Need an Honest Opinion

[Johns89YJ]

1065776

My '89 YJ is getting wore out and tired. I'm going to try and unload it. I need for some honest opinions of worth and expectations. Here are the Basics:
1989 YJ Laredo, 4.2L, Carter CArb (3 month old rebuild), 5 SPD, 2" body lift, 23575R15 CAPITOL M&S on JEEP ALLOYS, Hardtop, Bikini Top (bestop), Windjammer (bestop), New Jensen CD.

The bad:
-Rusted left rear frame where spring shackle mounts
-very light surface rust around fender flares
-missing right side hardtop window (has plywood now, but will get Plexi prior to sale)
-Cracked Windshield (from stone chip, on pass side, runs vertical), undecided on replacement.
-Reverse gear has always been almost non-existent unless in 4WL. I think it is due to the previous owners doing the 2" body lift. They had to notch the shift-boot trim piece to get reverse to try and work.

Notes:
Engine and body have 188000 miles. Still get almost 20 MPG on highway. Driven 100 miles every day for work. Starting to hear new noises coming from the driveshaft I think. Could be due to shprings running askew due to rust?

I've owned this since '99 with 125K on it . Still a fun vehicle, but now it needs more than I am able to give (I can weld, but it's ugly!!). Plan to buy another in the mid '90's range.

Thoughts? Still have some value? I was thinking of putting sign in the window saying $1200 OBO.

FYI, this is in Northeastern PA (Sayre/Towanda area) and is driven daily to Binghamton NY.[addsig]

 

[Tug-n-pull]

1065777

That sounds fair to me someone will offer a grand and when they do take it! Tug[addsig]

 

[ODAX]

1065784

i agree with tug, if i was the buyer i would be concerned about the rust and also you are getting near the end of the motor life with out a rebuild . know some folks get more mileage out of the 4.2 but in my humble opinion its near the end of its life ............odax [addsig]

 

[jps4jeep]

1065789

If you were to purchase a new jeep, is it possible that you turn this one into a real long term project. welds don't need to be pretty to be strong! Other than the ruated frame, it sounds like a god canidate for a V8 and some minor cosmetics.[addsig]

 

[bluebelle]

1065910

Condition Trade-In Value Retail Value
Extra Clean N/A N/A
Clean $4,325 $6,175
Average $3,475 $5,000
Rough $2,555 $3,925

I did some Internet research for you. On cars.com. You can find this info from the black book of used autos.

Some guy was trying to sell me an 89 with less than what you have in accessories, a little less mileage, some rust, for $5,000. I found out by tracking down the previous owner that he paid $2000 six months earlier. I was a new jeep buyer and simply didn't know the jeep game. Probably owned several dozen cars in my lifetime, but jeeps can fetch what ever the buyer wants to spend. Bluebelle ran me $3000: 100k miles, rebuilt transmission, didn’t run and everything was trashed – everything. Her complete rebuild makes her $9000 with the original investment. It’s all in the market where you are.

For what you're offering, and the availability of jeeps in your area, it would fair for you to start your price in the $4,000 range. You can always negotiate lower.

Don’t give her away, ask a fair price. The motor, transmission and xfer case is worth a grand from the yards. Give them a call.

Don’t rip any one off, as long as you're up front with the buyer and they know what they're getting into, get every penny you can.

You’ll need the coin to play with your new one

blue
[addsig]

 

[K_K_PSI_GUY]

1065983

Bluebelle's right. Try to get as much money out of it. I don;t know if you can get as much as Bluebelle quoted you, but I'm positive you can get more that $1,200. Look at an autotrader magazine in your area, and base your price off of other like Jeeps.-Al [addsig]

 

[duff]

1065995

try listing it on e-bay motors. that should give you a good idea what people are willing to pay. just be sure to list everything , good and bad , set your reserve and let the bidders do all the work. e-bay motors is where i bought my jeep and i have sold stuff as well. can't get much easier. good luck.[addsig]

 

[Johns89YJ]

1066360

Thanks for all the advice. Still undecided about the fate of the YJ. May have a welder lined up to do some work on it. That will by me some time. I will consider the EBAY approach, since it sounds almost painless.[addsig]

 

[deloachman]

1066396

Hey. Another option depending on what kind of tax break you might need next year is to donate it to "Goodwill" or "Salvation Army". Since you can write off the FULL retail book value of the vehicle, it may result in a greater total $ savings than $1,200 cash

Mike :-D [addsig]