How much should i pay for this jeep?

Hi all, I am a newbie to jeeps and this forum....I used to own a 70 Jeepster Commando, and I ran across a jeep in a back farm yard that I inquired about today. It is a 56 Jeep 4 cylinder, occasional rust spots throughout, army green with white USA and ARMY and white Star decals like an old army jeep. When the guy took me back there, we put a new battery in it, and it started right up. I drove it around and everything seemed tight, and I tried the 4wd as well and it worked. He is asking 1750 for it, and I am not sure of its worth, as NADA does not go back that far. I figured I would ask some of the people that have had experience in this market what a going rate would be for something like this.

Thanks in advance!!!!
Josh

 

Well, the rust is negligable. The body seems solid, surface rust mainly, maybe a touch of bondo here and there, but mostly surface. There is no top or doors, the seats are plywood on the steel tube frame that is mounted to the floor, the floorboards are pretty bad, but not rusted through, the gas tank is under the seat. Not sure how long it had been sitting...

Thanks!

 

Welcome Josh,

Like Mike said it’s hard to say with pics, also it would help to know what State your from, (rust factor).

 

With no top or seats, and possibly some thin floors, I'd say it's worth $800 - $1200. Of course, without pictures, it's hard to get much more specific than that.

You have to sorta watch out - some sellers think an old Jeep is antique and is made of gold.

 

Well, it depends on how much you want it. I bought my 64 with a transplanted oddfire 231 for about 1800. Did it need alot of work? yes it did. Did it have any rust? surfurface rust and a dent in the driver's side fender. Did I pay too much? Probably. But I was looking for a fixer upper with some potential to get my feet wet in the hobby. It was exactly what I wanted and it took me 3 months to find. So unless your extremely strapped for cash, if this is what you want I say go for it.

 

Basically sounds like my situation. Probabl paid too much, but for a solid runner and first project, I'm happy.

It all comes down to what you're happy to pay, really...

 

See if he'll bite at a grand. No top is a bad selling point. I don't think that 1500 would be too much if it is what you say it is. Hard to tell w/out pics.

It's all about your comfort level. I stopped keeping track of how much I spend on the jeep. When I have the cash, I get the next thing on the list...

 

If quacks like a duck - it's a duck. If the floors have surface rust, consider the floors goners. If you are ok with patches and bondo then - no big deal. These type of jeeps I look at the frame - bumpers, drawbar springs, original parts - that's the real value. Sounds like $800-$1200 in my area.

Dan

 

The funny thing about NADA and Kelley blue book is once A vehicle reaches 10 years old or 100,000 miles you can throw both those out the window. They are a good reference sometimes, but not a car buyers bible by any means. The thing you need to ask yourself is ; is it worth that to you. We often pay too much for our hobbies, but they are not investment by any stretch. Most of us never keep records of expenses due to the loss we would take to sell them.As with all hobbies (sicknesses according to my wife) they are not about the money, but the fun. Base your decision on availability of other like vehicle price in your area and your desire to own one. always try to negotiate a lower price to make yourself feel better about your purchase.keep us posted and good luck.Good luck

 

Well guys,
I appreciate your input, but my wife has vetoed my purchase. I thought I could get a few hundred more out of her, but she is sticking to her guns on $1000, and the guy was pretty firm at $1750.

If you know anyone who is interested, it is in Hiram, GA (just outside of Atlanta). Let me know, and I will put you in touch with the guy.

For info, the VIN/Serial number is: 8305 165345

Thanks again!!!
Josh

 

all jeeps are gold