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!

[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.

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]

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...

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

[tjjeepjeep]

Another one ... May be a drive depending

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

[kyrel69]

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

[wilson1010]

Originally Posted by kyrel69

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.

Agree with this 110%. The more you do for yourself, the more you learn and can do and help others.

It is cheaper to buy a 4x4 and upgrade it your self if you have the skills.

Not sure i agree with this. If you put a $1000 upgrade on a Jeep, it will not increase much in value. In fact, it may go down in value. Especially if its a lift or cage or aftermarket bumpers or tow hooks and the like. So when you purchase someone else's project, they typically lose a lot of the money they put into it and you have a cheaper built Jeep. Problem is that you get it the way they built it, not the way you would build it.

My 99xj was already built as a promotional vehicle for some 4x4 shop at Paragon and the 8000 I paid was less than the cost of the add-ons not even counting the cost of a 99xj with 40000 miles.

Also think this better b/c when it breaks then you know how to fix it.

Agree 110% Sometimes we have a task just to figure out what the add on part was.
[/QUOTE]

[kyrel69]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

Not sure i agree with this. If you put a $1000 upgrade on a Jeep, it will not increase much in value. In fact, it may go down in value. Especially if its a lift or cage or aftermarket bumpers or tow hooks and the like. So when you purchase someone else's project, they typically lose a lot of the money they put into it and you have a cheaper built Jeep. Problem is that you get it the way they built it, not the way you would build it.

My 99xj was already built as a promotional vehicle for some 4x4 shop at Paragon and the 8000 I paid was less than the cost of the add-ons not even counting the cost of a 99xj with 40000 miles.

[/QUOTE]

well I was thinking of making things your self(bumper,cage, ect) but if you are buying bolt on parts then yes,, you can buy a modded 4x4 for about the same price as you can a stock one to a point.

[wilson1010]

Originally Posted by kyrel69

well I was thinking of making things your self(bumper,cage, ect) but if you are buying bolt on parts then yes,, you can buy a modded 4x4 for about the same price as you can a stock one to a point.

You are absolutely right about making these parts yourself. If you can do that you have big savings. for example, the bumpers that you would pay 400-500 for can be make under 100. Same for cages. Many of your CORE guys fab up their own stuff and stuff for others that would cost an arm and leg to buy from parts shops.

Most important was you observation that you learn from doing it and repairs are much easier when you built it to begin with.

[JeepHD]

I would suggest 92-2006 Wranglers (YJs & TJs). I also suggest going for the 4.0 inline 6 with a stick and I wouldn't worry about the mileage on them if they were taken care of decent.

I also think that money wise, it is generally cheaper to buy it built than to build it yourself, even if you do all the work yourself and buy the parts. But to many of use, we take a lot of enjoyment and pride in building it ourselves.

Watch the sites and lists and good deal will pop up, if you have some patience.

Originally Posted by kyrel69

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

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

I would like to keep it around or below $5,000 in the beginning. I know nothing about working on cars/jeeps/trucks with the exception of changing my oil and changing a tire. However, I am a smart girl and wouldn't mind learning.

I think any major modifications would definitely be over my head at this point. I would be paying someone else to do them at first. Hopefully, I would pick up on things as time passes. I do agree that doing it myself would force me to understand everything and make repairs much easier/cheaper.

On a different note: Would a geared 4 cylinder be somewhat equivalent to a 6 cylinder in how powerful it feels? Someone told me this today and I am not sure whether to believe it or not.

[kyrel69]

I have wheel jeeps with v8's I6 and now with a 4 cylinder.(it is geared) I have to say I like my v8 the best but you can get a 4 cyl to go almost any were a v8 goes. Main problem you have is that you just can not spin the tires as fast as the guys with the v8s b/c you need the lower gearing to move. So if it is real wet out or deep mud the 4 cyl does not do as well as the v8 but if it is dry I can go any where they can go. One good point is that a 4 cyl uses a lot less fuel than a v8. I can go wheeling for 2 whole weekends and still have fuel in the tank. V8 I was filling it up at the start of the weekend and would put 20gal in it over 1 weekend.

