Vintage vehicle ownership is fun, challenging, educational, and a great investment. One popular vintage vehicle to collect is the Jeep. These vehicles served the US military from World War II through the early 1990s. They come in many different models that make for rewarding restoration projects. But hold your horses—here’s what you need to know before buying a vintage Jeep!
Assess the Condition
Found a Jeep for sale that seems perfect? Hold off on writing that check until you’ve inspected it from top to bottom. A mechanic can help if you’re new to car restoration. A thorough inspection should include the following steps:
- Look for signs of rust on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and everywhere else.
- Check the electrical system. Does the engine start right up? Do the lights and other systems activate with no issues? Does the battery seem new or on its last legs?
- Listen to the engine for any clicks, rumbles, or strange sounds. A noisy engine will need work.
- Test the transmission with a quick drive. See how it feels as you shift gears.
- Look for general wear and tear, including leaks, grime, and grease.
Naturally, with an older vehicle, you should expect to repair and replace some things. Still, an inspection helps calculate costs.
Read Up on Its History
Every vehicle has a history. A good owner keeps a record of every oil change, repair, breakdown, new part, and so on. Ask to see this record. A thorough history shows a conscientious buyer. Of course, the more well-kept the vehicle, the higher the asking price. A Jeep with a less detailed history may suggest potential issues. Check the VIN, and see if it was involved in any accidents or insurance claims. Even with an older vehicle, its history should hold few surprises.
Parts Availability
As you can imagine, you’re not going to find parts at a typical auto store for a vehicle nearing 30, 50, or 70 years of age (with the exception of new modifications). While classic military vehicles are great for collectors, customizing and upgrading vintage Jeeps requires connections and a lot of research.
Fortunately, there are websites and communities that can recommend places to purchase rare or uncommon parts or suggest modern parts as replacements. Before taking the plunge and purchasing a Jeep, find out where you can get the parts to keep it going. Keep your budget at the forefront of your mind—some custom-made parts aren’t cheap.
$$$
Investing in a vintage Jeep—or any vintage vehicle for that matter—isn’t a one-time thing. Over time, restoration, repair, and basic maintenance will take a toll on your bank account. Before you buy, ask vintage Jeep owners online about their grand totals.
We’ve explained what you need to know before buying a vintage Jeep. The rest is up to you! When you buy a vintage Jeep, you’re not just purchasing a fun little project; you’re buying a piece of history you can show off at shows, parades, and on trips around town!
