Ttown

The 86 is the worst model year, no doubt. If it's a V6, that engine is trash and should not be mistaken for the famous AMC inline 6. The 1986 6-cylinder engine is a GM product and actually made less horsepower than the 4-cylinder option. The 4-cylinder is underpowered but otherwise "fine, I guess". The fuel injector for it may be expensive/difficult to find in working order if it goes bad. The 4.0L engine in 1987-1992 trucks is what you really want, unless you have your sights set on this specific one. So, wow! Thanks for all the encouragement. I didn't disappear, just haven't been able to pull the trigger yet. Mostly in-house negotiations with my wife.... but we're getting closer. And yeah, this one is the 2.5L 4 cylinder version. Good to know about the injector. I've read that yeah, with the 86 2.5l it might limit some of sourcing of parts which on others are plentiful with xjs. I'll follow up if/when I can make it happen. And if not this one, I am sufficiently encouraged by ya'll that its feeling more like a "when" than an "if" I'll take this plunge. thanks!!

So, yeah, as the subject line says, I am a newbie here, but have been reading and lurking for a while. I stumbled onto Comanches when looking for a car for my kid a while ago, and kinda fell in love, and now via a friend of a friend, have a chance to buy one. It needs work (likely a lot), and while I got a garage, tools, eagerness to learn and ambition, don't have much experience! Question is: how realistically difficult is it-- if I take the slow, steady, do-it-right method-- to be competent at restoring my own? I am not naive, and respect the skills and expertise needed. But I also know, everyone's gotta start somewhere... and where would a Comanche rank in the difficulty ranking of an option to cut your teeth on? The one I am looking at runs decently enough, no real significant rust; though parking brake is shot, maybe a steering leak, and definitely needs plenty of cosmetic work. Its an 86 with 198K. Owner wants $1200 and seems in range of stuff I am seeing out there. Looking for wise advice before I possibly buy it to keep me from getting in over my head!?