Knucklehead97 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Hey guys. I don't know if this is the right place to post this and I'm sorry if it isnt. But I'm a 15 year old from Alabama and I'm going to be buying my first vehicle sometime later this year. I've been interested in Jeeps ever since my parents bought a '06 Liberty and my brother bought a '97 Cherokee with 6 inches of suspensions and 33's. So I want my first vehicle to be a Jeep, but I also want it to be a pickup truck. Of course the Comanche caught my eye one day while researching stuff, but I've been skepticle about it because of it's regular cab and old age. I was on JeepForum.com and they told me to come to this site for some good information on the MJ Comanche. So if you guys could run me through some basics about it and all of that, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks Knucklehead97 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexia Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 So are you a 15 year old or a 20 year old in Gadsden? :P http://jeepspace.jeepforum.com/Knucklehead97 A Comanche or a Cherokee are both really nice for a young student or young adult. Moving to a dorm, to a new apartment, and eventually to a house. Either will move your possessions, but the Comanche will move large furniture that will not fit in the Cherokee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 If you have to ask...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 So I want my first vehicle to be a Jeep, but I also want it to be a pickup truck. Of course the Comanche caught my eye one day while researching stuff, but I've been skepticle about it because of it's regular cab and old age. Looks like you have to make a decision. There's only one cab type for the MJ -- standard. No crew cabs, and no extra cabs. Once you accept that as reality (if you do), the MJ is the front part of a Cherokee with a pickup box on the back. But you're right -- it is old. 1992 was the last year they were made, so the NEWEST Comanche you can possibly find today will be 20 years old. But Jeep hasn't offered any other pickups since then, so if you want a Jeep and you want a Pickup, the MJ is almost the only game in town. J20s are extremely rare, and much older even than MJs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 So are you a 15 year old or a 20 year old in Gadsden? :Phttp://jeepspace.jeepforum.com/Knucklehead97 :rotf: He's just a knucklehead. Probably born in 1997. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadinator Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Like I told you on the JF, if you are good mechanically, it is a good choice. If not, pass. These trucks are old. Great trucks, but old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 That's a rhetorical question. The answer is always yes. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankTheDog Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Even if you are not gifted mechanically they are a good first vehicle. Ease of working on (at least for me) would be 91-92 1st, 87-90 2nd and 86 3rd. If you buy one, get the service manual for that year if you can. It'll make your life easier. If you are going to pay somebody to work on it :fool: buy something else. But don't ask me what because I've been driving XJ's, ZJ's and MJ's exclusively for 12 years now. I know enough about ZJ's to stay away from them unless they have a stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 Well I am 15, I set my profile as 20 years old because I didnt know the age limit on this site. I've been on some which had an 18 year old at least access requirement, but were just simple forums which shouldve been teenager accessable. I think if I can find one in good enough condition, with a 4.0, AX-15, and 4X4 then I will get it. My other options would be a Toyota or Nissan Hardbody, which I've heard are great, but I'd rather have something in the end which I can strip down and turn into a pure project truck. I know one thing though, I cannot wait to get one to start working on and customizing it :rotf: Been getting measurements from my brothers XJ for a front bumper, and headlight rewiring :D Thanks for the help guys. Hit you up in the future for some lift kit help. Thanks. Knucklehead97 (which in case you were wondering, is deffinetely a Five Finger Death Punch referance.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebvance Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Well I am 15, I set my profile as 20 years old because I didnt know the age limit on this site. I've been on some which had an 18 year old at least access requirement, but were just simple forums which shouldve been teenager accessable. I think if I can find one in good enough condition, with a 4.0, AX-15, and 4X4 then I will get it. My other options would be a Toyota or Nissan Hardbody, which I've heard are great, but I'd rather have something in the end which I can strip down and turn into a pure project truck. I know one thing though, I cannot wait to get one to start working on and customizing it :rotf: Been getting measurements from my brothers XJ for a front bumper, and headlight rewiring :D Thanks for the help guys. Hit you up in the future for some lift kit help. Thanks. Knucklehead97 (which in case you were wondering, is deffinetely