Should I buy a Comanche?

[bigmistake]

Hello ComancheClub,

 

I stumbled across Comanches while shopping for a used/beater truck, and I am loving everything I see about these little trucks.  This forum has amazing tutorials and project threads.

 

While I love the aesthetics and potential of the MJ, I'm wondering if it is the right purchase for me.  I'm wanting a truck that runs reliably (I'm happy working on it to get it there), can be used for some light towing, can pickup building supplies for projects around the house, and can be used for some weekend camping/hunting/fishing trips.

 

I've never worked on my cars apart from normal maintenance, but I'm interested in learning to do everything myself - is the MJ a good potential place to learn?  Are there any years/models I should avoid?

 

I'm located in north Texas, and I'm not seeing a ton of them in the area... but if this is a viable truck, I will for sure keep an eye out!  Any thoughts on prices I should expect to pay?  I know a lot of you have crazy tales of getting comanches for $500, but I'm seeing more in the $2000+ range for my area.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, and I look forward to your responses!

 

 

[87MJTIM]

What yr? Eng? Trans?

 

Everyone can/will give advice (some may be useful).

[bigmistake]

What yr? Eng? Trans?

 

Everyone can/will give advice (some may be useful).

 

I don't have my eye on any particular vehicle right now - more of a "what should I be looking for" post.

[DesertRat1991]

Honest assessment?

 

I'm not sure I would recommend a 25-30 y/o vehicle of any type for a novice wrench turner.  However, if you manage to find a 91 or later truck you'll at least have access to OBD-1 DTCs to help you along.  On earlier models, you pretty much need to rely on your personal experiences and skill with a shop manual to diagnose problems.  The truck is easy to work on.  Lots of room in the engine bay and underneath. 

 

Motor-wise, they are as reliable as XJ Cherokees.  You'll get 300K out of a well cared for motor.  The downside is that certain Comanche body and electrical parts are more scarce than their Cherokee counterparts.

[Freestoneriver]

Well I bought one a month ago for $5k and I'll share my experience and then you can decide.  The one I bought was a 1990 and it is pretty clean for its age.  A small amount of rust, but really not bad at all.  It only has 65k miles on both the frame and the engine.  The guy who sold it to me is a part-time mechanic and he had done an engine transplant (still the stock, 4.0 liter straight six). The engine is warranted to 100k miles.  Most folks I talked with say that engine is a good, strong, long-life engine.  However, I'm really disappointed with my gas mileage: only 13 MPG average so far. The seller had done a number of other repairs and had repainted the truck and wire brushed and sprayed Rhino Liner on the whole underside and bed.  The interior cloth and vinyl is in great condition, but needs to be cleaned.  The headliner needed to be replaced.  The side view mirror needed to be replaced and that is a simple operation, but it turned out to be problematic using aftermarket mirrors.

 

When I bought, it I knew I needed new shocks and springs (S&S).  I did the back end myself and had my mechanic do the front S&S.  I knew the steering was loose when I bought it.  I replaced the steering stabilizer and it helped, but didn't fix the problem, so my mechanic is replacing the track bar.  I've had leaks: replaced the valve cover and transmission lines.  My mechanic is doing a dye test to see where the engine oil leak coming from; he thinks it may be the front seal.  When i topped off the differential fluids, I learned that the front left axle seal was blown.  I'm having my mechanic replace all the front axle seals and the differential bearings for good measure.  So one month into this project, I'm approaching $2k in mechanical expenses for what I thought was a nice, clean truck.   However, here's my rule of thumb for old vehicles (and sailboats): whatever you pay for it, plan on putting at least the same amount into it for repairs and then hope for the best.

 

Would I do it again? Yes, I love all the Jeeps.  I knew there would be mechanical surprises and I budgeted for them.  Several people, including Jeep owners I've met are drooling over it.  For prices, scan  the internet car sites and craigslist for Comanches.  Depending on condition and 4x4 vs 2x4, most seem to be in the $3k to $10k range, with a few show trucks being much higher in price.

[RAH66]

It will easily do all those things you wanted it to, but in my opinion, you should only get a Comanche because you're an enthusiast and want a Comanche, not just because you want a truck.

 

They're rare trucks, which is a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing in that you have a unique, capable, just plain cool truck! But it's a curse in that because they're so rare and unique, things you may take for granted on some vehicles would be a hassle on this. Take tail lights for example: a quick eBay scan shows that replacement tail lights for a Ford Ranger are in the $30-40 range, whereas finding a mint pair of Comanche tail lights can be several hundred dollars. The aftermarket support for Comanche specific parts is pretty small.

