Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ radiator

Sanity Check - YJ Ownership Cost

DJurgy

DJurgy

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Phoenix, AZ
Is it possible to run a YJ on a reasonable budget (emotional as well as cost) while having no mechanical ability to do your own repairs?

Most, if not all, of the posts I see on this forum (as well as the TJ forum) show awesome looking jeeps from people who do most of their own work.

I have no ability to do really any of my own work (lack of knowledge, tools, and space), but I would still like to own a YJ (or TJ) for weekend fun in the Arizona desert.

So what I would like to do is buy a Jeep in good mechanical condition (stock is fine, and probably preferred), max price probably around $5000, and immediately be able to take it out on some trails. I would like to be reasonably confident that it wouldn't break down and leave me stranded. I'd be willing to spend the money to have others fix minor issues that arise, but I'd be afraid that with a 30-something year old vehicle and no ability to do my own repairs, constant small fixes (and more than a couple large fixes) would quickly become tiresome.

So how much space is there between my expectations and the reality of owning a YJ? And considering I'd be paying other people for parts and labor, how much money should I expect to have to throw at a stock YJ doing the off-road things that a stock YJ is expected to be able to do?
 
Finding a YJ or TJ for $5K that hasn't been molested to death by its last 12 owners will be hard. No, they don't fart butterflies and grow wings when you jump them off a 10' drop off. At least your in AZ where rust isn't a huge issue. I lived in the white mtns and did see some frame issues as you have read about so be aware. Its hard, not impossible, to find a stock one as well as most any durable straight axle 4x4 these days. Both the 4.0 and 2.5 are pretty bullet proof but maint is key. I had a ZJ with 268K on it, ran fine. I'm sure your on a budget, but you'll soon learn what you may save on initial price can eat you alive in repairs, so keep that in mind. Find a clean family or mature person owned one and have it looked at if your not sure. Surely you have read plenty about 0331 heads, bad computers, auto trannies and the rest. Lucky for you as AZ has some great trails for the experienced, they also have thousands of miles of open desert and places like the white mtns to explore, and a stock TJ or YJ will get you where you wanna go till you get the itch to go bigger.
 
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Gilaguy23 said:
Finding a YJ or TJ for $5K that hasn't been molested to death by its last 12 owners will be hard. No, they don't fart butterflies and grow wings when you jump them off a 10' drop off. At least your in AZ where rust isn't a huge issue. I lived in the white mtns and did see some frame issues as you have read about so be aware. Its hard, not impossible, to find a stock one as well as most any durable straight axle 4x4 these days. Both the 4.0 and 2.5 are pretty bullet proof but maint is key. I had a ZJ with 268K on it, ran fine. I'm sure your on a budget, but you'll soon learn what you may save on initial price can eat you alive in repairs, so keep that in mind. Find a clean family or mature person owned one and have it looked at if your not sure. Surely you have read plenty about 0331 heads, bad computers, auto trannies and the rest. Lucky for you as AZ has some great trails for the experienced, they also have thousands of miles of open desert and places like the white mtns to explore, and a stock TJ or YJ will get you where you wanna go till you get the itch to go bigger.
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Actually I hadn't heard about the 0331 heads before, so thanks for giving me something else to consider! The only must-have for me is a manual. And I'd be open to spending a bit more on one off the bat that is in better shape if it meant fewer headaches later.

I do have a list of mods in my head that I'd do if it turns out I want some more capability, but, I probably shouldn't jump in the deep end right away!
 
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With your budget I doubt you'll find a later TJ but one never knows. That's where the 0331 heads 99-01 or whatever it was. Also late 05/06 have computer issues and trans issues with the 4 speed OD ones. The 32RH on early TJ is said to be real good. The YJ's are great but just getting old and been thru the ringer mostly. Just be aware of frame rot problems especially where the belly pan bolts to the frame with its 6 bolts as well as spring hangers and the rear sections of the frames.
 
DJurgy said:
Is it possible to run a YJ on a reasonable budget (emotional as well as cost) while having no mechanical ability to do your own repairs?

Most, if not all, of the posts I see on this forum (as well as the TJ forum) show awesome looking jeeps from people who do most of their own work.

I have no ability to do really any of my own work (lack of knowledge, tools, and space), but I would still like to own a YJ (or TJ) for weekend fun in the Arizona desert.