a Five Finger Death Punch referance.) I'm 23 and getting into to my first MJ and I LOVE it. I had a 97 firebird formula at your age. my parents paid to keep it running through the abuse I threw at it as a 16 year old. I eventually flipped it. Long story short, if your paying for the upkeep on a 20+ year old vehicle at the age you are I would step away. I have had my mj 3 months,its a 88 and has 100,000 miles on it. I Bought it for 2600 and prob put into it about 3000+ (of Course a big portion of that was bumpers and a winch), however I have done almost all the work my self. Bottom line, if your looking for a reliable vehicle, look for something 15 years newer and with about 50,000 miles on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenobian_84 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I'd say yes, go for it. My first vehicle I had at 17 was a '97 Pontiac Sunfire. I liked that car a lot, and I miss it every now and then; but I won't ever regret selling it. Even though my MJ was in pretty terrible shape last May when I first brought it home, I don't regret not one penny I've sunk into it (getting near the 2k mark I think? :clapping: ) If you want a real "American Legend" get a Jeep. If you don't want to deal with all the nit-picky upkeep these trucks tend to throw out to everyone here on this forum, then go for something easier. :cheers: Whatever decision you make, always feel good about it. Don't ever look back with regrets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MancheKid86 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 no doubt, you sir need a comanche, my father picked one up for a very reasonable offer, let me wrench on it and that was it, i had the bug no question, live eat sleep comanche, I'm on number 4 :yes: can't wait to see pics of your soon to be rig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86customanche Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I say of course. Why buy anything else? I bought my 92 about 3 years ago with about 185k on it and recently I only get around to starting it once a month and its still always first crank. If you do your research and find one that's been somewhat taken care of and has a 4.0, you will enjoy it. Extremely reliable and tough motors and will last forever, well almost. Being in Alabama, you shouldn't have a rust bucket near you, which is very good. Go for it but do your research before buying so you will have something that can be a good DD while you tinker with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Well, if I was 15 again...I know, I know, my profile says I'm 21 so Jeep chicks would be intersted in me...I would buy a Comanche, except they wouldn't be available for another 20 years or so. Anyhoo, if you bought an MJ and got yourself into a good auto shop class you could do some good stuff to it... I DO NOT mean jacking it up to the sky, hacking fenders, putting stacks on it and making a cheesy angle iron bumper and painting it urban camo, or "fat chicks can't jump" stickers all over it. More of a restoration. Then you'll have a vehicle you can use. If you can't do that, don't go for an MJ. You'll be broker than you are now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue88Comanche Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 My first Vehicle was my Comanche, I started out hateing it because it was a 5 speed, and did not have A/C, and other minor problems. my parents put 1-2k into it to make it safe to drive, (the electrical had to be rewired, over heating, and lights) I finally started toying with it and fixing something here and there. a year or so later dad had it repainted and that's when I knew for a fact the Comanche was for me I loved it after then even if i still did not have a/c, headliner, carpet, cup holders, and a working parking brake. now everyone who knows me knows that my Comanche is my baby, I don't let anyone drive it, i won't even let dad drive it across the yard... bottom line, would i buy another.... I shouldn't, but if the price is right, :no: and i have cash :fool: .. I would buy another :thwak: Comanche's are fun, but now my needs have changed. I bought my WK as my commute Jeep, I needed something that i knew would not let me down at random and got good MPG. but that also allows me to do much needed work on my Comanche, like getting the 4wd working again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue88Comanche Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Well, if I was 15 again...I know, I know, my profile says I'm 21 so Jeep chicks would be intersted in me...I would buy a Comanche, except they wouldn't be available for another 20 years or so. Anyhoo, if you bought an MJ and got yourself into a good auto shop class you could do some good stuff to it... I DO NOT mean jacking it up to the sky, hacking fenders, putting stacks on it and making a cheesy angle iron bumper and painting it urban camo, or "fat chicks can't jump" stickers all over it. More of a restoration. Then you'll have a vehicle you can use. If you can't do that, don't go for an MJ. You'll be broker than you are now. :agree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 I will be getting into a autoshop class next year, I would be in one right now but I'm homeschooled, and tradeschools won't take you until you're 16. I'm also hoping to get an apprenticeship at Rustys Offroad. And last but not least I'm hoping to fit in some welding classes from my dads friend. I am going to be keeping the Comanche stock until I get everything basic fixed in it. But when I get enough, I'd like to lift it 3-5 inches, add some 32 or 33's, and do some custom bumpering/foglights. And for the thing about painting it urban camo, my brother already took that color >.