[pirate-pete]

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide ... 1045395817

Hi all,
I have been on here for years, but since selling my GV, barely.
I'm after a bit of advice.

I'm considering buying the one linked above, and just wondering what pertinent questions to ask the dealer?
What do I need to look for?
What is a real-world price?
Would you buy it?

I don't plan to cross the Simpson desert, or do any country K's, I just need a little car that gets me to work etc.
I don't need to modify it (other than maybe a bullbar) and doubt it would see anything more than dirt roads.
I would use a 4wd for some of my volunteer tree hugger work, but nothing extreme, more clearance than anything.
I need to be able to tow my 6x4- would this do the job? Whats a towbar worth?

I need a practical, small car- cheap on juice, better clearance than my POS commodore and enough creature comforts to be ... comfy. Just me and my dog.
If I took the rear seats out, is the floor flat?

Anyone got experience with the Auto versions?

This one is within my 'pay with cash' budget, but should I consider buying new?

I did a search, but found little. Thanks in advance- and sorry for asking noob questions.
Pete

[alien]

looks tidy.

At least buying from a dealer you'll have 3 months warranty so if anything goes wrong in that time you're covered.

Out of curiosity though - with what you described above, you could probably pay half as much for a slightly rougher older jimny and spend the other half on your bullbar and towbar, and have enough left over to buy some grippier tyres and recovery gear.

[henno]

alien wrote:

At least buying from a dealer you'll have 3 months warranty so if anything goes wrong in that time you're covered.

I'm not sure if it's different in W.A. (or of thigs have changed recently) but the old QVWN warranties were barely worth the paper they were printed on. I wouldn't base a sale on that fact alone.

alien wrote:

Out of curiosity though - with what you described above, you could probably pay half as much for a slightly rougher older jimny and spend the other half on your bullbar and towbar, and have enough left over to buy some grippier tyres and recovery gear.

I tend to agree. That price - while not stupid - is only "OK" and I reckon you could shave a few grand off for one a little more well worn and have cash to spare to buy the extras you need.

[pirate-pete]

Thanks guys,
I dunno, I just like the thought of buying newer rather than older.
There is an '05 for 8 grand, with higher Kms, private sale, but the market here has limited supply.
I just figured this one had lowest K's for age. That is important for me as I would keep it for the foreseeable future.
Obviously, I'd offer less than asked. I'm in a position where I could walk away if the stealer was being difficult.

[Mike57]

What do I need to look for?
Check that the oil is clean, see how much red dust is hiding in the crevices. Take it for a drive and check that there is no death wobble at 70 to 80 kph

What is a real-world price?
Price seems a little high for 2007 but check what car sales value it at

Whats a towbar worth?
Probably about $300 from Hayman Reece

If I took the rear seats out, is the floor flat?
You need to add a piece of plywood and bolt it down using the seat belt anchor points to make it flat. Not a huge job if you can cut the plywood.

Anyone got experience with the Auto versions?
The auto transmission is very weak and prone to breaking. You are better off with the manual.

Hope this helps

[shep]

Put a big trans cooler on it and ya won't have any issues, Joel mistreats his auto jimny and hasn't had a issue.

[cheezles]

Make sure you put it in 4wd and test that out to a fair speed, say 40 ks

Also, about the plywood, you can buy it from Bunnings and they will cut it there for you.

[Mike57]

Forgot to add to listen for excessive transfer case noise, even in 2WD. An excessive whine is a sign of a stretched chain. This will cost about $600 to repair and I got a second hand box cheaper than replacing the chain. Trick is to work out what is excessive. best to drive a few to work that out.

[pete_79]

The one in that gumtree ad has a few extras on it.

*Driving lights in the lower front bumper
*Hard cover on the spare (centre only)
*Totally different cloth trim, I've never seen those colours on the seats and stitching before.
*Looks like maybe a leather wrap steering wheel???

Of course non of these extras make a lick of difference if you're just looking for something to trash off road.
But it is something different and looks like a good tidy rig.

A good test drive sitting on 70-80km is a must to check for wobbles and obvious noises.
Then just like buying any second-hand car, get under it and have a good look for leaks, weeps, cracks and bumps....


The one in the ad was manual, guessing your preference is auto??

[pirate-pete]

Hi all, and thanks for the replies.

So, today I drove it, and was impressed.
It drove well, no wobbles or noise. I only drove it in 2wd and 4wd high, on made roads.
Service history was up to date. Looks like it had done FA dirt roads.
I was only looking for an auto because I'm lazy, a minor point.

As it stands, I think I'll buy it. I'm gonna call the dealer in the morning to say I'll commit.

Yes, it is a freckle over-priced, but not grossly according to Red Book.

The dealer support seems good- they are a major dealer, not backyarders and proud of their reputation.

Most of all, the 'Minister of War and Finance' said I should buy it if I want, we take her car (spazda 3) if we need to go out.


Pete

[pirate-pete]

Forgot to say I priced a towbar- $325 fitted.

[Mike57]

Pete

Then it sounds like a done deal. It looked like a pretty clean car. No noises, no wobbles then no worries.

Mike

[pirate-pete]

Paid a deposit today. Excited to get it home when I get the chance.
Thanks for the advice everyone!