Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
11-17-2008, 12:01 AM
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Hey all, I'm pretty new around here so here's some background info on me
17 year old high school student in his last year, living in the lower mainland (not a lot of snow, but rains a lot). Originally I had planned to buy myself a 350z but I figured might as well give into the redneck in me and take the plunge and buy a WJ, because they're easier and cheaper to maintain, cheaper to buy (by a lot) and I am a pretty inexperienced driver, so if anything happens I won't cry for years and years because I just totaled a car I'm still making payments on.
Right now I'm looking at this Jeep, Canada Used Autos, Cars, Trucks, Boats, Motorcycles Online Classified Ads - AutoTrader.ca
I already got them down quite a bit just by haggling with them over the phone, so what do you think? I could have it for $8700 with taxes.
Also, the mods I want to do are pretty lame and generic, but I never go off roading (on purpose anyways) so here's what I was looking at, and need some insight on:
Air Intake - (I just want this mostly for the sound, not the performance, so a cheaper kit should suffice?)
Exhaust - Was looking at a flowmaster 40 series, is it decent and how much should it cost to get installed, and how is it installed? Bolt-on or welding? ( I want it to sound like this http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mWC-XSxMI9Y and I assume the cold air intake will only enhance it, right?)
Tint - As dark as I can get it :)
Blacked out rear taillights - (Still having trouble finding a place to buy these)
Stereo - I'm a bit of a audio junkie so I'm thinking of something along the lines of a complete Digital Designs set up with a DD S4 amp powering the mids, and the possibility of dual 13 inch W7's in the back. Coupled with a nice pop out screen in the dash and a license plate frame backup camera.
Thoughts? It'll be my Daily Driver everyday for work (paying for all this myself), school (University next year, mostly highway driving), and other outings. I'm not an adventurous guy but I look like I'm in a clowncar when I sit inside of imports.
17 year old high school student in his last year, living in the lower mainland (not a lot of snow, but rains a lot). Originally I had planned to buy myself a 350z but I figured might as well give into the redneck in me and take the plunge and buy a WJ, because they're easier and cheaper to maintain, cheaper to buy (by a lot) and I am a pretty inexperienced driver, so if anything happens I won't cry for years and years because I just totaled a car I'm still making payments on.
Right now I'm looking at this Jeep, Canada Used Autos, Cars, Trucks, Boats, Motorcycles Online Classified Ads - AutoTrader.ca
I already got them down quite a bit just by haggling with them over the phone, so what do you think? I could have it for $8700 with taxes.
Also, the mods I want to do are pretty lame and generic, but I never go off roading (on purpose anyways) so here's what I was looking at, and need some insight on:
Air Intake - (I just want this mostly for the sound, not the performance, so a cheaper kit should suffice?)
Exhaust - Was looking at a flowmaster 40 series, is it decent and how much should it cost to get installed, and how is it installed? Bolt-on or welding? ( I want it to sound like this http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mWC-XSxMI9Y and I assume the cold air intake will only enhance it, right?)
Tint - As dark as I can get it :)
Blacked out rear taillights - (Still having trouble finding a place to buy these)
Stereo - I'm a bit of a audio junkie so I'm thinking of something along the lines of a complete Digital Designs set up with a DD S4 amp powering the mids, and the possibility of dual 13 inch W7's in the back. Coupled with a nice pop out screen in the dash and a license plate frame backup camera.
Thoughts? It'll be my Daily Driver everyday for work (paying for all this myself), school (University next year, mostly highway driving), and other outings. I'm not an adventurous guy but I look like I'm in a clowncar when I sit inside of imports.
11-17-2008, 02:41 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Somewhere between NE and SW Alberta
Posts: 1,216
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Hi Pauler, the link you posted just takes you to the cover page for autotrader so not sure which one your looking at.
Flowmaster 40's sound good on the 4.0L, 70 if it has the 4.7
The air intake won't change the way it sounds, just lets it breath easier. (Have a K&N FIPK on mine)
The stereo system sounds like a nice setup, if you get the Jeep hope you have fun with it.
Dan
Flowmaster 40's sound good on the 4.0L, 70 if it has the 4.7
The air intake won't change the way it sounds, just lets it breath easier. (Have a K&N FIPK on mine)
The stereo system sounds like a nice setup, if you get the Jeep hope you have fun with it.
