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Question: Should i buy this jeep wrangler as a first car?

(Posted by: Keegsu812 on 2010-07-24 16:42:35)

Hi, im almost 16 and my parents and i are looking for a good first car. we recently spotted a 97 4 cyl jeep soft top. there asking 6900. it has 128000 miles and will need a new top and 4 tires in less than a year.we havent drove it but from that description should we buy it? i also want to know your opinion on this car as a first car. i know its mpg sucks but i will be driving 5 minutes a day to school and 30 minutes to practice twice a week. any answers will do. please give me as much info as possible Thanks!

Posted by: Jimmy on 2010-07-26, 14:13:16

You should also consider that such a car may be expensive to insure. Check your insurance rates before buying one, for example here - carquotes.fateback.com

Posted by: pickmefirstplz on 2010-07-24, 17:07:10

If you are looking for a good first car the jeep is not for you

Posted by: T DEE on 2010-07-24, 17:36:31

The pricing is high, and that car is now getting pretty old. I have a brother in law with a 97 that still runs great, but you never know about this car. If it is an automatic and is completely stock I wouldn't pay more than $5000 for it IF it is in good condition. If it has oversized tires you need to remember to take that into account since they need to be replaced. Depending on the size you are looking at anywhere from 1 thousand to 2 thousand Dollars to replace. A soft top is also probably going to run you around 1 thousand Dollars. So you're looking at (roughly) 2 thousand to 3 thousand to get it where you want it. That is without any mechanical problems. The other area for concern is that Jeeps are tougher to drive than many other cars. They are top heavy, and have very touching steering. You would have to make sure you are cautious and alert while driving. Especially if it is a stick. That's something to talk about with your parents though. Conclusion?? Test drive it... Make sure there are no mechanical issues... Make sure the price goes down if it is stock, because you're getting screwed if that is so... Factor in all the extra costs after purchase.

Posted by: Tomer Zazkis on 2010-07-25, 01:04:19

I used to have one and it was great! But I would def stick to an asian import like acura, honda, toyota, infiniti, nissan or lexus. These cars will give you less of a headache in the long run. I would also check the vehicle history first. CARFAX is a ripoff. I always use CHEAPVINSEARCH.COM. They are a relatively new site so not too many people know about them, but I think they are just a reseller of autocheck. But it only costs 9.99 and if you are spending a couple thousand on a car its def worth it. You might to get the car checked out by a mechanic for 200 dollars this could save you a lot of money in the future.

Posted by: Isaac on 2010-07-25, 03:32:33

No, if you're getting a Jeep, go with a straight six, the four cylinder won't give you the power the Jeep was designed for. And always look for a 4x4. I'd recommend checking Craig's List for Jeeps, it's where I found my Cherokee. You'll be able to find a wide variety there and you may be able to find a modded Jeep there for cheaper than it would cost to mod yours or you might get away with buying a Jeep with mods that your parents may not let you get. My Cherokee came with a lift, which my mum would never let me get otherwise. And with that many miles on it, without a brand spanking new engine in it, it's grossly overpriced. I'd pay no more than about $5000 for it. I'll also warn you, you'll pay out the derriere in gas, because you think you'll only be driving to school and practice, but as soon as you get a taste of mud in that Jeep, you'll be wheeling as often as you can, and you get about five miles to the gallon if you're wheeling right. But it's totally worth it.

Posted by: mkm7889 on 2010-07-25, 15:16:52

Honestly that is too much money. i just bought my new(er) jeep for 6500 and it was a 01 and it has a hardtop. and i HIGHLY recommend getting the 6 cyl motor. they get about the same mileage as the 4 cyl with MUCH more power. i think it is a good for a first time driver. just dont do anything crazy bc they have flip. also the engines last forever. my first jeep when i was 16 i still have it today with 210,000 miles on it with no end in sight. i would hold out for a 6 cyl bc it is a better engine. and this jeep is overpriced for how much work it needs check criagslist thats where i found mine. and i wouldnt worry too much about high mileage considering the I6 engine is pretty much bulletproof. also jeeps are super cheap to fix