Looks sharp, please advise on price

[lurch05]

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

[Eagle]

He has a VERY strange notion of what "restore" means.

 

There's a company in Texas that specializes in restoring full-size Grand Wagoneers. They do true restorations, and they sell for good money, but you're getting the equivalent of a new Grand Wagoneer for your money. What this guy is doing is not "restoration," it's "modification" -- and (as has been noted), people selling modified Jeeps (or any vehicles) rarely get their money out of the vehicle.

 

I'd say pass on this one. The one Skorpyo suggested looks like a much better deal -- even if it does have the wrong grille in it :)

[lurch05]

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.

[Minuit]

The only MJs I can think of that are actually worth 13k to me at the moment have been extremely low mile garage queens from the day they left the showroom or extremely well done restorations and as Eagle has pointed out that truck is as far from restored as it gets. I may be biased, since this "style" of build is very common and it's not my favorite way to outfit an MJ. It's a 97+ grille away from looking just like most of the big money builds out there. With that said, it really does look like it's been built well. I wouldn't pay that much for it, but it's not my style of MJ. If it is what you like I don't think it's a bad buy by any means - it's a very subjective kind of thing, and if you like the truck enough and are willing to pay big bucks for one that's been sorted out already, who are we to judge?

[Jeep Driver]

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.

If you can afford it, it's a good buy. 

 

 

Let me be clear, I'm not suggesting you buy it, I am, however, giving you a counter opinion based of knowledge of parts and what the seller has put into it. 

[johnj92131]

Lurch05,

 

Welcome to the group, first of all.  As you have seen we are a varied group.  But, I can tell you honestly, with no equivocation, for the most part, we are also a bunch of cheap skate perfectionists.

 

That is not a knock against any of us here.  Just a factual statement.  It is also true, that this group is incredibly KNOWLEDGEABLE..

 

So here is my advice and opinion:  If the truck seems to be what you want/expect and you have the means to buy it - After doing your own inspection.  Well, Just negotiate hard with the seller.  Remember - he has had it on the market a long time and no sale.  So a good buyer has bargaining power.  Set your price - stick to it and best of luck. 

 

Remember, you are the guy who needs to be pleased with the truck.  Also, life is a learning experience.  What makes me happy, may not be what makes you happy.  I have spent lots of money on toys and then gotten tired of them and just moved on to new toys for more money.  Some may think I have been waste-full or stupid.  Me, I just got new toys at Christmas.  Guess I am just a kid at heart.  But aren't we all?

 

I play with cars and trucks  I have no desire or expectation to make a profit. I just do it for fun!  .  Others, play with them and expect to make a profit.  Suspect that is the fact with your seller.

 

When I buy real estate - it is a different story for me:  That is business and my goal is to earn money and have a good place to live at the same time. In short, fun is one thing.  Earning a living is something else.

 

Bottom line, if you like this truck and it makes you happy to buy it.  Don't worry about the rest of us here.  We only offer our honest opinions base on our own points or view.

[Eagle]

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.

 

That may hold some weight for you, but it doesn't mean jack to me, and it doesn't mean he knows jack about Jeeps. So he dropped a 124,000 miles engine into a repainted body, and that's his idea of "restoration"? I think you should look elsewhere. The more I learn about this one, the more I think I wouldn't touch it with a 10-yard pole.

 

 

 

In summary, I Think he was being truthful.

 

Because cops never embellish the truth, eh?

[Green Mesa XJ]

There are some things I am wary of, the engine swap being almost identical to the milage it's supposed to have now along with some of the details he doesn't give. Claiming $5000 for a 11 year old axel build doesn't mean much to me. On the other hand I doubt the MJ had much use, at least not from the details carfax freely provides.

To me this restoration is looks centric. Whatever is easily seen has a fresh coat of paint, while the engine bay looks like a 25 year old vehicle, and both engine and transmission were replaced when those are usually pretty solid. Maybe it started life as two wheel drive?

As for being truthful I can easily believe he dropped as much money as he says he did, which is money you normally never get back. But if he's done the work like you'd want to do yourself and you have the finances to buy it then you maybe the buyer for this jeep, it's a considerable amount of time, effort and money to make the MJ look as good as it does. If it's exactly what you would have built then he saved you years of building.