Dan
11-17-2008, 09:41 AM
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Manotick, Ontario
Posts: 206
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Hello Pauler,
Well young man, let's get one thing straight from the beginning. Rednecks drive pick-me-up trucks. The most well informed, intelligent and genteel people drive Jeeps. The difference between a Jeep and a run of the mill vehicle is similar to the difference between eating corn on the cob with and without dentures. There Ain't no comparesin!
Don't be so hard on yourself, ANY mod's you do to your new vehicle which add to performance and/or comfort can hardly be called lame. I cannot comment on the air intake or exhaust questions (I will leave that to better minds) but I would strongly suggest you check with the local constabulary regarding your proposed window and taillight tints. As a young driver, you DON'T want to be calling too much attention to yourself from the local cops by sporting what may, in their minds, could be a questionable modification. You're going to be stopped enough times simply because of your age. Some juristictions have limits to how dark you can tint your windows for example. The preceeding is NOT meant as a criticism in any way.
I could not open the link either...give it another try please. I'm curious.
I am a new guy here myself but....welcome to the wonderful world of Jeeps.
Peter.
Well young man, let's get one thing straight from the beginning. Rednecks drive pick-me-up trucks. The most well informed, intelligent and genteel people drive Jeeps. The difference between a Jeep and a run of the mill vehicle is similar to the difference between eating corn on the cob with and without dentures. There Ain't no comparesin!
Don't be so hard on yourself, ANY mod's you do to your new vehicle which add to performance and/or comfort can hardly be called lame. I cannot comment on the air intake or exhaust questions (I will leave that to better minds) but I would strongly suggest you check with the local constabulary regarding your proposed window and taillight tints. As a young driver, you DON'T want to be calling too much attention to yourself from the local cops by sporting what may, in their minds, could be a questionable modification. You're going to be stopped enough times simply because of your age. Some juristictions have limits to how dark you can tint your windows for example. The preceeding is NOT meant as a criticism in any way.
I could not open the link either...give it another try please. I'm curious.
I am a new guy here myself but....welcome to the wonderful world of Jeeps.
Peter.
11-17-2008, 06:46 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Sorry the link didn't work, here's some print screens,
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6840/jeep1nj7.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1356/jeep2lp1.jpg
It's a 1999 but looks well maintained and has low clicks (116k for a 10 year old vehicle, only 16 thousand per year, pretty good considering in 5 years me and my family have put 110 on my 2004 honda, and 165k in 6 years on my civic).
The price seems high for the year, I've already got them down to 7.5 over the phone, I'll go in and waive some cash in their face. Going to be a bit awkward bullying a middle aged salesperson into giving a highschooler a deal, but I'll do it (With help from my dad obviously lol).
Thanks for the responses!
I did not know that the flowmaster 40 series was more oriented towards the 4.0 liter and that the 70 series was more for the 4.7 liter, so I'll definitely reconsider that. I assume I'll get a deeper richer sound with the 70 series flowmaster over the flowmaster 40. I've been driving a 2004 honda accord v6, and I've had enough of the not so thunderous sound at 7000 RPM (although it does accelerate quite nicely for a family car).
In my jurisdiction tint on the front windows is illegal however on the back it can be pitch black, in fact I've even seen some cars with paint on the windows so it is completely blocked out and still legal.
I realize gas will be a bit harsh on me but I don't care, if it gets real bad I'll just pick up a beater for a Daily Driver. I'm really worried about reliability, so if anyone has any insight please do share. I have heard the v8 is a bit more resilient to it's age than the v6, anyone vouch for this?
And, I've read the 4 wheel drive does screw up, so before I buy it I should obviously take the jeep into a tight cornering situation and see how it handles, and see if I can disengage the differential lock, right?
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6840/jeep1nj7.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1356/jeep2lp1.jpg
It's a 1999 but looks well maintained and has low clicks (116k for a 10 year old vehicle, only 16 thousand per year, pretty good considering in 5 years me and my family have put 110 on my 2004 honda, and 165k in 6 years on my civic).
The price seems high for the year, I've already got them down to 7.5 over the phone, I'll go in and waive some cash in their face. Going to be a bit awkward bullying a middle aged salesperson into giving a highschooler a deal, but I'll do it (With help from my dad obviously lol).
Thanks for the responses!
