How do I go about buying a used Jeep Wrangler?

I'm a 22 year old guy from Michigan and I have wanted a Jeep ever since I first began driving. I've saved up around 5,000 to spend on one. I'm looking for a jeep thats a 94 to a 98 with under 120,000 miles and in decent condition with either a 2.8 4-cylinder or the 4.0 6-cyclinder. I have searched for about a week and I have yet to find a good buy. I'm not looking to mod it into an off-road vehicle maybe a small lift and some larger tires but thats about it. My question is what should I look for when buying one and how do I tell what its really worth (aside from blue book value, there's always debate on what the condition of the car really is in). Can someone give me any pointers?|||First off, if you are having no luck in finding a Wrangler around your area, you can try searching http://www.autotrader.com . They have a listing of Jeeps for sale around your area as well as up to 300 miles away, if you are willing to travel. It would be a good idea if you have a friend who is a mechanic to go with you and check the Jeep out for mechanical problems. Although most Jeeps are pretty reliable, there are a few people who dog them to death when they have them. You should look for rust, oil/fluid leaks under the Jeep, look for any dents under the undercarriage (this indicates that it has been off road and may have some damage underneath), look for oil on the motor, etc. Always test drive a vehicle before buying. If it doesn't crank or run good, don't get it. There's probably more trouble there than you are wanting to repair. Also, if the dealer says that you cannot test drive it, don't bother with it, just walk away. Use your common sense, if it doesn't look or run good, it probably isn't worth your time.





As for the value of the Jeep, get as much information as possible about the Jeep before you buy it and do a little research, such as on http://www.kbb.com to find out how much it should be worth.





I wouldn't buy from an auction. The thing with auctions is you don't know what you are going to get until you have already purchased it.





Hope this helps.|||Only buy what you want. Don't expect it to be perfect. That is the point of buying a used car. To repair things. Jeeps are fun to drive and own. You can buy replacement parts just about anywhere. Make sure if you get a 4.0L that the water pump has been replaced when the Jeep got to around 90,000 to 100,000. For some strange reason, just about all Jeep 4.0L have a thing for the water pump leaking or going out all together. Good luck and don't settle.|||If you want to buy a high quality used Jeep with a lowest price for the most reliable,I suggest you try auto auctions.





There are there kinds of car auctions.


Dealer only auctions --- only licensed dealers are allowed to buy or sell cars,You can not get in or bid without being a licensed car dealer or an employee.





Public auctions --- the public is allowed in.In fact,you usually cant by anything from public 'open' auctions because usually the pricing is too high.





Government and Police auctions --- Every day, the government confiscates, seizes and repossesses thousands of Vehicles.These vehicles are usually typically listed at 90% OFF their original value and auctions usually start at $100.





Two months ago,I bouht a near new SUV from online police auction.It only cost me $730 and i have not had one problem with it yet .


I followed the guide on


http://www.usedcarsinfo.info/index.php?t鈥?/a> .That site lists top 5 Police auction sites and help you choose the best one.


Good luck!|||Check the chassis for rust, make sure the floors and rockers are solid. I would go with the 4.0l if you plan on putting larger tires on it, you will notice an issure with highway speed if its a 2.8l. The stock stereo and speakers are complete junk so plan on buying some new ones. Also just check for obvious things like the any oil under the car, see how it starts and shifts, check the 4 wheel drive. And when you do get one, dont forget to wave to your fellow Jeepers!