 

As for price, personally I'd be willing to walk away if you can't come to an agreement, especially if you're talking cash. Just keep in mind if you later decide it isn't for you and want to sell it you'll probably never get your money back even with meticulous documentation. There is a reason he has not got his asking price after some time on the market and his friends who gave awards to the jeep haven't grabbed it. Not saying it's not the right MJ for you just you don't have to deliver on the sellers expectations.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[87MJTIM]

Here's a 2wd for sale in Annapolis for a more reasonable price:

 

https://annapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/jeep-comanche/6286737657.html

 

For the price diff., you could make the wanted modifications - and still have beer money leftover.

[Jeep Driver]

Oh, come on now, that's apples to oranges. 

 

I don't care what the guy buys or doesn't buy, that's not the point of my post. 

 

On one hand you guys want, on the other hand, you don't want to pay for what you want. 

 

The guy claims to have $5K invested in axles, for example, I have no doubt he does. Everyone one of you want D44s, there is a thread here of guys complaining about spending $400 for one. Two axles bought, regeared, new bearings, seals, covers, brakes front and rear discs, AND lockers, set up for the MJ, painted...............that's going to run you $5K. 

 

 

I was mocked on another site for my Synergy steering (junk). My ultimate goal is better brakes, Wilwoods will cost me $1,250, as of today, I'm $300 short......next week I'll place my order. Point is- I've invested more than twice what I paid for my MJ in steering, suspension, brakes.............

 

You want, you pay. Tail lights for example, this will cost me $1000.......but I want what I want and I want it done right. Not some cobbled together make-do crap. I'm spending well over $3000 on paint plus my countless hours of body work........worth well over $5K. 

 

It's not just the big items either, you completely rebuild a truck and it will nickle-dime you to death. 

 

I've got nearly $20K invested in mine and it's a stripped down basket case.........paint. $3K invested in an engine that is coming out next year, making way for a SBC. I weighing trans decisions, new 700r4 or AX15..........don't really want to lose my clutch.......either way........$3500 New engine and trans, easy $10K....easy. I'll be well into $30K when I'm done. I want what I want. 

 

Seats, I've got to make a decision on seats, new Corbeau buckets or re-upholster the buckets I have........either way.......$1000. 

 

 

 

 

Why bother? My truck will never be for sale, I'll hand it to my son when I'm done with it...........I'll not let you guys mock me for my asking price. 

[HOrnbrod]

Jesus............

[Jeep Driver]

5 minutes ago, HOrnbrod said:

Jesus............

Who is that?

 

 

And your point is?

[Green Mesa XJ]

Did the OP ever update? 

 

Reminds me of of when I was a teenager my buddy had to have a certain Mustang, convertible and it had a certain spoiler and wheel combination. The one he bought was not the real edition just mad up to look like it. The guy he bought it from got it at auction up north,  you could tell it was wrecked at least twice, also rode hard. He over paid, put new paint, new roof, loud exhaust, 3 or 4 transmissions. Didn't get his money out of it when he sold it but still misses that car today. For every vehicle there is the right buyer just a matter of finding them.

 

far as cost to upgrade, I know I've put more then my old jeeps are worth just repairing them. Any upgrade I know is never going repay me more than the stasfaction of having it done and using it. I don't plan on selling my jeeps either. Already got two kids deciding on who gets which of my jeeps, very prematurely I might add. But I don't mind spending on something I own and plan to keep.  I think some of those customizing shows give people a bad idea of what their rides can be worth. It's not like house renovation when you get real value added at resale time.

[johnj92131]

Jeep Driver,

 

I understand your point because I have been playing with cars for a long, long time.  Like you, I have put way more money in different cars than I ever would/could get back.  I am going thru it right now with my engine conversion on the 1986 Diesel Comanche.  I will likely have $10K in it by the time I get it home.  But I am fine with that because it is one of my toys.

 

My better half looks at a car as simple transportation. So she drives a Toyota Camry.  When she wants a new one or a different color, it will cost her about $210 per month to lease or buy a new one.  She simply has no interest in cars as a hobby and is unable to understand why it is fun for me.

 

Unfortunately, most Comanche Club members don't understand that good parts cost good money.  Basically, they are cheap/broke.  And they have way more time than money.  Years ago, that was me.  It took me a while to understand that.  It took me even longer to get to the point I was able to pay for the toys I wanted.

 

 

[87Warrior]

Hey Ryan, what ever came of the truck inspection?

