lurch05

Posted this 22 hours ago!

Shoot, missed that, sorry!

Here is what I ended up with:

This truck doesn't belong to me, but I saw it during random local search. 1988 Comanche, 18.5k original miles. What a gem. According to the add, it's located in New York, but I came across it in the Washington, DC area. Here you go: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/d/1988-jeep-cherokee-comanche/6362341311.html

So, I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with this guy, he seems like a good enough guy. I asked him pretty much a laundry list of things. He said he does have a Carfax he thinks and that there were three owners before him and that the car originated from Alexandria Virginia. I asked him if he had receipts and invoices for the parts and he said he's got every receipt for every part he purchased. He said that he was extremely meticulous in documenting everything he did to the vehicle so that he could prove what it's worth. He said he's done all of the work himself other than the paint, which she stated a shop in Manassas Virginia did. He said there's no slop in the steering and that it drive straight. I asked him about the transmission which he said he pulled from and older Cherokee at about 80,000 miles. He said that the seats were in good condition and that he only put the cover on because he didn't want to mess them up. I also asked him about the motor which he said wasn't original ad about 124,000 miles. The guy was able to rattle off names of parts and upgrades and replacements he had done, which is like speaking German to me because I am un familiar with those terms right now . To be honest, after speaking With him, I tend to believe him. I also noticed on his eBay listing that he stated it one a couple of awards with NOVA JEEPERS which is a local club here in Northern Virginia, and he reconfirmed that that was true and that he still at the awards. I know that doesn't mean much in terms of reliability and functionality, but I have scheduled a test drive next week. He also stated at the end that used to work for NCIS and if that is true, it holds a little weight with me, as I work in Federal law enforcement. In summary, I Think he was being truthful.

His response to my rather lengthy email two days ago was this: "The only reason I'm selling the vehicle is because I like to restore them and sell them once completed. I do it as a hobby with this one being the 4th Comanche. The price of the vehicle is based on all the parts that I've put into the vehicle, axles alone are $5000." Regards, Diego

Look like this guy has posted it in other areas. Quick Google search brought this up: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-Jeep-Comanche-/152621451032?hash=item2388f28718:g:iUgAAOSwBt5ZJax7&vxp=mtr

All, I am writing down all of your questions so I can ask him tonight. Does anyone have a carfax account? He posted the VIN on the add: 1J7FT26LXKL417297. Would be awesome if someone could check that. Skorpyo, good to know you're in Woodbridge, thanks for reaching out.

Wow, thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll try and address some of my thoughts based on your input. First, I said daily driver, but in reality I have a daily driver (15 year old Ford Focus with 30k miles), this would be for little trips, but particularly for weekends away from D.C. (I can't stand being here in the city on weekends). I'd like something that'll get me a few hours out, can haul my gear, etc. So it looks like some say that it IS worth what he's asking and others, well, not so much. Comfort is something I can consider secondary, never had a luxury car in my life, don't plan to start now. I won't sit on a milk crate, though. As for the paint job and all around asthetics, I love it. I think it looks great. I also agree paint alone costs a lot of cash. Thanks for the links to other posts, unfortunately, I don't have Facebook, so I can't see the one that's in Berryville. I'm heading out this weekend. I'll give the guy a call tomorrow and chat a little more with him. Would like to schedule a time to visit and check it out in person, check out interior, and actually get behind the wheel. Finally, I live in a condo, I don't have space for multiple vehicles and tons of tools at the moment. By this time next year, hopefully, that'll have changed. Thanks for you thoughts guys, appreciate your help. I'll let you know how the meetup goes!

Dzimm, I would tend to agree with you but u fortunately, my mechanical expertise is limited at best. In my case, I need a truck that is solid and ready to go. Treating this forum as a classroom for that very reason, just need to start somewhere.

Hey Eagle, thanks for replying. I understand what you're saying. For me, it'd be a daily driver, which isn't but 20 miles a week. It'd mainly be used for light offroading/camping with the wife. I am not into rock climbing and I definitely avoid mud. Size is perfect for my needs. Only remaining issue for me is price. Unsure what he's done, if anything, to the motor and what type of longevity I should expect.

First off, thanks for accepting my membership request. My name is in fact not Lurch, but Ryan, thanks for having me. I have been a long time luster of the Comanche, but had not come across a decent one in my area, Northern Virginia, until now. Previously owned two 2002 WJ Limited Jeeps along with a 2012 two-door Rubi. I typically do a search every couple of weeks to see what is up for grabs in my area when I came across this: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/custom-built-jeep-comanche/6265332360.html Looks like it's in fantastic shape and that the guy did a great refurb on it. He wants $13,500 on it, but I believe it may be a little high. Looking for some insight from you guys on this. Anything I should specifically look for when I check out the vehicle? What other questions would you have for the seller. I've chatted with the guy a little bit, claims he's got $5k in the axles alone, which I don't necessarily believe as I have researched 06 Rubi axles and found them cheaper. Finally, what is a realistic price point on this? Better yet, what would you all pay for this vehicle as is (sight unseen as of right now). Looking forward to reading your feedback, hope you can steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance! -Ryan