 

Basically, they're amazing trucks, but due to their rarity, they can require a little bit more time, research, and money than your typical Ranger, S10, etc.

 

Take all this with a grain of salt, I've only been a Comanche owner for a few months (but I have owned plenty of other vehicles to compare it to). Maybe others can chime in with the long-term aspects of ownership.

[moparbrown]

http://autos.searchtempest.com/search?Region=na&catname=cars+%26+trucks&cityselect=zip&maxDist=400&zip=63304&category=8&subcat=cta&minAsk=&maxAsk=&search_string=Jeep+intitle%3AComanche&keytype=adv&at=1&sortby=distance&region_us=1

 

That link helps you search craigslist all around you easily. You will most likely have to put money into it but it depends on how much certain things bother you. I've had mine for a few months and plan to fix the leaks, quarks, and dents but not all at once. I'd just say to get a mechanically solid truck that drives good. Check for rust where everyone suggests on here.

 

 

91 4.0 Manual 2X4 Shortbed with 225k

St. Louis MO

[Dzimm]

Yes the MJ is a great truck for what you are looking for.  It is easy to work on and very reliable.  For a beginner it will take some time to get used to but thats gonna be the case with any vehicle you choose.  With the availability of parts for these, since they are almost all interchangeable with the XJ, this is probably the best match for what you are looking for.  If you do accidentally screw something up, you can easily and fairly cheaply find replacement parts (every junkyard I've ever been to has at least 3 different XJs).  Here is one question to ask yourself, how many 20+ year old blazers/s-10s do you see? How many Rangers/broncos do you see?  How many XJs/MJs do you see?  There is a reason for it.  The XJ/MJ platform is time and time again rated towards the top for reliability.  I would 100% recommend someone to start on this platform and work from there.

[87MJTIM]

The MJ came with four different engines and had three different phases.

 

The four engines were 2.5L 4 cyl,, 2.8 V6, 4.0 6 cyl and diesels 

 

'86 is a stand alone year.  It was the only year that came with the 2.8 V6.  This is not a desirable engine.  Many owners swap in a GM 3.4 or a 4.0 conversion.  There are also differences in the front radiator and supports.

 

'87 - '90 came with the 4.0 6 cyl.  These are called Renix Jeeps  The fuel delivery system was designed by Renault and Bendix (Re-nix).  Good engines, but lots of hoses and sensors.  These are not OBD compatible.  (A member on CC sells a scanner that can read the signals for the Renix.  Well worth the investment.)

 

'91 - '92 are the HO (High Output) engines by Chrysler.  These two years saw the fewest productions runs with 92 only seeing approx 4000 made.

 

The 2.5 was offered for all the years.  This engine is basically a 4.0 minus two cylinders.

 

The diesel stopped in 89 or 90.  Not many diesel were sold in the USA.

 

These are great little trucks.  I get a lot of compliments on mine often.  

 

It shares a lot of parts with the Cherokee XJ (84-96), so replacement parts are still available through parts stores and online retailers.  However, there are part that are unique to the MJ and very hard to find (cargo box and all attachments[tail lights], rear bumpers, fuel sending unit, rear leaf springs and probably others will mention).

 

I love mine.  Original owner, 288900 miles.  Never plan on selling.

[bigmistake]

Thanks for all of the feedback!  The personal experiences and opinions are incredibly helpful.

[Minuit]

My first ever wrenching experience was my '91, which hadn't been driven for 8 years at the time I took ownership. It wasn't that bad getting started. Compared to modern stuff an MJ is downright crude in some respects, and if you're a novice that's a good thing. The MJ's capabilities are perfectly in line with your needs.

[acerocknroll]

My first ever wrenching experience was my '91, which hadn't been driven for 8 years at the time I took ownership. It wasn't that bad getting started. Compared to modern stuff an MJ is downright crude in some respects, and if you're a novice that's a good thing. The MJ's capabilities are perfectly in line with your needs.

 

Came to post almost exactly this (even down to the model year!)

 

I had very minimal experience working on my own vehicles but I did have access to basic tools (and have since bought WAY more haha), the ability to follow basic instructions and the desire to learn. That's really all you need, almost two years later and I feel comfortable doing basically any repair on this truck or my friends XJ's. They are pretty easy and even fun to work on, especially if you can find one down there that isn't super rusty! I can't even imaging how nice it must be to wrench on a truck where every bolt doesn't fight you coming off. 

[FrankTheDog]

I paid $500 for my 92 4.0 2wd manual with 100k on it in 2011.

I put approximately $1,500 into it in the first 6 months, that includes making it 4wd and putting a Dana 44 in the rear.

Also put new brakes, and cooling system in it.

