New here and looking at two eagles

[EagleJoe93]

Hello everyone, I'm new here and there are two different Eagle's that I'm interested in and could use some help as to what would be the better eagle. Some of you may know me from a previous post from my dad as the 17 year old that wanted to buy a 1988 AMC Eagle with 52k miles but backed out due to not being able to fully afford it. Well, now that I've got a job and have been saving money for a couple of months now, I feel ready to be able to buy my first car, an AMC Eagle.

The first Eagle I'm looking at is a 1984 Wagon with a 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It's about two hours from us, has 70k miles, was from Florida, has a new CV axle on drivers side, new brakes, and a new starter. It stalls sometimes when cold, needs new headliner, some interior plastic is broken, but seats are good. Asking price is $1500.

The second Eagle is a 1987 Wagon with a 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It's about thirty minutes from us, has 115k miles, has all the emissions control things striped from the engine with a Ford Carburetor, has relatively new tires, the floors are lined with duramatts, but is missing front carpets and the AC doesn't hold a charge. Asking price is $1300.

Hopefully I've provided enough information. I may be going to see the 1987 Eagle on Saturday and I'm not sure when I can see the 1984 Eagle. Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions.

Joe

[Whuntmore]

Welcome Eagle Joe.    About the eagles...

If I only had a choice between the two (and lets both car bodies had no rust)  I'd consider the second one, but that's a maybe...

how good does either start, run, drive, shift, (any issues with the 4x4?)
How much work will either need to pass safety, emissions, etc?
does either have clear titles?

Do either have any rot/rust? 
what options do they have on either? 
Is either a Daily driver?  Could either be a daily driver?

How's the paint?
how's the interior in the '87?  decent?

does everything (wipers, back window heater, lights, front heater, gauges, door handles, and locks, etc) seem to work?

All those questions answered will increase or decrease the value of either of those cars.  One or both might not even be worth $10. 

But it does boil down to how much you really want it, and how much you're willing to put up with (in condition) to own one.  Just so you know, there are some real bargains out there, and you also might want to check our (for sales section here in the forums) to see if any members might be selling a car near you. 

[IowaEagle]

Welcome to the Nest!  I would to try buy the car that is the most complete as it it easier to remove and save stuff you don't want, rather than finding what is not there.  Check closely for underbody rot on both cars, that stuff is deal breakers.

[wagoneerhauler]

Right IE, the rust here in NY can kill these cars.  I'd vote for the Florida car if it really was from there.  Can they prove that to you?  How long has it been in NY?  My first car (not an Eagle) was from Florida and it did have some odd rust issues from the ocean but the body was near mint.  Plus that Eagle only has 70k miles and would be a bonus to me.

But you really wont know until you get to see them in person.  Inspect the underside of each well.  Good luck in the hunt.

[EagleJoe93]

Thanks for the information. The body's of both cars appear to be in nice shape. As far as I know, things like the wiper blades and such work, and aside from the issues I mentioned, both cars are running. I forgot to mention that the 4X4 on the 1984 is not working. Not sure what options the cars have or if there is any rust underneath. I'm trying to see if me and my dad can see both cars this Saturday.

[IowaEagle]

The bodies can look great even on terminally rusted out cars.  Its the underbody area that is of most concern.  The 4X4 issue is something that can be more easily dealt with than terminal rust.  This month's Hemmings Classic Cars has a great piece about rust vs. no/little rust.  Basically, what it says it is usually cheaper in the long run to get the car that has no/minimal rust that needs some other repairs than one that is mechanically fine but has extensive rust.

[Whuntmore]

The bodies can look great even on terminally rusted out cars.  Its the underbody area that is of most concern.  The 4X4 issue is something that can be more easily dealt with than terminal rust.  This month's Hemmings Classic Cars has a great piece about rust vs. no/little rust.  Basically, what it says it is usually cheaper in the long run to get the car that has no/minimal rust that needs some other repairs than one that is mechanically fine but has extensive rust.

X2 what he said.

[HappyPappy]

FYI, there was one on C-list, out of Dover De, think it had 77K miles, was only an '80 model though. I would stay away from the N Y one, the Fla one can have rust problems too!  Good luck on your hunt.

[BenM]

I would also lean toward the most rust free of them. If the 87 has an aluminum valve cover, that's another nice plus.

[GRONK]

Definitely the 87.  It's closer, costs less, 4x4 works, has upgraded carburetor...  As long as it's solid, it seems the better contender.  Undr 120K miles is nothing.  I hav 258's w/ over 240K running strong.

[EagleJoe93]

I just learned today that the 1987 has power windows, although the rear ones are a bit sluggish. The owner also still has everything that was removed from the engine except the carburetor, and the wheels are not original. He also said I could make an offer as well. If this 1987 is a good Eagle all around, then I'm not sure if me and my dad should take the time to go see the 1984.

[IowaEagle]

The rear power windows are direct motor to gear drive so may only need some lubrication.  The front ones have the pesky cables that like to break and replacement cables are as rare as hen's teeth.

[OverKnight]

Hi, EagleJoe's Dad chiming in...

The seller of the '84 said the 4WD doesn't work, and he thinks the vacuum motors might be the problem.  I stopped by the local NAPA, and they were unable to find a listing for these for an '84 Eagle.  Are these available?  Is there a cross-reference number for these to a Jeep?  I believe I've read where some have converted the vacuum operation of these motors to cable operation; can anyone point me towards further information about this?

Thank you.

[JayRamb]

Hi, EagleJoe's Dad chiming in...

The seller of the '84 said the 4WD doesn't work, and he thinks the vacuum motors might be the problem.  I stopped by the local NAPA, and they were unable to find a listing for these for an '84 Eagle.  Are these available?  Is there a cross-reference number for these to a Jeep?  I believe I've read where some have converted the vacuum operation of these motors to cable operation; can anyone point me towards further information about this?

Thank you.

I'd stay away from this 84 if I were you.

[OverKnight]

Thanks, Jay.  I think that's becoming the plan.

We just learned of an Eagle located nearby, year unknown, which has a manual transmission.  We don't know anything about its condition or even if it's for sale.  Joe would much prefer a manual over an automatic.  Hopefully we'll hear from the owner soon.  If anyone knows of a solid Eagle with a manual, please let us know.

Thank you.