Thinking of buying this '71 CJ-5, is it a good deal?

Thinking of buying this '71 CJ-5, is it a good deal? <added pictures>

***Edit: I went and put the pics on a different site, they're on post 12 or 13***

I've been toying around with my XJ offroad for a while but I wanted something better and I've always loved old vehicles. A guy near me is selling his '71 CJ-5 with the dauntless V6.

Here's what he wrote:

'Selling my 1971 CJ5, dauntless V6(has 39 oil ps at idle)81,xxx miles, thru the fender headers, 4 speed manual, high/low transfer case, Dana 44 rear axle with 11x2 drum brakes, Ross steering is gone! and has a Power steering Saginaw conversion done (steering is tight) new battery, one wire alt. Just installed brand new Black Diamond Liftkit and 4xCooper 32" Muds with about 70% tread and 32" alt. spare. Has old school winch on front end. Very custom roll cage ($1900.00) Also comes with a soft top and doors. Oilpan drain plug needs replacement... $4000.00 obo email me for more ???'s'

He's since lowered the price to $3700. I got emailed a few pictures and it looks to be in amazing shape, no visible rust (it's an AZ jeep), new seats, perfect interior, and everything looks professional. There's no hack jobs that I could see. I'm wondering if this is a good deal, I bet we'll haggle and the price will come down to maybe $3500.

Also, when I go check out this jeep before I make the final decision what should I look for? Is there paticular problems that I should check out just to be sure I won't end up with an expensive lawn ornament?

Thanks in advance, finding this site was a big help.

 

Sounds like a real nice CJ. And around here that would be a pretty fair deal on one, esp. already having a 4spd and pwr. steering upgrades done.

 

Here's some pictures.

*** Edit: Links didn't work, check farther down for pictures***

 

What Sparky said as far as what to look for. Sounds like a great deal to me cause it seems to have all the good upgrades.

 

I say it's a great deal.

If you bought an average 71 and added the 4-speed, power steering, cage, alt., brakes, tires and lift kit you would be way more $ than this - not even including anything for labor.

On a 71 you get the very desirable flanged dana 44 rear axle. And, this is the newest early CJ you could get.

The only bad part is that you'll miss out on the fun of adding all of these changes yourself but not to worry - there's always many things you could still do like wiring, frame crack repair, carb rebuild, HEI, lockers, etc., etc..

 

Doesn't work.

 

x2

Sounds like a good deal to me though...

 

Do it.

 

There's the pictures, I broke down and got a photobucket account.

 

Looks like a deal to me.

 

Yep, looks like a good deal to me especially with all the right upgrades.

 

Is that shag in there? Pull that stuff back. What's underneath?

If I had known then what I know now, I would have bought something closer to that.

 

Good point, I'll be sure to do that.

I've decided that if that thing is there after Thanksgiving and barring any obvious mechanical issues I think I'll buy it.

 

It sounds like a terrible deal, but you could email me his # so I could check it out and save you from the hassle. I just sold a 75 bone stock -3 sp, and ran poorly(but rust free) for 4500. If it has oil pressure and no water in the oil, or oil in the water I don't see ya gettin hurt there.

 

It looks like there is something wrong with the wipers. Need to check the rear body mounts, as they have a habit of breaking. Frame cracks around the spring hangers. Possable OD? Lever strangly placed on floor. E brake. Check roof plastic and stiching. Heater/defrosters work? Would like to see some picts of the other side, engine compartment and undercarrage.

 

If it as good as it looks, I'd buy it! Price sounds good to me.