I did not know that the flowmaster 40 series was more oriented towards the 4.0 liter and that the 70 series was more for the 4.7 liter, so I'll definitely reconsider that. I assume I'll get a deeper richer sound with the 70 series flowmaster over the flowmaster 40. I've been driving a 2004 honda accord v6, and I've had enough of the not so thunderous sound at 7000 RPM (although it does accelerate quite nicely for a family car).
In my jurisdiction tint on the front windows is illegal however on the back it can be pitch black, in fact I've even seen some cars with paint on the windows so it is completely blocked out and still legal.
I realize gas will be a bit harsh on me but I don't care, if it gets real bad I'll just pick up a beater for a Daily Driver. I'm really worried about reliability, so if anyone has any insight please do share. I have heard the v8 is a bit more resilient to it's age than the v6, anyone vouch for this?
And, I've read the 4 wheel drive does screw up, so before I buy it I should obviously take the jeep into a tight cornering situation and see how it handles, and see if I can disengage the differential lock, right?
11-17-2008, 06:55 PM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Oh! And this is the one with black gauges so this OEM kit I found should easily fit it. It comes with a little **** so you can select your backlight color (Green blue, etc.) and puts carbon fiber as the background, OEM replacement gauges and sticky back "real" carbon fiber, seems like a decently priced add-on.
11-17-2008, 07:31 PM
#7
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: ca na da
Posts: 31
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Hey paulerr,
I'm pretty new to this forum but not to WJ's. First of all how much money do you make per week and how much driving do you do? Honestly I relly don't think a high school kid could even afford the gas this tank will require. And the parts....... you better have access to daddy's wallet! Don't get me wrong, this is the best suv I ever had. But realize your budget first. If you've already thought about it then go for it. I have an 02 HO and believe me i tried some regular v8's and if your looking into mods before you even bought the truck, stop right there. The reg v8's have like 235hp and 295lb when the Ho is 260hp and 330lb. So right off the back you could have 25 more hp by doing no mods. And a cai is a ok start but not worth the doe your gonna spend, a simple drop in is quite enough. And if you want more than just sound do it big, up the whole catback not just the muffler(it's just a noise maker). You should really concider that zed you wanted because it will go faster and cost less.
I'm pretty new to this forum but not to WJ's. First of all how much money do you make per week and how much driving do you do? Honestly I relly don't think a high school kid could even afford the gas this tank will require. And the parts....... you better have access to daddy's wallet! Don't get me wrong, this is the best suv I ever had. But realize your budget first. If you've already thought about it then go for it. I have an 02 HO and believe me i tried some regular v8's and if your looking into mods before you even bought the truck, stop right there. The reg v8's have like 235hp and 295lb when the Ho is 260hp and 330lb. So right off the back you could have 25 more hp by doing no mods. And a cai is a ok start but not worth the doe your gonna spend, a simple drop in is quite enough. And if you want more than just sound do it big, up the whole catback not just the muffler(it's just a noise maker). You should really concider that zed you wanted because it will go faster and cost less.
11-17-2008, 08:04 PM
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Hey paulerr,
I'm pretty new to this forum but not to WJ's. First of all how much money do you make per week and how much driving do you do? Honestly I relly don't think a high school kid could even afford the gas this tank will require. And the parts....... you better have access to daddy's wallet! Don't get me wrong, this is the best suv I ever had. But realize your budget first. If you've already thought about it then go for it. I have an 02 HO and believe me i tried some regular v8's and if your looking into mods before you even bought the truck, stop right there. The reg v8's have like 235hp and 295lb when the Ho is 260hp and 330lb. So right off the back you could have 25 more hp by doing no mods. And a cai is a ok start but not worth the doe your gonna spend, a simple drop in is quite enough. And if you want more than just sound do it big, up the whole catback not just the muffler(it's just a noise maker). You should really concider that zed you wanted because it will go faster and cost less.
I'm pretty new to this forum but not to WJ's. First of all how much money do you make per week and how much driving do you do? Honestly I relly don't think a high school kid could even afford the gas this tank will require. And the parts....... you better have access to daddy's wallet! Don't get me wrong, this is the best suv I ever had. But realize your budget first. If you've already thought about it then go for it. I have an 02 HO and believe me i tried some regular v8's and if your looking into mods before you even bought the truck, stop right there. The reg v8's have like 235hp and 295lb when the Ho is 260hp and 330lb. So right off the back you could have 25 more hp by doing no mods. And a cai is a ok start but not worth the doe your gonna spend, a simple drop in is quite enough. And if you want more than just sound do it big, up the whole catback not just the muffler(it's just a noise maker). You should really concider that zed you wanted because it will go faster and cost less.