So what I would like to do is buy a Jeep in good mechanical condition (stock is fine, and probably preferred), max price probably around $5000, and immediately be able to take it out on some trails. I would like to be reasonably confident that it wouldn't break down and leave me stranded. I'd be willing to spend the money to have others fix minor issues that arise, but I'd be afraid that with a 30-something year old vehicle and no ability to do my own repairs, constant small fixes (and more than a couple large fixes) would quickly become tiresome.

So how much space is there between my expectations and the reality of owning a YJ? And considering I'd be paying other people for parts and labor, how much money should I expect to have to throw at a stock YJ doing the off-road things that a stock YJ is expected to be able to do?
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I think you could get a vehicle for “weekend fun in the Arizona desert” near your budget, but you’d have to live with some major compromises.

You can save major $ if you are willing to not have factory doors or a complete top. Likewise if you can accept moderate dents in the body, and worn out paint. If you don’t need a functioning heater or wipers you won’t have to repair them.

If the frame is good, and the engine/transmission are good, you can make it work. Suspension parts wear out but aren’t too expensive.
 
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i think the fact that you want a yj, half the battle has been win. you stated no knowledge, tools,etc. will you can learn by staying on this forum, there a lot of members willing to help. space made be problem ? yj is easy to work on, but in you case you will need to have help. if you have a local FFA chapter in your school system that hads a auto repair section they will be of help. some one out there has a good yj to sell, just need to fine. taking good care of yj is a plus. regard of what type of other vehicle that might need for your enjoyment, it going to have to be repaired at time. we only live ONCE, so do what you want. welcome to form and good luck.
 
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5k isn't enough. You're going to need to spend a lot more for something that's been well maintained and won't require a lot of work.
 
Thank you all for the replies and helpful info. Yeah, as I'm shopping around I'm coming to the conclusion that $5000 likely won't be enough for what I have in mind :)
 
let me make one final suggestion. if you find a good wrangler that you want to buy. get with the experts on this forum, let them tell you what areas to take pictures of and have them view. they can tell you what is good or bad. happy hunting
 
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If you have your heart set on a open top jeep I get it, however an alternative would be a Cherokee if you can find a decent one. I personally would avoid the grand cherokee if you want basic. They are loaded with electronic bling and are known for problems. However, I cant think of to many non IFS 4x4's capable of being modded easily that are as dirt cheap to buy.
 
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I just started my first discussion thread about an injector circuit problem I'm chasing. The timing could be better. That aside...

My dad is a career mechanic, and my brother crushes cars for a living. Many of those cars appear to be in excellent condition but are totaled due to mechanical woes. Oftentimes, the problems should be trivial, but they are not (by design/intention).

I have very little trust in newer vehicles. Many are made to be thrown away when they break (not exaggerating the least). They really 'do not build them like they used to'. At best, many modern vehicles are made to fall apart and are designed to be unrepairable. Engine blocks that cannot be rebuilt, plastic parts being tasked to play crucial roles, and unfathomably/unnecessarily complex systems. Even when repaired, they will just break again.

Given modern lubricants, older vehicles can easily outlive new ones. FWIW, YJs are VERY easy to work on (don't buy a rust bucket). There is plenty of space under the hood to see the bolts you'll need to get to and you can get underneath without a jack. And the problems/solutions are known. And the aftermarket support is fantastic. And if my engine went bust, I could have a drop-in crate motor delivered to my door by the end of the week.

I know you said you don't want to do the work yourself, but it is very satisfying to know that I can fix something for $50 before noon...something that could be $1000+ and multiple weeks at a shop for a modern vehicle. My YJ has been my daily driver for 16 wonderful years.
 
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Chris is right, you get what you pay for. I traded a motorcycle that had a value of $10,000 dollars (even trade) for a YJ that the previous owner was selling for $11,000 dollars. The YJ was well maintained and mostly already built the way that I wanted. That was five years ago and its been flawless ever since with only basic maintenance and fluid changes needed over that time. It's used as our weekend fun vehicle and kept parked in a garage, its not my primary ride.
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zebraranger said:
Chris is right, you get what you pay for. I traded a motorcycle that had a value of $10,000 dollars (even trade) for a YJ that the previous owner was selling for $11,000 dollars. The YJ was well maintained and mostly already built the way that I wanted. That was five years ago and its been flawless ever since with only basic maintenance and fluid changes needed over that time. It's used as our weekend fun vehicle and kept parked in a garage, its not my primary ride.
View attachment 124366
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Wow, that's awesome. Definitely money well spent! (or traded)
 
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