread like this, feel free to point me in the right direction.i'm on a mission to find a clean j-10/20 myself

i missed a clean one the other day:banghead:

[drh]

i'm on a mission to find a clean j-10/20 myself

i missed a clean one the other day:banghead:

Me too - the one I refer to in my question appears to have been snapped up . . .