Might I also suggest early model S-10/S-15 pick ups. They, along with parts (and custom accessories out the ying-yang), are cheap as dirt. And they go forever. They made gajillions of them, so junkyard parts are plentiful, and cheap as hell.

You can scratch Wranglers off your list. You won't get near one for less than $3500. And if you want one that runs, and has not rusted out, $5000. You get yourself a pre '99 Gr Cher (ZJ) ... the 99 thru 05 is a WJ....

The ZJ creaks and rattles a lot, but you can't kill em. The WJ will probably bring you over your 1500 mark. But if you can get one of those, grab it.

I can't really picture you in a jeep. Maybe a Taurus would be best

Carollas are small but very reliable and cheap to own.

90s Nissan Altima

There might actually be a WJ GC available to me for purchase. Apparently, it is my wife's uncle's extra vehicle. Burns a little oil (a quart a month), but I don't think that is a cause for concern. It's been well cared for. We'll see.

I think it's cause for concern.

If it's burning oil, that means the rings could be bad, or the Pistons themselves are scored, or the exhaust valves... Costly diagnostic, costly repair. Pass.

Snorkle.

Aardvark.

Wingtipped shoes.

Any of those helpful? :D

Not well enough. When they say oil is your car's life blood, they ain't kidding. That kind of issue will only continue to get worse. You used to be able to get a short block (Jeep 4.0) from Autozone for around $800, so, it becomes one of those "How much money am I willing to throw at this thing, to make it right?"-type situations.

That was always the last question I asked myself before pulling the trigger on a used car.

You know the vehicle better than we do, but, I'd also pass.

Warning: may be talking out of my ass on this

I need to actually look at it, and take my mechanic with me. I'm not sure which engine it has...I know that AMC straight-6 design is older than Jesus, so I can't imagine it being too hard to fix or replace. If he gave me a good deal on it, an engine swap might not be that big a deal.

I'm really leaning at this point towards a Cherokee, GC or a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Police Interceptor. There are a lot of the latter out there, easy parts availability and durable as fuck.

I think it's easier to buy a car with a good engine than buy a car with a bad engine and swap it out. It would have to be a very special used car with a great body for me to bother swapping an engine. The only thing I can imagine doing that to would be a cherry Westfalia.

Ideally, I would rather do that. But I know guys that can do the job well and for minimal cost. I don't see myself buying a car with a bum engine, but depending on the vehicle, I wouldn't be opposed to it.


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The thing is, you should be able to buy a grand Cherokee for $2500 with a good motor. A new straight 6 will cost you $2200, but the labor will cost even more.

Traded a 98 pathfinder today for 2000. Has 164 on it. Old grumpy lady said it runs fine. Roadtrip.

You wanna come here or you want me to come there? We have delicious BBQ here, but I haven't been to Philly in 6 years.

I don't deliver, but you're welcome to crash at my place if you fly out here