Is It Worth It?

[Megamole]

Ok, I am new to this site and Jeeps in general and need a little help. I picked up an 89 YJ as a second vehicle for keeping milage off me 05 Tacoma Double Cab, I drive alot almost 20,000 a year. The Jeep Wrangler Sahara has a hard top, 6cyl with a Weber 32/36 carb, 5spd replaced with an 87(peugeot) trans. Has 79,000 miles on engine, trans don't know milage, has new 31" bfg all terrains, no rust and rubber undercoating. The Jeep was sitting for 3 years without moving often, it runs good but has some issues. I am considering taking it back. The problems are:
1. oil pan leaks- needs new gasket. $25
2. missing passenger side vent window and regulator. $100-150
3. starter doesn"t work, sometimes needs a tap. $100
4. broken turn signal tree/ high beams. $150.
5. some of the vacuum lines off the engine and carb are missing. ?
6. a good cleaning inside, some door gasket leaks cause a bad smell.

I paid $3200 for the Jeep. Is it worth keeping or did I get riped off. I can get my money back but it will take awhile. Is it worth putting the money in it and keeping it around? Thanks for any help.

 

[lethaldose]

well to me alot of the things on your list should have been noticed before you bought the jeep maybe i'm just goofy but i go over what i'm laying my money on the line for with a fine tooth comb... but like the light switch , starter, vac lines, and window all should have been noticed at the first test drive/start up ect and if you did a reall good once over should have seen the oil pan leaking as well .... nothing listed is major as far as mech wise just puts a damper in the pockets

 

[lethaldose]

i never like to give up on a car no matter how bad ...if it was me .... i'd go for it work on it and fix it up all fun things take a little effort and usually suck your pockets dry too haha

 

[TwistedCU]

Some of it must have been obvious when you bought it, but that list seems like pretty simple stuff.

Give it a go. If the drivetrain is solid and there's no rust you still got a decent deal.

 

[Megamole]

when I bought it the starter was not a problem started acting up on the second day I had it. The window, and turn signal tree I knew about and was fine taking care of. The oil leak I feel like an idiot, never checked the oilI noticed it was low when I filled it up with gas. The oil was not leaking because the oil was below the gasket and the guy must have cleaned under the front end. I have a theory that the oil is getting into the starter and cuasing it to malfunction. The leaks inside I had assumed was the missing vent window. I know when you assume...
So at least I didn't get totally stroked. What is a jeep like that worth? I did the kelly blue book and I felt I did ok. But thought I would ask the people who know best!

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Without actually seeing it and driving it, I'd say what you paid is pretty close to what it's worth, maybe just a tad high, but still it sounds like you got a pretty good deal if there's no rust. Like Lethal and TC said, those items are pretty easy fixes. A weekend alone with the new Jeep and you should have it back up to par. After that, it's gonna be one thing after another, from minor repairs to more expensive mods as the fever kicks in, but all in all, you're gonna love it in the long run.

By the way, Welcome to Jeepz!! Stick around, this is a great place for info. We're like one big (sometimes dysfunctional) family, and most everyone is very helpful. Ask any questions, we'll do our best to answer them and give you some sound advice. Our members come from all walks of life and varying interests in the type of wheeling they do, so you'll get a well-rounded batch of suggestions and advice to help you decide what best suits your wants and needs. Welcome aboard!!

 

[lethaldose]

yes what sparky said times 2 LOL its a lifestyle... i pay 300 bucks a month on a fairly new 01 sport and its in pieces right now cause i'm redo'n both axles for more grunt and new power ... but when i got it i replaces alot of seals, brakes ,wheel cylinders , axle bearings you name it ... but with each mod i'm closer to busting ass on the trail thats how i look at it

 

[LVRockCrawler]

just a note - starter should only be about 40 bucks or so w/LLT warranty and the turnsignal stalk is 35 or so (if the switch is still good) @ the dealer (and LOTS of fun to change i found out....) sounds like a keeper...

 

[guysmiley]

Keep it. My 2 cents. Most of the items you mentioned are minor. You'll be hard pressed to find an engine that doesn't leak oil. Better the oil pan than the head gasket. If it runs fine, don't worry about the vacuum lines. You will be tinkering with it down the road anyway. Take care of the essentials. Stalk for safety, and as long as drivetrain, steering and brakes are ok, you did fairly well. A no rust vehicle with mechanical issues is far better than a mechanically sound vehicle with a rotting body/frame. I say that because no matter how you look at it, mechanical problems will arise. Make sure all the connections on the starter are good. A rebuilt starter from a local parts store is less than $50.00. Again, thats my suggestion. If you keep it, best of luck with it, and welcome to the forums.
Guysmiley

 

[Jeepr]

Huh? I posted a reply, but it's gone. I will try it again..urple:

The Peugeot transmission can be a problem.
They are expensive to rebuild.
There isn't really a direct bolt in replacement, you need to change other things like the bellhousing and clutch arrangement, transfer case input, and there may be problems with the pilot bearing.

It should last ok if you don't add big tires and don't beat on it too bad. I had one with 150,000 miles and still going strong when I sold it.

Good luck

 

[droopey]

It seems to me that's not much money for what could be a great jeep.

 

[TwistedCU]

What is a jeep like that worth? I did the kelly blue book and I felt I did ok.

I think you did fine. Get any of the kinks ironed out yet?

 

[Megamole]

still haven't had the chance to touch it.

 

[Megamole]

Does anyone have any links to technical pages or can scan in some maintenance files for removing the steering column to get to the turn signal switch. It would be a great help. Also which maintenance manual is best for fixing this jeep? Haynes, Chilton's, Jeep Owners Bible?

 

[90Xjay]

before you spend $25 on a oil pan gasket and either 2 hours of messy work yourself or $100 in labor cost, try going under with a socket and checking for loose bolts.
Sometimes when the gaskets shrink up the bolts are a turn away from snug.
Then consider switching to a high-mileage oil, they usually have a seal-conditioner and will help gaskets to reseal. I know the Mobil's high-mileage does at least.

just my 2 cents.........

 

[Megamole]

Been there done that one, only resulted in a heavier leak, has the old style cork gasket. I think I need to go to the rubber gasket.

 

[90Xjay]

Been there done that one, only resulted in a heavier leak, has the old style cork gasket. I think I need to go to the rubber gasket.

well you were not supposed to use an impact wrench!urple: urple:


Yeah, Napa has a great high quality rubber/silicone gasket for about $36..

 

[Jeepr]

which maintenance manual is best for fixing this jeep? Haynes, Chilton's, Jeep Owners Bible?

Factory repair manual. It's worth the extra money. I picked mine up on Ebay for cheap, the cover was ripped, I think I paid 12 bucks for it.

 

[Megamole]

Well picked it up from the used car dealer this morning. He already put in a new starter and tuned it up a bit. he also must have tightened the oil pan more since the oil leaks has gotten much better. I ordered the new vent window, $75 delivered. Now I just need to takle that turn signal lever. Also anyone ever try steam cleaning the factory carpets? Wonder if a rental steam will make a difference. Or should I just bed line the inside?

 

[TwistedCU]

Alright man, you are already well on your way! You won't regret it (well you might, but you'll love it anyhow).

Do yourself a favor and take the carpet out. Once it gets nasty it will always be, and hey... it's a Jeep! Having the carpet out will allow you to hose it out when needed.

Get some cheap floormats or carpet remnants to keep your feet from getting hot (the steel floor will get hot under your feet in the warmer weather).