Better to buy modified or do yourself?

07-21-2008, 12:36 PM

I am new to all of this and could use a little advice...

My brother used to have a jeep and I used to go off-roading/rock-crawling with him. I loved doing that and really miss it. I have begged him to get another Jeep so we can go more, but it's not in the cards right now. So, I have decided why wait for him when I can buy my own Jeep wrangler!

I am still learning about what I need and what I should be looking for. I do not need anything too major right now, since I am still learning and new to all of this. I want something that I can throw my dogs in the back and still drive down the interstate to the lake. However, I want to be able to take it off-roading and on some trails. I am not too concerned with rock-crawling at this point in time.

Would it be better for me to keep looking until I find what I want/need or should I just buy a stock jeep and have the modifications I want done to it? It seems there are pros/cons to both and I could use some advice!

jfiscus · 07-21-2008, 12:41 PM

Depends on your finances & what's for sale.

I am guessing by Jeep you mean a wrangler?
Keep your eye on the local for sale sections of the 4wd club websites & you may find a Jeep already built in your price range, and also keep an eye on craigslist.org for one already built. If you know someone who can do the mods then it may be cheaper to buy a stock Jeep & mod it, but buying a stock Jeep & buying mods & also paying a shop to install will be pricey.

07-21-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfiscus

Depends on your finances & what's for sale.

I am guessing by Jeep you mean a wrangler?
Keep your eye on the local for sale sections of the 4wd club websites & you may find a Jeep already built in your price range, and also keep an eye on craigslist.org for one already built. If you know someone who can do the mods then it may be cheaper to buy a stock Jeep & mod it, but buying a stock Jeep & buying mods & also paying a shop to install will be pricey.

Yeah, I do mean a wrangler - sorry about that! My finances are not unlimited. ;)

Do you know of any other 4wd club websites I can keep tabs on? I have been checking craigslist, but most I am finding are just 4 cylinders. I also worry that since I am new to all of this I will buy something that has been not well-maintained and I will end up having to redo everything anway.

jfiscus · 07-21-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scheibla

Yeah, I do mean a wrangler - sorry about that! My finances are not unlimited. ;)

Do you know of any other 4wd club websites I can keep tabs on? I have been checking craigslist, but most I am finding are just 4 cylinders. I also worry that since I am new to all of this I will buy something that has been not well-maintained and I will end up having to redo everything anway.

www.offroadohio.com
www.jeepinohio.com
www.terrainstompers.com
www.muddybuddys.net
www.ohio4x4.com
www.tkotrailriders.com
www.mv4w.org
Check Cincy, Dayton & columbus Craigslist. if you're local to Cincy. Possibly even the northern KY craigslist sites.
I prob missed a few other sites...

07-21-2008, 12:57 PM

Thanks - much appreciated. You just gave me something to do besides my work this morning. :)

tjjeepjeep · 07-21-2008, 01:19 PM

Another one ... May be a drive depending

http://www.kentuckykrawlers.org/index.php

kyrel69 · 07-21-2008, 01:28 PM

well also how much are you looking to spend/have to spend?

How good are you at working on car/trucks/jeeps?

Depending how much much $$$$ you want to spend and how well you can work on your own stuff makes a big difference. My self I like working on my jeep so as the years have gone by I have learned to do more and more.

It is cheaper to buy a 4x4 and upgrade it your self if you have the skills. Also think this better b/c when it breaks then you know how to fix it.

there were a few wrangles on cragslist last week for under 3k. They were mid 90's YJ. So they can be found for a ok price in running shape

07-21-2008, 12:36 PM	#1
scheibla Guest Posts: n/a	Better to buy modified or do yourself? I am new to all of this and could use a little advice... My brother used to have a jeep and I used to go off-roading/rock-crawling with him. I loved doing that and really miss it. I have begged him to get another Jeep so we can go more, but it's not in the cards right now. So, I have decided why wait for him when I can buy my own Jeep wrangler! I am still learning about what I need and what I should be looking for. I do not need anything too major right now, since I am still learning and new to all of this. I want something that I can throw my dogs in the back and still drive down the interstate to the lake. However, I want to be able to take it off-roading and on some trails. I am not too concerned with rock-crawling at this point in time. Would it be better for me to keep looking until I find what I want/need or should I just buy a stock jeep and have the modifications I want done to it? It seems there are pros/cons to both and I could use some advice! Last edited by scheibla; 07-21-2008 at 12:45 PM. Reason: Edited to add type of Jeep

07-21-2008, 01:28 PM	#7
kyrel69 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Middletown, Ohio Posts: 372	well also how much are you looking to spend/have to spend? How good are you at working on car/trucks/jeeps? Depending how much much $$$$ you want to spend and how well you can work on your own stuff makes a big difference. My self I like working on my jeep so as the years have gone by I have learned to do more and more. It is cheaper to buy a 4x4 and upgrade it your self if you have the skills. Also think this better b/c when it breaks then you know how to fix it. there were a few wrangles on cragslist last week for under 3k. They were mid 90's YJ. So they can be found for a ok price in running shape Last edited by kyrel69; 07-21-2008 at 01:35 PM.

07-21-2008, 12:41 PM	#2
jfiscus Terrain Stomper Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 633	Depends on your finances & what's for sale. I am guessing by Jeep you mean a wrangler? Keep your eye on the local for sale sections of the 4wd club websites & you may find a Jeep already built in your price range, and also keep an eye on craigslist.org for one already built. If you know someone who can do the mods then it may be cheaper to buy a stock Jeep & mod it, but buying a stock Jeep & buying mods & also paying a shop to install will be pricey.

07-21-2008, 12:57 PM	#5
scheibla Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks - much appreciated. You just gave me something to do besides my work this morning. :)

07-21-2008, 01:19 PM	#6
tjjeepjeep Just tired Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, OH Posts: 2,213 Images: 2212	Another one ... May be a drive depending http://www.kentuckykrawlers.org/index.php