Looks sharp, please advise on price

[lurch05]

First off, thanks for accepting my membership request.  My name is in fact not Lurch, but Ryan, thanks for having me.  I have been a long time luster of the Comanche, but had not come across a decent one in my area, Northern Virginia, until now.  Previously owned two 2002 WJ Limited Jeeps along with a 2012 two-door Rubi.

 

I typically do a search every couple of weeks to see what is up for grabs in my area when I came across this:

 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/custom-built-jeep-comanche/6265332360.html

 

Looks like it's in fantastic shape and that the guy did a great refurb on it.  He wants $13,500 on it, but I believe it may be a little high. 

 

Looking for some insight from you guys on this.  Anything I should specifically look for when I check out the vehicle?  What other questions would you have for the seller.  I've chatted with the guy a little bit, claims he's got $5k in the axles alone, which I don't necessarily believe as I have researched 06 Rubi axles and found them cheaper.

 

Finally, what is a realistic price point on this?  Better yet, what would you all pay for this vehicle as is (sight unseen as of right now). 

 

Looking forward to reading your feedback, hope you can steer me in the right direction.  Thanks in advance! 

 

-Ryan

[Eagle]

He's got some expensive parts in it. As much as I don't like to say it, it probably IS worth what he's asking ... to somebody. Personally, I'm only interested in stock MJs, so I wouldn't even consider that one. For me to buy it, I'd have to factor in how much it would cost me to return it to stock ... which might not be possible if the rear fenders are cut out beneath those flares.

 

Beautiful truck, though.

[lurch05]

Hey Eagle, thanks for replying. I understand what you're saying. For me, it'd be a daily driver, which isn't but 20 miles a week. It'd mainly be used for light offroading/camping with the wife. I am not into rock climbing and I definitely avoid mud. Size is perfect for my needs. Only remaining issue for me is price. Unsure what he's done, if anything, to the motor and what type of longevity I should expect.

[G00SE]

Is this a custom one-off cold air intake?

Or can this be purchased somewhere?

 

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[G00SE]

He's got some expensive parts in it. As much as I don't like to say it, it probably IS worth what he's asking ... to somebody. Personally, I'm only interested in stock MJs, so I wouldn't even consider that one. For me to buy it, I'd have to factor in how much it would cost me to return it to stock ... which might not be possible if the rear fenders are cut out beneath those flares.

 

Beautiful truck, though.

Eagle if you owned that MJ, I'd trade you bonestock 89 2wd for it..

 

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[Dzimm]

That is a very nice truck. It is probably worth that much but 95% of the fun of owning an MJ, is the building it to your needs. If I had that kind of money to spend on an MJ, I'd buy 3 of them and build them all in different ways.

[lurch05]

On 8/24/2017 at 4:11 PM, Dzimm said:

That is a very nice truck. It is probably worth that much but 95% of the fun of owning an MJ, is the building it to your needs. If I had that kind of money to spend on an MJ, I'd buy 3 of them and build them all in different ways.

 

Dzimm,

 

I would tend to agree with you but u fortunately, my mechanical expertise is limited at best. In my case, I need a truck that is solid and ready to go. Treating this forum as a classroom for that very reason, just need to start somewhere.

[Skorpyo]

Welcome and from a fellow NoVA member I'd say that's a nice truck but the price point would drive me away. Iv been looking on Facebook marketplace and this one looks nice and isn't that far for a 3rd of the price:

 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1437657266298012

 

Just helping out. Best of luck finding a good rig!

[lurch05]

Welcome and from a fellow NoVA member I'd say that's a nice truck but the price point would drive me away. Iv been looking on Facebook marketplace and this one looks nice and isn't that far for a 3rd of the price:

 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1437657266298012

 

Just helping out. Best of luck finding a good rig!

[Dzimm]

Dzimm,

 

I would tend to agree with you but u fortunately, my mechanical expertise is limited at best. In my case, I need a truck that is solid and ready to go. Treating this forum as a classroom for that very reason, just need to start somewhere.

So assuming you have the budget to buy this.. Buy a $5000 MJ that is built and reliable, then use the rest to buy one to build yourself. This is one of the best platforms to learn your automotive skills. No matter how much you spend on an MJ, at some point in the NEAR future, you will have to do some sort of troubleshooting and maintenance on it that you have not done before.

