Looking at '90 Wagoneer, Input please

[jdm]

Newbie here, found a bone stock '90 Wagoneer, 198k, 360, auto, no rust issues, good interior, recent inspection(VA.). Small drip from transmission, erratic fuel gauge, needs new driver side rear glass. Owner is asking 1500.00. What else do I need to look at, any suggestions are welcome. I am a fair shade-tree mechanic, having worked with old volvos for years. We have wanted a FS Grand Wagoneer for some time, so let me know what I am getting myself into.

Thanks in advance,
John

[J4GRAND]

Here's a good write up from the Tech Library:
http://www.ifsja.org/tech/misc/buyfaq.html

198K on the ticker is getting on the high side if no work has been done to the engine or drivetrain. You may be dropping a few more $$ into it soon after purchase. I too am an old Volvo man having owned a 69 142S for quite a few years.

[firecaptain13]

Welcome aboard!! First off, we like to see pictures!!!! Check the usual stuff, especially rust under the carpets and fender wells. Look closely at the frame, especially where the springs mount to it. The fuel guage on these things is an on going problem. They fluctuate for several reasons... bad connections at the sender is a big problem. Also, since the fuel tank is so long and skinny, the fuel sloshing around when you accelerate and stop will cause the guage to move a lot. 198k is a lot of miles. I would recommend a compression check
Good luck with the rig. 1500 might be a touch on the high side for that kind of miles, but if the body is clean, it might be worth it

[jdm]

Thanks Patrick, what kind of dollars are we talking 1-2K or way more.

[HeavyHauler]

Welcome aboard, neighbor. Any info on motor/tranny rebuild? If not, as j4 Grand said, you may be looking at some major repair expense soon. Best thing is have mechanic check it out. good luck.

[jdm]

Thanks for the welcome, I have had the compression checked and a leak-down test performed numbers from both were good. Any other engine checks you suggest?

John

[Frank Black]

Newbie here, found a bone stock '90 Wagoneer, 198k, 360, auto, no rust issues, good interior, recent inspection(VA.). Small drip from transmission, erratic fuel gauge, needs new driver side rear glass. Owner is asking 1500.00. What else do I need to look at, any suggestions are welcome. I am a fair shade-tree mechanic, having worked with old volvos for years. We have wanted a FS Grand Wagoneer for some time, so let me know what I am getting myself into.

Thanks in advance,
John

bought an '89 w/ 109,000 miles for $2250 in January...I'm new at this too, but for the past 6 months I have had to:

- rebuild carb
- replace fuel filter
- replace fuel lines
- replace fuel pump
- rebuild oil pump
- add clear fuel filter before fuel pump just to see all of the crap that's still coming through fuel lines
- new fuel tank (not installed yet)
- mechanical oil pump gauge because the stock one is unreliable
- new battery cables
- various normal fluid leaks

Not to discourage you...fun vehicle to drive, but be prepared to deal with constant issues. I would look for something with lower mileage.

[JeepinPete]

Inspect the floors with a microscope for rust. Also look closely at the brake and fuel hard lines for rust. The fuel tank skid plate is a poor design, and causes rusting of the frame. Look closely at the driver's side rear spring perch. Electrical issues are just a fact of life with Jeeps.

[skeletor]

where in richmond? i know of one thats about a mile away from me thats for sale with about 200,000 miles.

[flatbackdragon]

you probably don't want to pull the carpet up in the front, but is best way to find out if it is rusted, crawl underneath and thump the bottom of both sides, watch out for the falling debris.
look under the dash and see if anyone has hacked up the wiring.
get it nice and warm and turn on the heater and defroster, chk for leaks under right side of dash where heater core is, if it leaks or if you smell antifreeze, core will need replacing.
look at radiator, replacement is around 200 IIRC.
everything Frank said is pretty much normal replacement stuff on older jeeps.
198 K miles? 1500? Gas prices are NOT going to go down. They are trying to unload it while they can. My opinion, try to find one with less milage for the same price, if you really want one. They are out there, amy have to take a road trip to get it but that is what summer is for!

[Frank Black]

you probably don't want to pull the carpet up in the front, but is best way to find out if it is rusted, crawl underneath and thump the bottom of both sides, watch out for the falling debris.
look under the dash and see if anyone has hacked up the wiring.
get it nice and warm and turn on the heater and defroster, chk for leaks under right side of dash where heater core is, if it leaks or if you smell antifreeze, core will need replacing.
look at radiator, replacement is around 200 IIRC.
everything Frank said is pretty much normal replacement stuff on older jeeps.
198 K miles? 1500? Gas prices are NOT going to go down. They are trying to unload it while they can. My opinion, try to find one with less milage for the same price, if you really want one. They are out there, amy have to take a road trip to get it but that is what summer is for!

around town I get 10-12 mpg...maybe 14-15 mpg highway...but who cares!! it's fun to drive!! Took it out this afternoon for a weekend beer run...

[jdm]

I live near Forest Ave./University of Richmond area

[jaber]

Welcome.