I'd be putting the most money into the gadget's I'll have installed, already I'm thinking of dual JL audio w6 13.5's, already have a brand new in box Pioneer DEH P7000UB headunit that was supposed to complete my dual kicker CVX set up in my honda, but I decided not to. The subwoofers should run me about $5-600 a piece, and another $500 for the amp I want, plus the cost of a custom box, wiring, labour and possibly even a re-worked alternator. So around $2000 just for the "boom", and I'd add 4 co-axials all around powered by a digital designs S4 amp (already have the DD amp, cost me $500 off craigslist, brand new too), I estimate the install and other parts I'll require will be an additional $500 or so ontop of what I already have, so all together I'll be putting $2500 already into the sound system, and another $200 for a yellow top optima, so $2700, and even still it wouldn't be complete. As soon as I got some more cash I'd swap out the head unit and put it in my car and put a 7 inch pop out LCD with a backup camera in, another $900 or so. So all together, just for my gadgets and whatnot, I'm looking at $3600, but I'm cool with that.
I'd need a nice two-way alarm system ontop of that, but I could just pick one up whenever, probably in the range of $200-250 installed. I already bought a valentine radar detector for my car (still in its box) and the first chance I got I'd get it hardwired into the Jeep.
So that'd be my interior all wrapped up neatly, I've had this idea in my head for ages now and am slowly collecting the parts whenever I see a good deal on craigslist, or sale at a store ( you can guess where I'll be at 6 am the day after christmas!!!).
And the exhaust and air intake would mostly just be for the sound, I love the sound of mustang GT's. That low rumble is music to my ears, I'm pretty sure the flowmaster 40/70 series would give me that (by looking at youtube videos posted by people). And with all that done, I'd be pretty happy. I don't really care about money, if I want something and I know i can afford it, I'll go for it. My dad was ready to buy me a car, and he tried to give me the family car and buy himself a beater to drive to and from work, but I rejected his offer because I felt horrible throwing my dad out of a car he bought for himself with his own money, and putting him into some $2000 crap mobile.
And trust me, the LAST thing a young driver needs is a fast car under his ***, I already get into enough trouble with a puny 250 horsepower V6 in my Honda.
So whattya think? Feasible? Look at the photos I posted, it seems to be in very good condition, but stealerships can detail the cars pretty good so who really knows.
11-18-2008, 04:06 AM
#9
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: ca na da
Posts: 31
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
yo,
Yeah so with all that said it sounds pretty good. It actually will be a nice truck just look out for those hating cops out there that won't love the sound, dark tints and smoked tail lights I don't recall if you said hids but really something to consider. Really important and you said it a 2way alarm compustar or viper always the best. When you get it and start doing the mods you should post progress pics
good luck hope you get it.
Yeah so with all that said it sounds pretty good. It actually will be a nice truck just look out for those hating cops out there that won't love the sound, dark tints and smoked tail lights I don't recall if you said hids but really something to consider. Really important and you said it a 2way alarm compustar or viper always the best. When you get it and start doing the mods you should post progress pics
good luck hope you get it.
11-18-2008, 09:40 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Manotick, Ontario
Posts: 206
Re: Buying a Wj ... very soon perhaps.
Hello Pauler,
That is basically the same vehicle I am looking to purchase here in Ottawa (although mine is a '00). The dealership here started off @ 7.9K and thus far we're down to 7.3K so both you and me are in the same ballpark.
I'm sure you're aware that you should have YOUR mechanic go over the vehicle with a fine toothed comb. That being said, she looks good!
I am currently driving a '94 cherokee (4.0l) and the Grand' is like a limo/rocket. At my advanced age I'm not sure if I can take all the excitement....
Peter
That is basically the same vehicle I am looking to purchase here in Ottawa (although mine is a '00). The dealership here started off @ 7.9K and thus far we're down to 7.3K so both you and me are in the same ballpark.
I'm sure you're aware that you should have YOUR mechanic go over the vehicle with a fine toothed comb. That being said, she looks good!
I am currently driving a '94 cherokee (4.0l) and the Grand' is like a limo/rocket. At my advanced age I'm not sure if I can take all the excitement....
Peter