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1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SE 5.2 L 65,000 miles.
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kittiemne
Novice
Jul 10, 2010, 2:49 PM
Post #1 of 5
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1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SE 5.2 L 65,000 miles.
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I am considering buying this Jeep for my 16yr old new driver. The Jeep was very well cared for until a year ago, when the owner died. The Jeep has been in the owner's garage in south Texas. It has not been started in that year. What should I be concerned about, and what should be checked and prepared before trying to start it the first time? I'll take all thoughts and advice!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 10, 2010, 5:03 PM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SE 5.2 L 65,000 miles.
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With permission from seller charge the battery and check to see if it's any good. A year can wreck a good one. Decide with seller who buys the new one if needed but will need a good one to start and drive it.
Gas is questionable but possibly ok in one year - not great but maybe. I'd put some Techron and some SeaFoam in the gas that's in it and go for it. Don't go nuts with additives - half of what containers say is plenty or don't expect magic. Garaged is GREAT news!
I would consider this vehicle especially if garage was dry storage less would be needed. It's always best to run a car now and then or store them for longer term storage but can understand the circumstances.
It needs to get running and take it for a drive. Be careful of brakes right away as they might not work well for a couple pushes. If rusted (garage should have prevented that) they could need work right away.
Tires don't like sitting in the same spot and check pressure. Most decent tires will be ok IMO.
Seals everywhere are lubed by running vehicles. There's a chance one or more will show itself and leak when it gets some use.
Priced for some issues could still be a great car with a few things to tend to.
If you get it - It should have oil changed, belts checked and other late service items tended to at once. Lube every lock and hinge - check spare tire for pressure too - long list of checks.
Even with all this I always suggest a mechanical inspection from a real professional to check it out as best as possible with what's allowed by seller.
Low miles isn't everything. Price should reflect the unseen for sitting so long IMO.
Side note: I've been given a few OUTDOOR for a year old cars and jeez they were still overpriced with what they ended up needing!
Good luck,
T
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kittiemne
Novice
Jul 10, 2010, 6:10 PM
Post #3 of 5
(3645 views)
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Re: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SE 5.2 L 65,000 miles.
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Tom,
THANK YOU for such great info. In charging that battery, could I jump it from another vehicle or do I take it out and to a shop for charging and test?
(This post was edited by kittiemne on Jul 10, 2010, 6:11 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 10, 2010, 6:39 PM
Post #4 of 5
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Re: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SE 5.2 L 65,000 miles.
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Don't jump it. I expect it to be dead or VERY low charge if any. Your call - you can buy a small charger (slow but good units) at Walmart called a battery maintainer for about $21 bucks. You'll use it again so no loss. You'd have to leave it on a probably a day with battery installed or take it out and get it tested and charged. Still plan on needing a new one.
A voltmeter can tell if battery is worth squat watching voltage while cranking engine is a fair idea that it's OK. Then watching when it runs that it puts out a charge.
Asking the alternator to do all the work could kill it if just jumped.
Also forgot to mention especially for Texas to make sure A/C blows cold. If not that can be nasty expensive.
This is a good reason to have this car checked out. Pay the bucks and it could save you a disaster.
How much of this do you want to do yourself just to get it moving to get it to a shop for a check out or how do you wish to handle that. Do you know a tech who would go to the car?
Also - many techs can get a good idea if that car has been in an accident and if it looks fixed properly or a lousy job then pass on that one.
There's potential for a nice car (Jeep) here or a disaster so what you do before a purchase will pay off,
T
Side note: Sales to minors is legal here but revokable! Seller may want YOU to be the owner for a sale. I won't sell a car to a minor in this state as they can total it and demand their money back! Can't speak for Texas laws on that stuff. It's really the seller's problem on that not yours......
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kittiemne
Novice
Jul 29, 2010, 6:57 PM
Post #5 of 5
(3569 views)
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Re: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SE 5.2 L 65,000 miles.
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Hey Tom....I've just posted another question about a different vehicle. I think you gave great advice about this Jeep...please see my post re: 1995 Ford F250 Supercab....looking for more of your help.
Thanks.
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