Almost picked up at 92 2wd LB 2.5 5sp but issues...

[AMCJeepMJ]

Came close to a car trade today, but I think the MJ owner would have come out far ahead; was going to trade my 03 Cavalier for a 92 MJ... the Cav works/drive fine, is road legal, and everything operates [bad tires and minor body damage to fender] but the MJ has:

 

• 140k 2wd 2.5 long bed, 5 speed, base model, no A/C, and a 1992 model year
• Rusty coolant and clean but dirty oil
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• intermittent noisy valves or lifters?
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• Low clutch pedal engagement [fluid full but dark]
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• Noisy fuel pump... like hear it 15 feet away noisy
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• Shakes at 55-60 [old tires or track bar? could not isolate vibration]
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• Last registration sticker on tag was 2008
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• Minor body damage to rocker panels and both bumpers
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• Bad headliner
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Thoughts on the issues or the potential even trade [i know ev1 here is biased for the MJs and Cavs are universally hated]? The truck is 140 miles away and would hate for it to crap out going over the pass [snow/ice].

[ScottJeep]

Eh... go with your gut...better to walk away and drive home with something you know vs you know...walking 

[Minuit]

You did the right thing and I think most people here would agree. We're biased towards MJs but that trade wouldn't make any sense unless you really (and I mean really) wanted a poorly maintained '92 4-banger 2wd that sat for a while for a project.

[AMCJeepMJ]

I told the guy that if he fixes the title issue and flushes the coolant until green then we can play ball. It's just disappointing since I was hoping to drive home in a 92. I don't mind a few weekend projects since the car I would be swapping just sits and is doing just as much good.