Finally getting a Cruiser (1 Viewer)

[Farley]

After a bit of a search I think I've finally found the LC I have been looking for. It's a 96 FJZ with only 115k miles. The guy at the dealer has already agreed to take my 04 Liberty 5spd (don't know what I was thinking) as an even trade. I am having my mechanic friend give it the once-over on the lift, hook it up to the diag machines, etc. as a last final check before the paperwork is signed. I will be using this as my DD and will also be the truck that will haul my wife and our two dogs for our annual Colorado to Minnesota/Wisconsin Northwoods trip. The only thng I'm a little bummed about is that it does not have the front and rear lockers, but I am willing to live without it for the time being. The wife has also agreed to a 2.5" OME lift to be done over the next year.

I'm pretty psyched!!

 

[landtank]

sounds like a financial kick in the balls.

Congrats on the cruiser

 

[Vitesse_6]

Congrats!, You would be suprised to see how well the do without the lockers...Trust me I know
I dont know if you have seen this, But its worth its weight in gold, Print it off for the Mech. also if he isnt familliar with LC's
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm
Plenty of great info.
Soory about the H@@P...But It sounds like a fair trade to me.
Good luck

 

[mot]

Congrats!

Be sure to post pics if everything checks out.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Congrats on your new ride.

Originally posted by Farley
The only thng I'm a little bummed about is that it does not have the front and rear lockers, but I am willing to live without it for the time being.

I hope that you won't regret at a later date that you realize this statement is incorrect. Trust me, I have the same words back then, now I'm kicking myself to the rear for not buying a cruiser that comes equipped with lockers. Hey but then again they have aftermarket air lockers brand ARB, another time and money.

Goodluck on your Cruiser!

 

[roncruiser]

Congrats man!

 

[Kaderabek]

sounds like a financial kick in the balls.

That was my initial inclination as well. Surprisingly it's not that bad.

Average NADA trade in on the Liberty: $15,775
Average NADA retail on the Cruiser: $14,725

Get the dealer to buy you lunch at least.

TJK

 

[stuck in GA]

Congrats on the new ride! You will love this forum it is really helpful.

 

[phishtaco]

Make them throw in a front axle service

 

[Kaderabek]

That's really not a bad suggestion.

TJK

 

[MTNRAT]

Wait for lockers.
Sean

 

[Farley]

Make them throw in a front axle service

How much would that run?

After my buddy checked it out, it appears that it needs the front driver side wheel bearing repacked, seriously needs a radiator flush (the anti-freeze looked pretty bad) and it looks like there may be a slight leak from the front crank - it's hard to tell because the dealer detailed the engine.

I'm thinking of having them kick back @ 500-1000 dollars in my direction to cover what needs to be done.

Thanks for all of the replies.

 

[Farley]

Well the deal fell through. He wasn't willing to budge. ANyway - on a different yet same note. Another LC has become available and is in the exact same price range. Although this is a 98 100 series with 140K on it. This has the rear locker, of course no front being IFS, but it's better than nothing and still a LC with a V8. Plus this dealer is offering a 3 month 3000 mile powertrain warranty with the purchase. I will be checking it out this afternoon.

Thanks again for all of the replies...

 

[Kaderabek]

80 is a lot easier to wheel right out of the box (Nomex on).

100 is a lot faster!

TJK

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I'd take a locked 100 over a non-locked 80. Either rig is a great though. they both are capable and relialbe trucks. Although if you decide to go with an 80.....do get one with factory lockers, its worth the wait and alot more capable, factory lockers are one of the things that make the 80 one of the finest stock 4x4's ever.

 

[Kaderabek]

You could also get one of each.

TJK

 

[Farley]

You could also get one of each.

TJK

Wouldn't mind a 40 and a 100 - although the wife may disagree.

 

[T Y L E R]

If its not too late .. cool your jets .


It's too painless to trade straight up . Thats what the dealer is hoping will blind you man . Take a step back .. inhale .. and just say no !

Put the Jeep up for sale privately , and then scour EBay and Slees site looking for a really sweet 80 , for less than what you're going to be putting out now .


Lots of guys on here out there to scout an 80 for you . Many will have lockers .. and some might already have the OME done .


Chill ... trust me

TY

 

[Farley]

If its not too late .. cool your jets .


It's too painless to trade straight up . Thats what the dealer is hoping will blind you man . Take a step back .. inhale .. and just say no !

Put the Jeep up for sale privately , and then scour EBay and Slees site looking for a really sweet 80 , for less than what you're going to be putting out now .


Lots of guys on here out there to scout an 80 for you . Many will have lockers .. and some might already have the OME done .


Chill ... trust me

TY

Great point.

I looked at the 100 this afternoon and wasn't too impressed with the shape of the LC - the PO kept it in horrible shape. Also, I really like the looks of an 80 or even a 60 better than the 100s, just my personal opinion. Time to cool the jets and check the LC sites.