New to the forum and I'm asking the same ol question.

Hello everyone. I have owned a Jeep since 1994. I'm on my third now which is a 1980 CJ-7. I've had an 86 CJ7 and a 72 CJ5. Now I want a CJ5 again. I have always liked them more for their classic appeal and their no nonsense, no frill styling. Besides a Flattie they are (to me) the epitome of Jeep. So now I have found two that have grabbed my attention. One is a 65 the other a 62. I don't want to turn one into a trail rig or molest it in any way. I want to return it to stock as best I can. I'm not looking to make one a daily driver either. I want one as a project and to drive on a nice weekend. More for the accomplishment of saving an old Jeep from being cut up. I have a ruff estimate of what they are worth and believe both to be good deals. I know more about 7s than 5s and less about them made before 1970. I have not seen either one in person but will be looking at one this weekend. I will take pictures and ask questions that I need to (with help from you guys) to help with deciding a fair price.
Here is what I have now
This first one sounds like a steal, except it's an abandoned vehicle with Canadian registration. Oh the trouble that could come from that.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/car/587798806.html

This second one sounds like a fair price but I'm concerned with the transmission. I'll be looking at this one this Saturday.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/585522094.html

I'm located in Seattle and both of these Jeeps are located in Washington State. I'm open to all critiques and suggestions. Thanks for any help and I hope to join the CJ5 ranks again!

Mitch

 

The first one doesn't seem to be a bad deal if it's in driveable shape except for the title issue. That could pose a real problem. Imho the second one is over priced. The transmission issue isn't that big of a deal if you are mechanically inclined. The T-90's are easy to rebuild. Most likely the problem is the second gear bushing and maybe the 2-3 gear synchronizer assembly which are easily obtainable. I don't think I'd pay more than $1,500-2,000 for the second one if it's in otherwise good shape and driveable with a clean title. Make sure the vin tag matches the title also by the way.... Nickmil

 

X2 basically on all of that, except I would be down in the $1200-$1500 range on price just from looking at it. However, it might end up being in better shape than what the pics show, and that hard top looks fairly nice, so that should add some to my price, but I would just have to go look at it. Either way I don't think I see $3k there, but that is for my area, so prices are likely different where you are.

 

If you're willing or able to travel some down south here you can sometimes find a little better deals than up in Seattle. My buddy lives in Auburn and really hasn't found too many deals up there. Seems people think they are worth more up there or something. Here's one I found looking in the Portland area Craig's list. Been on there a while so may be able to talk them down some.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/583624457.html

Here's another one that "some assembly required" but also has been in there a while. Eugene may be a little far south though....

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/584536574.html

Don't get in a rush. Take your time and find the right deal.
Jeeps do tend to bring more money up in this area for whatever reason. Hard to find ones uncut around here...... You might keep an eye out in western Washington also. Plus, on March 9th is the Puyallup 4x4 Swap Meet at the fairgrounds in Puyallup, WA. Might find a good deal there also. Look in the section for events here, on the second page I've got a post with a link to the website for the swap meet.

By the way, Welcome! Nickmil

 

Thanks everyone for your input. Man I thought these where good deals. I'm from Texas where you would think Jeeps are made of gold with the prices they are selling them there. I'm looking for older CJ5s that are uncut and as original as possible. If I could get the title issue straightened out I'm sure I could get a deal on the first Jeep. I bet I could get it for under a grand. I guess I wont be selling my CJ7. I could never recoup a portion of what I have put into that beast.
I'll still check out the second one and see if I can't talk him down.

Thanks again
Mitch

 

Thanks nickmil for the pointers. Unfortunately I'll be in Boise during the swap. I missed it last year also. I have a few things I could sell myself.