If I was you I would save my money and wait till you have about $3500, and then start looking, because I know that you could find a really decient YJ for that much, and I think you would be much happier. The Jeep you discribed sounds like a piece of crap and I wouldn't even touch it. There's got to be something better around for you.

That's just my opinion without actually seeing it. But if you're really into it I think I would start bidding at about $800. and then see what happens. If they say "no way" give them your phone number, and tell them to call you if they don't get rid of it. Then walk away and start saving your money. If you get a call back start with the $800. again and see what they come down to.
then go up in incremints of $75 to your limit.

But by all means...don't buy it without testing it out to your satisfaction. don't just take his or her word that something works fine, check it yourself and be sure.
When was the last time they used it? Also Ask them why they are getting rid of it? Is there something broken that they don't want to put the money into?
Was there any major work that they had done to it? If so, what was it? Do they have reciepts?

There's a place just down the road from my house here in CT that has a Jeep for sale for under $5000. I forget if it a YJ or a TJ.
I'll take a picture of it and show you the condition it's in for that much, just to give you an idea of what you can find if you have some pacients,
and a little more cash.

Granted....You're looking for a beater, but you still might as well get your monies worth.

 

First thing see if it cranks and can drive under it's own power. Then no more than say $2000 and only because it is a 4X4 Less is better. I would have to see it but by the description a lot less is better. BTW lift the carpet and make sure it is not covering the fred flintstone style breaking system ie hole in floorboard.

 

If he expects to get much out of a jeep that's just sitting exposed he most certainly is smoking crack. inches of rain in the tub? we're slashing prices!!

 

check your local Craiglist! I bet you'll find a better Jeep for less $$$$.

 

I got this one for 6k. 4in lift, wheels, tires, bumpers, 4 KC lights, soft top, bikini top, both windows, paint and body are good, runs like a champ. From what your describing, I dont know that I could justify 5500. Just my $ .02.

 

i just sold my TJ last year for 6250 with 3" teraflex lift 33" BFG MT tires and 120K miles. 5500 for a YJ with no mods is more than a bit high.

 

I drove over there today with my camera and the sucker was gone!

But believe me.....You can do a hell of a lot better than that P.O.S. you discribed. Save your money and keep looking.
A much better deal will come along sooner than you think.

 

thanks for all the replies... i know that 5500 was way to much for it... but i would like to pick up a running old jeep for under 1000

anyways... i called and offered the guy 900... and he said he had 5 buyers lined up that offered him over what he wanted... and that 5500 was a good deal and i could pick it up now for that price...

i laughed and hung up...

why would he bother lying like that?? I know i go into walmart and say... "damn thats a good deal on that there toothy brush... 0.99?? hell, i give ya 11.00 for it"



BTW... its still sitting there

 

What hes asking it will continue to sit there.

I was at a 4x4 swap meet a few years back and they had a 97TJ with 80k on it completely straight and they wanted 4,000 for it. Hard top and all.

 

thats pretty steep for a YJ...........especially one that is trashed. Sounds like a $500 deal.............