Keep in mind it is winter...if it was summer, price would be more negotiable. I don't know the Indiana market well, but looks rather rural, I bet they have some wiggle room. Keep in mind, he does need to make a profit and he doesn't look like a volume dealer.

It is true there are cheaper Jeeps, but are they in YOUR area. That was the horrible thing I had to deal with in DC. Everything goes for good money, and when I bought mine, I paid 2700 for a Jeep with issues! It was newer (2000) and it had a clean chassis, but other issues abound.

Are you at the top of your budget? Remember, no matter how little you pay, you'll likely pay a couple hundred to at least a grand in just a few months getting it up to par (tires, wheels, brakes, starter, etc, etc.). If you want to mod it...well then you'll be spending like crazy.