cj-5 questions

[keas2k4]

well, im 16 and lookin for my first car and we found this 1979 cj-5 in the paper. the advertisement said the engine and transmission have just been rebuilt and hes put new seats and a cd player in it. i drove by(in my parents minivan unfortunately) and took a look at it. from what i saw the body was fine, but the tires looked a little old and there was no top. i was just wondering about a couple of things. my dads big on reliability when it comes to jeeps so i was curious on how dependable these things are. also, is 5k too much for this car if it runs well?

[Yucca-man]

Reliability? Keep in mind that this Jeep is 23 years old. For a first vehicle, I really wouldn't recommend it either, although it really sounds like you want it.

Bigger problem is that the wheelbase is only 84" on a tall vehicle which gives it a high (and dangerous) center of gravity. That and your inexperience make a dangerous combination. I know you feel you can handle it, but almost all of us have been your age at one time or another, and I know how dangerous youth, a strong engine and a short wheelbase can be. I also know how fun it can be, too...

$5000 might be a bit much unless it's very well taken care of. Come winter/rain you'll want a top on it, especially with a CD player. Old tires indicate it might not be as well-taken care of as $5k indicates.

If you are still determined to get it, spend the extra few bucks needed to take it to a mechanic for a thorough checkup, including having the AMC20 axle checked out. If the keyed spline loosens up, you'll end up having to buy new axleshafts, etc...not a good way to spend money at such a young age, in my opinion

[keas2k4]

thanks, i needed some good info, and i believe thats good enough. i like jeeps alot, but i can wait for a good car. i appreciate it

[lynn]

I agree with everything Jim said.

When my oldest son was 16, he wanted a Jeep. I made him wait until he was 17 to get one. Even then, I made him get a Scrambler, much more stable than a CJ5.
Jeeps, and especially CJ5s, demand alot of concentration from the driver. They can be difficult to drive for an experienced driver who is not accustomed to Jeeps.
For someone who is 16, you need to learn and gain experience with a more forgiving vehicle. There are so many things for a young driver to pay attention to, that the concentration it takes to drive a CJ5 safely on today's roads simply won't be available. And that can lead to disaster.

As much as I love Jeeps, I never recommend ANY Jeep to anyone with less than a full year of driving experience.

As for reliability, Jim covered that. You need to be good with diagnostics and a wrench to maintain a CJ, or have very deep pockets. Usually both.

I'm glad to see that you didn't argue with Jim. I've seen other young men not listen to the voice of reason and experience, and wind up in a world of frustration with a Jeep. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Stay interested in Jeeps, read the forums for the next year, get a flavor of what is in store if/when you get one.
When you do, we'll be here to help.

Good luck!

[RebelGT]

get a SOHC honda civic manual, extremely reliable, and if you fug it up when your still learning to drive, its no big deal.

[keas2k4]

well, thanks for all the different info. it helped me out alot in lookin for a car that would fit me. me and my dad are gonna go car shoppin soon and find a car right for me. thanks for the input

[heigt]

The car I started on (5 years ago) was a 94 Camaro. Just the regular V-6. It was an absolutely awesome car. It was flashy, had t-tops, sort of sporty, and just plain cool.

However, for the parent part, it wasn't that powerful (only a V-6, was limited to 115mph), handled really well (to get me out of those stupid situations my innexperience got me into), and was a very safe car. It's just about impossible to roll and you have a lot of metal around you. They're also not that expensive used (that's about the only way you can get them anymore :cry: )

I'd recommend that to anyone for a starting car and if I was 25 years older with a son or daughter buying his/her first car, that's one I would very seriously consider.

Todd

[keas2k4]

yeah, that was my second car that i was lookin at getting. i saw this 95 Z28. im not a speed demon, i just like to have the power to use if its ever necessary. that sounds like a load of bull when its coming from a pretty new driver, but its the truth. anyways, once again i thank you for the advice.

[Yucca-man]

Originally posted by keas2k4
once again i thank you for the advice.

More importantly, thank you for listening and responding civilly. Like lynn said, it's pretty common for "young folks" :lol: to argue when told their choice might not be the wisest. Your well-mannered reaction speaks well for you and your parents. Good luck to you no matter what you choose.

Jim

[heigt]

Originally posted by Yucca-man


...Your well-mannered reaction speaks well for you and your parents. Good luck to you no matter what you choose.

Jim

Hear Hear!

<raises a glass>:beer:

oh, oops, shhhhhhh...don't tell the bartender :bigsmile:

Good luck with the decision, and have fun with you're new license!