95 tracker 16v question?

[BIG DOG]

Hello all I'm new here been lurking for a little while as I have been looking at getting a tracker or sidekick. I have found a 95 16v 5spd that I'm thinking about I haven't gone to look at it yet .Plan to do that on saturday.Hard to find a good one around here that someone doesn't want a arm and leg for .There are a couple here one 97 one 98 the guy's want $5000 for them. Anyway a 95 16v 5spd and this is what he said "I think there is a dead plug or a bad wire, so it runs, not right up to par, I drove it like that for a month until I found a bigger 1/4 ton 4x4 that I wanted" .So what might I look for ? He said it was just MVIed in sept he had the clutch done last year and a wheel bearing six months ago .He wants $750 so if I have to do some work I'm ok with that but I don't want to get into major surgey.But after reading some of the posts seems like the 16v may be prone to valve, head gasket and timing pulley problems ......HMMMMM.......Any input or suggestions is appreciated !
THANKS!

[fartfignewtons]

'95 1.6liter 16V? What was the asking price?

I owned a '95 Sidekick JLX 5spd that I truely bought off the truck as it was being delivered to the dealership in October of '94. I wish I still had that little SUV!

I had it for seven years and not once was it in the shop! Just the regular maintenance and at 100K I replaced the timing belt and water pump! This was the first year model to have the new refridgerent in the AC system and that was still in great shape. The 4x4 system was in tip top shape as well!

Not sure if I would pay $5K for one since they are getting old. I would bu one for maybe $1K or under.

The one you are going to look at, is it a 4dr? Also, is it the LT model with alloy rims?

[BIG DOG]

He wants $750 and I'm not sure if it has the alloy rims it is a 2 door I have been trying to find a good 4 door but no luck.I'm a little worried about a possible engine problem with it running rough but hopefully it just has a bad plug .It does have the factory hard top and he said the body isn't too bad at all. Guess I'll know on Saturday.
Thanks!

[tracka96]

My guess is it ain't just a bad plug, if that was the whole problem why wouldn't the guy put one in and up the price? Be suspicious! Tracka96

[jtgh]

bad spark, or something far worse,
do not buy unless you do:
Compression test . (above 150psi and equal as possible)
and check torque on the crank pulley 17mm bolt. must at 50 or better 94ft/lbs.
(old and new spec)
if the torque was/is less than 50ft/lbs or far less (worse), PASS.

I to am curious why owner doesnt tune it up, if THAT really is the issue.
Here a runner 95 is worth 2k (+-) and DOA $500. (or runs bad or bad clutch or bad tranny, noise in DL)

5k is crazy.

96 JX 2door conv. auto is $2400 4dr Sport 1.8 $2900 NADA (source)
dont pay a dime more. (or wait till summer for the real price)
derate for rust.

here the lighter they are the more popular for towing behind massive Motorhomes.
(price distortion).

[BIG DOG]

Here they range from $400- $5000 like I said they are getting harder to find in reasonable shape But I have seen a couple go for $900 buddy fixed the rockers and turned around and sold them for $3500 .But if the body is in reasonable shape I'm willing to spend a little on the motor if need be .The hard top on it alone is probably worth $300-$500 But it all speculation I'll know tomorrow and let you know it could be a heap!.
Thanks !

[jtgh]

and as fuel prices rise ( notice supply is stuck for some time now) the Big V8 monster SUV will become cheap and the 1.6l will rain supreme.

The best one is a 96 or newer as it has the much better ECU ( OBD2 ) will pay for itself by helping you and others, to not have to, throw parts at car.
96's are the best year. (lowest price)
Mines a 91 , but I am torturing mine. ( it's an experiement in MPG).


I hope I have helped you.
happy trails

[BIG DOG]

Well I bought it 95 Tracker 16v 5spd hard top $700, it's in pretty good shape.It needs a really good cleaning a wheel bearing and one rocker looks like it could use a little welding .I'm equiped to do that though so it's not too big a deal .Ran real rough on the way home .After I figured out HOW TO OPEN THE HOOD.......LOL had to call someone. I got my daughter to start it while I pulled the plug wires to see what was up the first two were firing off the side so I changed them with a couple of others that I had and the thing fired up and ran like a top she even noticed the difference as soon as she started it.Took it for a drive and the thing has got some snap I was surprised so I'm a little relieved I hate buying a used anything!Tomorrow I'll change out the wires plugs cap,rotor and oil any suggestions on them?
Thanks!!

[Nates'90]

Originally Posted by BIG DOG

Tomorrow I'll change out the wires plugs cap,rotor and oil any suggestions on them?
Thanks!!

Dont waste money on the cheap ones... speeking from experiance with a chincy china set of wires and some off brand rotor/cap. Both were trash after 3k miles, caused a TON of headaches (cause I assumed they were good, GUESS NOT!!!)

I run 5w30 mobile clean 5k in mine, with an AC-DELCO filter (DO NOT GET A FRAM!!!)

Plugs, if your going for milage go with NGK platinums or another platinum (come on, you've only got 4 of them... $5 each isnt a big deal)

Good luck
~Nate

[BIG DOG]

Does Bosch make good ignition parts still? Or what about Champion they are made in the USA. I can get either of these at my Canadian tire store but I'm sometimes a little leary of their quality .Or something from napa just need a good suggestion as the cheap stuff is everywhere .Oh and don't worry I wouldn't put a FRAM filter on my wheelborrow!