It now has 214k on it and all I've doon since the original work is put an alternator and brakes and exhaust on it.

 

I drive it every day and it is getting very rusty so I'll be pulling it off the road soon to repair all the rust.

It has never let me down.

[R1.]

The MJ came with four different engines and had three different phases.

 

The four engines were 2.5L 4 cyl,, 2.8 V6, 4.0 6 cyl and diesels 

 

'86 is a stand alone year.  It was the only year that came with the 2.8 V6.  This is not a desirable engine.  Many owners swap in a GM 3.4 or a 4.0 conversion.  There are also differences in the front radiator and supports.

 

'87 - '90 came with the 4.0 6 cyl.  These are called Renix Jeeps  The fuel delivery system was designed by Renault and Bendix (Re-nix).  Good engines, but lots of hoses and sensors.  These are not OBD compatible.  (A member on CC sells a scanner that can read the signals for the Renix.  Well worth the investment.)

 

'91 - '92 are the HO (High Output) engines by Chrysler.  These two years saw the fewest productions runs with 92 only seeing approx 4000 made.

 

The 2.5 was offered for all the years.  This engine is basically a 4.0 minus two cylinders.

 

The diesel stopped in 89 or 90.  Not many diesel were sold in the USA.

 

These are great little trucks.  I get a lot of compliments on mine often.  

 

It shares a lot of parts with the Cherokee XJ (84-96), so replacement parts are still available through parts stores and online retailers.  However, there are part that are unique to the MJ and very hard to find (cargo box and all attachments[tail lights], rear bumpers, fuel sending unit, rear leaf springs and probably others will mention).

 

I love mine.  Original owner, 288900 miles.  Never plan on selling.

 

Thanks for this info.  

 

If you are an individual who doesn't mind a worthwhile challenge stick around.  These truck take a fair amount of wit and grit.

 

Getting things right on these trucks is a lot like archeology,

 

I'm getting better at chasing down electrical problems.

 

Some where is the past of my truck the owner didn't seem to mind thinks not working, or being bolted down, or being removed.  It seems I spend as much time trying to figure out whats missing and how it worked than actually wrenching on the truck.

 

I do admit the cool factor is significant. 

[johnj92131]

Nothing quite so expensive as a car/truck that "needs a little work".  Best to pay for the work somebody else has done.

 

You may want to look at this truck for sale by a long time member here.  There is also a full build thread for the last 5 or 6 years.  So you have a bunch of honest history.

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/53011-1990-pioneer-oct-16-cotm-for-sale/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/53012-sorry-guys-I'm-out/

[NC Tom]

My two-cents as a new MJ owner.

 

I love my 88 truck! Fun to drive, drives nice, rides nice, 4.0 is solid. You WILL spend money on it, so get a "good" one for the lowest price possible. Beware of sellers. There will be liars. They will be taking advantage of the minor collect-ability of these trucks. If you have access to a non-partial mechanic, take them with you. Go over every square inch. Look for rust, drips, stains, new paint, new screws, anything that looks too new, out of place or clearly not stock should be questioned. If the sellers gets pissed that you're asking so many questions, that's your cue to walk away.

 

These trucks are for "wants" not "needs". While it will easily do all the things you need it to do, you'll want to do said things in an MJ.

 

Again, even though I may sound a bit negative, I love mine. I just don't think they are for everybody.

[yellaheep]

I too am a proponent of the MJ being more as a secondary, enthusiast kind of truck.  There are more comfortable, sturdier platforms out there in similar price ranges and tend to be MUCH easier to get parts for.

 

For example, I just sold my "run around" MJ to an enthusiast locally and got this to take it's place......

 

'01 Dakota 5.9 4x4 auto.  One owner, 280K miles, meticulously serviced.  He ran it off the road this winter and smacked the lower front control arm on a large rock which tweaked the position of the lower control arm and it's now unable to be aligned as it should be. Everything works, kenwood stereo system, cold air intake, Jet performance chip, Magnaflow cat-back exhaust, 3" body lift, NEW tires, recently rebuilt trans - modified valve body for firm shifts and better fluid flow and an external cooler, rear leveling air bags for towing, near perfect interior, super straight body, minor rust, fading paint.  $2,000.

 

I'll get the bent stuff fixed, do some other fixes to a wonky steering shaft and then drive the piss out of it.........  :yes:

 

 

The MJ cab is just too small for me to run it daily.  For towing / hauling I like a heavier vehicle.  Things like dry rotting window weather seals, rusty floor boards, unobtainable parts like fuel sending units, fan pulley bearings, rear window seal/gasket, etc have driven me to go newer.

 

I'll enjoy my other MJ's as project and off road vehicles.