> I'm going with straight bedlined black. Do Comanches come with an A/C? Cause I've seen alot of people talking about how theirs didnt have one (I wasnt sure if they meant it didnt come with one, or didnt have one that worked.) Thanks. Knucklehead97 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 My 88 has A/C...does it work...not presently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue88Comanche Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Comanches do have an ac option, at the time they used R12, so of it has not been converted it would be a good idea to do that and replace all the seals in the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 I guess it'll all come down to if I can find a decent one at a good price then. I'm still fretting over 6 foot or 8 foot bed >. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue88Comanche Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I like my SWB MJs, but with the tool box in My Blue MJ that means the Dirt bikes ATVs and the lawnmower won't fit with the tail gate up. but I don't have any of those so it does not matter much to me and thats what a trailer is for :D There have only been a couple times i could have used a LWB but again thats what a trailer is for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I will never forget my first car. It was a 1938 Buick 4dr convertible, Twin fender mounted spares, straight 8, 3 speed with overdrive. I was 14 and fell in love with it the minute I laid eyes on it. The hood on that sucker was longer than most cars are today. The fella wanted $45 for it but after trying for an hour to get it started, with no luck, he knocked $5 off and I got it for $40. Got it home and set the points on it and it fired right off. You want a Comanche? Well get it. Go with your heart but use your head (Is that a contradiction in terms?) and learn what a wrench is for. :wrench: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I grew up with parents not able to help me with vehicle stuff, so all I had or could afford was junk, and living in Michigan, meant it was rusty junk. Working on those cars taught me more than I could ever have imagined. I started with a 64 VW Beetle and a repair manual. The rest was up to me. It just snowballs from there until you start making your own parts with all the tools youve accumulated over the years, and sometimes look forward to the challenge of taking another ragged out car and making it good again. There will be blood sweat and maybe tears, and definitely beers, but it all works out in the end. Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing. Oh, and don't get a toyota, those guys are just pricks. don't be a prick, get a Jeep! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relyt120 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I'm 19 and my MJ was the first vehicle I ever bought, though I drove an Isuzu Rodeo for a few years. I was fine with the Rodeo when I had it but when you find a vehicle that you enjoy sweating over and getting dirt and rust in your eyes working on it despite the pain you can't help but be happy even if it is 5 different colors, loud, and 23 years old. bottom line: If you cared enough to join the ComancheClub then you NEED an MJ. oh yeah my MJ has the coldest air I have ever felt, just saying. PS If you're 15 why do you need more seats? u got room for you and your GF so you're good! Wait till you're 40 to get a minivan! PSS Get one with a bench seat, get Cozy with the GF, trust me. :fs2: ...better get back to work, good luck with finding the right truck- you won't regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 I think a Comanche is deffinetely going to be my first truck, I've read multiple threads these past couple days and they've made me want one more then anything. If I have to fix it up some, who cares cause once I fix most of it up it'll keep running for years longer then these foreign "smart" cars! If I can find a long bed that looks good enough, I'll go with it cause I will be opening a mowing business next summer with a friend of mine (don't wanna dish out the couple hundred for a trailer) And the reason I was wanting more seats, is cause I've already got a 4 yr old nephew (and 2 other nephews growing to that age) that loves riding with me and my brother in his XJ. I'd also just like the extra seats for friends, but I'll live with 3. I'm thinking of adding the bucket seats from a Ford Ranger to it instead of the benchseat though, cause the middle console folds up to reveal a third-connected seat while keeping the extended comfort of the buckets on the sides. I've also heard of people adding another row of seats into the bed of the truck, is that street legal if you do it right? (just an idea thats been passing my mind) Thanks yet again. Knucklehead97 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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