 

One thing is certain, you cannot buy a clean truck, build it to that level, replace parts, repaint and add mods for less than $13k. The problem is, mods generally don't add to the value of a vehicle. I think its overpriced for my area, but if I was looking for a clean MJ I'd be inclined to take a look with $10k in my pocket.

 

I was bothered by a few things in the pictures.

- No visors

- Driver side parking brake cable looks like it is pulled real tight

- Firewall looks to be blue with silver overspray in the corner (this would be my biggest reservation about the truck)

 

Honestly, I'd just like to know how the personal inspection went!

[HOrnbrod]

On 8/31/2017 at 8:25 AM, Jeep Driver said:

Who is that?

 

And your point is?

 

I'll sell you a NOS pair of MJ tail lamps in any flavor you want for a mere $900. Shipping included.

[Jeep Driver]

9 hours ago, HOrnbrod said:

 

I'll sell you a NOS pair of MJ tail lamps in any flavor you want for a mere $900. Shipping included.

You hold on to those for another 10 years and you'll get every penny of the $900. 

 

I'm not interested in MJ tail lights, one of many AMC/Chrysler/Jeep many mistakes. 

 

I keep speaking to the larger picture here. Apparently, most folks cannot learn from contemporary history. 

A buddy of mine from HS had two 67 Mustangs, factory 289 4 speeds, one blue and one white, he totaled them both. Back then, 82-84 or so, those Mustangs were $1200 used cars, anywhere by the dozens. 

Below is a pic of my 71 Camaro SS, split bumper. I long for those days, they are gone. 

You won't find a used driver today, Mustang or Camaro, not one either one of us can afford. 

 

Same will happen here, ten years from now there will be two types of MJs, rust buckets unworthy of restoration and ones in the $10K to $20K price range. 

 

 

 

 

Below is a pic of a NAXJA members FSC, he is also restoring an XJ, thread is here-  http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1091129

 

He is an amateur restorer, a home restorer. I'm only guessing at value here, the FSC is likely in the $35K neighborhood, maybe $40K to the right buyer. 

A true concours restoration.......maybe in the $80-90K range. 

 

 

 

 

What motivates me? I'm 52 years old, I have another 20 productive years left, If I'm blessed. 

My MJ is already an antique, its straight, worthy, and I know how to work on it, I own it........so............It might as well become my toy. 

Pigeon Forge is the Hot Rod mecca of the SE, Cruise-ins, Rod Runs, Jeep Invasions, and the like. Millions of people come from all over with all kinds of hardware. My truck may never compete with most but I will build a respectable  and unique Jeep. There are plenty of JK/JKU snobs around too and I'll not have them looking down their noses at me. 

 

There is money here, lots of money, Cosby is a podunk nothing town in the middle of BFE and I caught this guy getting gas yesterday-

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, I want to have a little fun myself, even if I can't afford a $300K Ferrari. 

 

 

 

[HOrnbrod]

A mere "I can't afford right now" reply would have been sufficient. (insert smiley)

 

Good luck in your next twenty productive years youngster as I have twenty years on you. Sincerely, I really hope you achieve your financial and life goals mate. I have, and it's a good feeling to know all is well.

 

From what I've seen, I admire your work, it's outstanding.  Just try to lighten up a bit. Your work speaks for itself, no need to be on the offensive all the time.

[Dzimm]

11 hours ago, Jeep Driver said:

Ferrari

*Lamborghini*

[Jeep Driver]

1 hour ago, Dzimm said:

*Lamborghini*

 

 

Looked like a Ferrari to me.............whatever it is, I can't afford it. 

[lurch05]

6 minutes ago, lurch05 said:

Guys, rejoining the party, I am late.  Finally picked up a new vehicle this weekend.  Drove to Connecticut for it.  

 

Anyone looking for an update may be slightly disappointed.  So I did try and go for the inspection, turns out guy had sold it.  Only way that would have been mine is if I had jumped on it right away.  

 

So, here is what I ended up purchasing- 2005 Rubicon, lightly modded, 65K miles. Pics to follow.  

 

Here is a link to a CL add here in DC that I think some may appreciate.  I will throw the add in the classifieds as well.

 

The ultimate survivor!

 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/d/1988-jeep-cherokee-comanche/6362341311.html

 

 

 

 

  

Here is what I ended up with:

 

 

[Pete M]

nice!