 

In my opinion, it would be best for you to have 2 MJs or an MJ and an XJ. One to daily drive and not worry too much about, and one to build and learn on. That way when your DD breaks down, you not only have a backup vehicle, you also have the know how to fix it. That way you don't get stuck in the stress and the situation of having a broken vehicle you depend on that you don't know how to fix. This all assumes that you have some free time to tinker on a vehicle. As for tools, start with the basics like a simple socket set, screw drivers, a hammer, pliers, and a floor jack with stands. When you need a tool you don't have, go buy them as you need them. There really isn't many special tools for anything on it so you'll be able to get a long ways into a build before needing to spend money on tools.

 

I say this from experience. I have 2 XJs and an MJ that I take very good care of, yet it always seems that at least one of them needs work done to it.

[DesertRat1991]

The seller has a lot of money into that truck.  It's priced right.

 

That said, I personally wouldn't drop that much on a truck customized by someone else.  That's no fun.  But, even if I were to entertain the idea, the truck would need to built by a reputable 4x4 shop for the purpose of reselling.  Too many opportunities for Backyard Bubba to screw things up otherwise. Drive train issues, electrical problems, etc.  

 

That could be a really nice truck though, if all the work was done right, and you trust the seller.

[Jeep Driver]

First off, thanks for accepting my membership request.  My name is in fact not Lurch, but Ryan, thanks for having me.  I have been a long time luster of the Comanche, but had not come across a decent one in my area, Northern Virginia, until now.  Previously owned two 2002 WJ Limited Jeeps along with a 2012 two-door Rubi.

 

I typically do a search every couple of weeks to see what is up for grabs in my area when I came across this:

 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/custom-built-jeep-comanche/6265332360.html

 

Looks like it's in fantastic shape and that the guy did a great refurb on it.  He wants $13,500 on it, but I believe it may be a little high. 

 

Looking for some insight from you guys on this.  Anything I should specifically look for when I check out the vehicle?  What other questions would you have for the seller.  I've chatted with the guy a little bit, claims he's got $5k in the axles alone, which I don't necessarily believe as I have researched 06 Rubi axles and found them cheaper.

 

Finally, what is a realistic price point on this?  Better yet, what would you all pay for this vehicle as is (sight unseen as of right now). 

 

Looking forward to reading your feedback, hope you can steer me in the right direction.  Thanks in advance! 

 

-Ryan

$13,500 is cheap. 

[G00SE]

ran across a couple on CraigsList

 

 

https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/d/1991-jeep-truck/6265166345.html

 

https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/d/1990-jeep-comanche-swap/6247803671.html

 

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[Keyav8r]

Welcome and from a fellow NoVA member I'd say that's a nice truck but the price point would drive me away. Iv been looking on Facebook marketplace and this one looks nice and isn't that far for a 3rd of the price:https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1437657266298012

Just helping out. Best of luck finding a good rig!

I don't think I've ever seen a Comanche with a hood ornament before.

[Jeep Driver]

Just a little perspective............

 

 

I'm not a fan of sellers paint scheme, that said...........

 

 

A quality paint job, a full paint, is worth every penny of $5k..........every freak'n penny. If you can find someone willing to do a full paint. 

 

I know, I'm going through it now, it's a process that absolutely sucks. 

[HOrnbrod]

Nice body and paint, great looking suspension, stock engine with new injectors and what looks like an Injen intake. Definitely wouldn't be my choice for a really a good daily driver and light off roading; too much lift and the ride and handling most likely sucks. Maybe worth half the asking price. If a DD is what you're set on, I'd pass for sure. You can do better for a lot less $$ for a really nice street MJ.

 

Edit: It's a Spectre intake, not an Injen.

[Pete M]

Is this a custom one-off cold air intake?

Or can this be purchased somewhere?

 

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dunno what brand it is, but it's not a "cold" air intake.  the air in the engine bay is wicked HOT. :( with no divider I have doubts as to its power making capabilities.  

[lurch05]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll try and address some of my thoughts based on your input. First, I said daily driver, but in reality I have a daily driver (15 year old Ford Focus with 30k miles), this would be for little trips, but particularly for weekends away from D.C. (I can't stand being here in the city on weekends). I'd like something that'll get me a few hours out, can haul my gear, etc.

 

So it looks like some say that it IS worth what he's asking and others, well, not so much. Comfort is something I can consider secondary, never had a luxury car in my life, don't plan to start now. I won't sit on a milk crate, though.

 

As for the paint job and all around asthetics, I love it. I think it looks great. I also agree paint alone costs a lot of cash.

 

Thanks for the links to other posts, unfortunately, I don't have Facebook, so I can't see the one that's in Berryville.

