bigbovine

Well, new guy, been lurking around last two months. I started looking in to getting a Cherokee about a year ago. About 7 months ago I saw a 1990 Laredo and thought it wasn't worth my time. After seeing several more over the next months, I saw it still sitting in the car lot. I thought, why not look again. I have found certain things I am ok with now that I didn't like then and I have also learned more of what to look for. My initial thoughts on this Cherokee were unfounded. This time the first thing I looked at was the underside. Absolutely no rust, and only $650!!

As soon as I saw that, my opinion changed.
I talked to the owner and he said it runs, but has a vacuum leak they coudn't find. There are some things I would like to fix off the bat, like a new windshield, driverside interior pull handle for door, good carpet cleaning, headliner fix. I plan on driving it tomorrow to see about the mechanicals.

Also, the gauge cluster looks fine, but the radio had been stripped out. This being done, broke some of the dash between the radio hole and the gauge cluster. What would be the best thing to do for that (It just held maybe a digital clock) and is there anything I should look for otherwise?

Bustedback

It sounds like a bunch of minor stuff to fix, start hunting the boneyards for parts. welcome to the sickness

Jakers

I'm on my second 90 laredo right now... wish I never got rid of my first. Vacuum shouldn't be too bad to fix, all new vac lines should cost you around $50-60. What is your main purpose for this vehicle going to be? DD or trail or combo? I wouldn't worry about carpet cleaning unless it smells. I was going to do clean mine but with the dogs and mud etc etc I wouldn't put too much time into it. New windshield should only cost around $150 including install as for gauge cluster and dash you should be able to get those at your local JY for fairly cheap. If you do decide to get it Cruiser has write up for a bunch of tips for the renix jeeps (your year). I did all of them so far except the CPS mod, I would reccomend doing them all. $650 is a KILLER deal in my eyes. I got my for $1300 and sounds like it has just about the same amount of issues as yours does.

bigbovine

Thanks!
My main purpose is a daily/fun/learner vehicle (Jack of all trades?)
Seriously though, I have several things I want it for.
1: I have a daughter that needs something to learn to drive on, without using mine or the wife's vehicles.
2: I would love to have something for camping so I do not have to empty my truck (I work out of it).
3: Something to drive in bad weather or an extra vehicle while working on one of the others.
4: Something to have fun in (I live on a good size farm)

I want something to work on so I can teach the kids (I got 5) how to work on vehicles. This one seems to fit the bill. I have a few pics, and will have more tomorrow, especially of the dash.

bigbovine

Also, I cannot seem to find "Cruiser"

Coach

take pics of the parts you need, I have a junk 89 I'm trying to get parted so I can crush it.

grub90xj

What state you in?

Coach

I believe his name is Cruiser54.

PNWjeeper

He is referring to cruiser54's write ups.


https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

The link is also in my signature.

Jakers

I'd buy it for $650 hands down... I'm 25 and am no means a mechanic, I am a DIYer though for sure and this engine is super simple to work on. They have been around for quite some time so pretty much anything you need to do to it, someone out there has written an article on how to do it. Hyanes manual works great too. Ya Cruiser54 is his name, has helped my out A TON! Here is his profile link

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/members/cruiser54-42565/

and here is his mostly Renix tips

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

Its funny because the 90 laredo was the first vehicle I learned to drive, my dad bought his for similar purposes and when I turned 16 he gave it to me, had it till I was 20 then got rid of it. Finally told my fiance in January that I wanted another one and in April I found one. They are super fun/durable easy to work on and just have a great feel to them.

I have an 09 Jeep Patriot as well and I prefer driving my 90 laredo any day of the week... even with no A/C in the 113 degree AZ heat

Jakers

AHHHHhhhh you beat me to it! Posted while I was typing

PNWjeeper

Lol I actually started the post at like 6:30 then lost my wifi right as I hit send.

bigbovine

Quick info, on my phone. I will try to post pics in a minute. I will give more info later.
Bought the Laredo. Vacuum hoses pretty much non existent. From what I read on the renix stuff, it may also have ground problems also. Very pleased.

bigbovine

Not sure if these will load from phone but here goes.

Jakers

Congrats on the purchase! I'm excited for you! I've already done all my little upgrades so I'm a little jealous you get to start doing yours, my next upgrades are a few hundred each, so they are on the back burner till after the wedding.

Pictures came across good, ya you should be able to get a new dash piece at your local JY(s) for fairly cheap, mine has them around $30 or so (unless you go to a larger name brand JY then it might be a little more pricey). I'd pick yourself up a cheap walmart deck with a CD player and an AUX front port (if you are worried about getting a stereo) the AUX front port will allow you to hook up your phone/iPod the deck should only be around $40-$50 for a cheapo.

How does it drive?