Jeep YJ 1992 Purchase Advice

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mparmenter13

New Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2026
Messages
2
Location
Sacramento
Hi experts - looking to make my first purchase of a Jeep Wrangler YJ 1992. Details below:

  • Engine has been swapped from the 4cyl to 6cyl with low miles
  • Needs catalytic converter (I'm based in CA)
  • Needs new battery
  • Needs new tires
  • Needs alternator replaced
  • Rust looks to be OK but I'm going to see in person to validate
  • Comes with hardtop installed, no additional tops
  • Has bill of sale and engine paperwork
Based on your experience, if all details check out above, what do you think is a respectful offer? Seller told me originally he wanted $3000 which was the cost of the engine swap. ChatGPT/Gemini think offering $2500 is fair, my father in law who owned a CJ thinks $1000 just because of the smog issues within CA. What say you experts?
 
Assuming the seller has the title in hand (not bill of sale but TITLE) and there is nothing more than surface rust I would offer $1000-$2000 max.
 
what about title? you are going to spent at least 1500-2000 dollars for parts or maybe more{california}. when it needs all those parts, i wonder what else it needs. good time to pass and look for another wrangler. how ever i not a expert, just common math?
 
Formerly living in Ca, Id say the smog and title BS will be a headache. If it comes back as stolen you go down for receiving stolen property for one. Being in Ca also will likely require you to use a "OEM" cat, or CARB approved withh may cost a bundle. I know there are "enhanced areas or were but you better do some research before jumping in. Also swappin from a 4 to a 6 means welding in new motor mounts. Being it was once a 4 and now a 6, with probably more emissions it sounds like s nightmare in the making.
 
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