 

I'm heading out this weekend. I'll give the guy a call tomorrow and chat a little more with him. Would like to schedule a time to visit and check it out in person, check out interior, and actually get behind the wheel.

 

Finally, I live in a condo, I don't have space for multiple vehicles and tons of tools at the moment. By this time next year, hopefully, that'll have changed.

 

Thanks for you thoughts guys, appreciate your help. I'll let you know how the meetup goes!

[Eagle]

Just a thought:

 

I have an '88 MJ that I bought wearing a 4" Trailmaster lift, with drop brackets to maintain stock (-ish) control arm geometry. I ran it for a couple or three years on 31s, wheeled it with NAXJA NAC all over New England and at Paragon -- and hated it. The height was too low to need a step, but too high to get in and out without mashing the outer corner of the driver's seat. It rode like a truck -- a tri-axle dump truck.. Basically, it was pretty awful. I finally pulled off the lift and gave the parts to another member here, put it back to stock height, and I couldn't be happier. And, to be honest, I'd say at stock height running decent 235s or 30" tires it can go about 90 to 95 percent of the places it would go with the lift. For what you are describing, I don't think you need a lift, and all the issues a lift carries with it.

 

The Comanche, especially the shortbed, is a VERY capable off-road vehicle without any modifications other than perhaps a good limited slip or locker in the rear diff.

[Skorpyo]

Here's a photo of the listing:

 

 

Tim

[Skorpyo]

Also, I should add that I'm in the Woodbridge area if you decide you wanna wrench on a rig. I've got a 2-car garage and am always willing to help a fellow jeeper. There aren't as many of us in the NoVA area as there used to be. Mostly you'll see JKs and JKUs.

[jeeppapa]

I would run the vin and see if you can verify mileage. Do a car fax on it. Check for accidents. Do you know what's under the seat covers. Is the upholstery in good shape. Not quit sure if I by the amount of money in the axles. Was the engine rebuilt or tranny recently. It's a nice all around truck. Maybe start at 11,250 and work up from there. See if you could get it for 12,000 or 12,500. One thing about buying it is if you keep it up you could drive it for 5-6 years and sell it for about what you have into it. It's a special truck and it's going to hold its value.

 

Ask about any sound proofing that was done. Try verify the mileage. Those odometers can be changed. It not that hard Looks like he is doing a flip. Ask how did the paint if it's MACO beware. It really looks like a fun truck. It would be an attention getter.

 

 

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[lurch05]

All,

 

I am writing down all of your questions so I can ask him tonight.  Does anyone have a carfax account?  He posted the VIN on the add: 1J7FT26LXKL417297.  Would be awesome if someone could check that. 

 

Skorpyo, good to know you're in Woodbridge, thanks for reaching out.

[lurch05]

_{Look like this guy has posted it in other areas.} 

 

_{Quick Google search brought this up:}

 

_{http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-Jeep-Comanche-/152621451032?hash=item2388f28718:g:iUgAAOSwBt5ZJax7&vxp=mtr}

[Green Mesa XJ]

All,

 

I am writing down all of your questions so I can ask him tonight. Does anyone have a carfax account? He posted the VIN on the add: 1J7FT26LXKL417297. Would be awesome if someone could check that.

 

Skorpyo, good to know you're in Woodbridge, thanks for reaching out.

you'll need an actual carfax report. MyCARFAX maintenance history has it as around 123000 as of May 2017, but the free history only goes back to 2014 mostly Virginia inspections. Strange it's hardly done any miles since 2014, it failed safety inspection in 2016 then passed the next day. It did a few hundred miles was serviced in November 2016 , between then and may 2017 it did 3000 miles. But between 2014-16 it didn't get much use. A true carfax report may give a more detailed history and you can verify the milage if it's been inspected.

 

 

Personally I don't think it's worth all that much, but I don't know the truck market for lifted and other upgraded vehicles. What I've seen is most of the time people pouring the money in never get it back when it time to resell. May have $13 grand is parts but it's a still a $4-5 grand jeep. I'd rather buy one oem and build it myself.

But it is a sweet looking ride, although my gut feel from the pictures is a lot of attention was paid to looks and not as much mechanical. Engine looks untouched, which is good cause it's a 4.0 shouldn't really need anything. But it also sat unused for a hell of a long time and I wonder why. It could be it was a project jeep, and we all know projects take time and free cash, owner deployed military, or it could be it was messed up (suspension, axels, engine, transmission) for a long time.

 

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

 

 

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