[sarge]

Some very good points have been made already ..... here's maybe one more . Find A Jeep that you like ( I also suggest 1992 +) Don't worry if it's a 4 or 6 cylinder Wrangler , this will be your first Jeep and once you start wheeling you will decide if you are going to go all out or not. Most folks in the club are not on their first rig , I'm on ... well ..... my forth or fifth I beat the crap out of my first little Cherokee and then decided I wanted a trail only rig so I sold the little cherokee and started over. I have built several trail only rigs and now I have made the swing back to a dual street and trail rig , I just like to be able to jump in the jeep and run around town... but that's another story . The point to this is , this will not be your last rig . So start out simple , join a club , ask for help , and have fun and learn a little bit at a time. Most members will help you out with little fab jobs or even all out builds and we also have connections with fab shops and have members that own them . Find a jeep that you like that is not an all out trail rig , make sure it is in good shape ( stock or not ) , some minor add ons are a plus but not a deal breaker , add some things to make it yours and then come out to Haspin or somewhere else and have fun and meet the members , then you can decide how crazy you want to get with it on your own time.

[JeepHD]

Originally Posted by sarge

Some very good points have been made already ..... here's maybe one more . Find A Jeep that you like ( I also suggest 1992 +) Don't worry if it's a 4 or 6 cylinder Wrangler , this will be your first Jeep and once you start wheeling you will decide if you are going to go all out or not. Most folks in the club are not on their first rig , I'm on ... well ..... my forth or fifth I beat the crap out of my first little Cherokee and then decided I wanted a trail only rig so I sold the little cherokee and started over. I have built several trail only rigs and now I have made the swing back to a dual street and trail rig , I just like to be able to jump in the jeep and run around town... but that's another story . The point to this is , this will not be your last rig . So start out simple , join a club , ask for help , and have fun and learn a little bit at a time. Most members will help you out with little fab jobs or even all out builds and we also have connections with fab shops and have members that own them . Find a jeep that you like that is not an all out trail rig , make sure it is in good shape ( stock or not ) , some minor add ons are a plus but not a deal breaker , add some things to make it yours and then come out to Haspin or somewhere else and have fun and meet the members , then you can decide how crazy you want to get with it on your own time.

Sarge, said it well. Totally agree, except maybe shoot for a 4.0, but don't rule out a good deal on a 4cyl either

[kyrel69]

Originally Posted by scheibla

I would like to keep it around or below $5,000 in the beginning. I know nothing about working on cars/jeeps/trucks with the exception of changing my oil and changing a tire. However, I am a smart girl and wouldn't mind learning.

I think any major modifications would definitely be over my head at this point. I would be paying someone else to do them at first. Hopefully, I would pick up on things as time passes. I do agree that doing it myself would force me to understand everything and make repairs much easier/cheaper.

On a different note: Would a geared 4 cylinder be somewhat equivalent to a 6 cylinder in how powerful it feels? Someone told me this today and I am not sure whether to believe it or not.

well here you go(not mine)

http://dayton.craigslist.org/car/757399500.html

not a bad price 4.0 motor and a stick. Leaf spring so it is easy to lift and swap out axles

[blazerbrad]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

You are absolutely right about making these parts yourself. If you can do that you have big savings. for example, the bumpers that you would pay 400-500 for can be make under 100. Same for cages. Many of your CORE guys fab up their own stuff and stuff for others that would cost an arm and leg to buy from parts shops.

Assuming you already have, or have access to, the tools and equipment to fab parts and not to mention some fabrication skill. I'm definitely the type who prefers building their own stuff (within reason for my fab abilities) but I already have a welder and other tools that are needed.

I also prefer to build my own rig, partly because I don't have the money to pay somebody else plus I enjoy working on my truck. Again a lot of it depends on your mechanic's ability and tool selection. However I won't deny that you can get some pretty good deals on already built rigs. A few years ago a guy in our club decided to get out of the sport and sold his 3 year old, 40,000 mile built TJ for about the same price as a stock one. It had a lift, lockers and gears f&r, a new set of Swampers, rims, winch, etc...

[Bear Chow]

I can't believe he wrote it get good gas milage in that ad. That is a rather attractive price. I whole hearted believe in a 4cyl for wheeling. But do to some proprietery parts they are vey diffcult (expensive) to modify the tranny and transfer case. Having a 4cyl also subjects you to the wants everyone will tell you on the trail to get a v8 or at least a 6cyl. You don't have to believe them.

I also would not eliminate other vehicles besides a wrangler. Someone recommeded a stick. Go with whichever your comfortable with stick or auto.

Good luck have fun.

[tubehead]

Lots of good info for ya here. Like said earlier, you can get a built Jeep at a pretty good price. No matter how much you put into a Jeep you will not get it back out. If you want a YJ, most are built pretty similiar. If you can find one that is close to what you want you can remove parts you don't like, sell them and use the cash to help fund buying replacement parts you like. I will suggest one thing, take your time and figure out what you want in the end. I've had alot of customers that come in the first time and just want a small lift and some 33's. A year later they are back wanting more lift and bigger tires and new wheels, then a few months later they decided they want beadlocks. What happens is you end up spending money twice or three times on the same parts. Good luck with your journey.

[WrenchMonkey]

Originally Posted by Bear Chow

I also would not eliminate other vehicles besides a wrangler. Someone recommeded a stick. Go with whichever your comfortable with stick or auto.

Good luck have fun.

Well, I wasn't going to be the first to suggest it, but...

If you're really looking to go as cheap as you can, an XJ Cherokee can usually be had for about half the price of a comparable Wrangler.

And in many offroad situations, that little bit of extra wheelbase can really help.

Robert

[RuffedUpXJ]

Yeah, I was in your situation 3 years ago or so and I decided to get a cheap Cherokee that had a lift. ITs worked out great for me now. I have my own welder and most metal fab tools when before I couldn't weld or use a cut off wheel. Do it and enjoy.

Originally Posted by Robert

Well, I wasn't going to be the first to suggest it, but...

If you're really looking to go as cheap as you can, an XJ Cherokee can usually be had for about half the price of a comparable Wrangler.

And in many offroad situations, that little bit of extra wheelbase can really help.

Robert

Yeah, but part of the appeal is taking the top off of the jeep, throwing the dogs in the backseat, and heading to the lake. I would like this to be a dual fun vehicle to drive when I don't want to drive my Jetta/something I can play in while offroading. I guess I should also specify that at this point in time I will not be doing any rock climbing or anything too hardcore until I figure out what I am doing.

You guys have given me lots of great advice - thanks so much! I am doing more research, looking at a few jeeps, and slowly figuring out what I need/want. I think for now I am going to buy one that already has some of the major stuff done to it. I don't want to get in over my head and be intimidated at first.

Someone mentioned buying the same parts over and over once I realize I want bigger tires, more lift, etc, etc. I am fully expecting to be one of those people as I get more into it!

[WrenchMonkey]

Originally Posted by scheibla

Yeah, but part of the appeal is taking the top off of the jeep, throwing the dogs in the backseat, and heading to the lake.

Yeah, I kinda figured... that's why I didn't suggest it earlier...

Originally Posted by scheibla

I think for now I am going to buy one that already has some of the major stuff done to it.

That's a great way to save some money, and let you build your mechanical skills, instead of just diving in headfirst.

Good plan!

Robert

[kyrel69]

You should look in the for sale,,, jeep just posted today built. A little more that your price you were wanting to spend but has a lot of the good stuff.