Hey guys I'm new here and I have been looking to buy a tracker for some time now and I was just wondering what are some of the things to look for when looking to purchase used tracker? I've never owned a 4x4 so I figured maybe you guys could clue me in on some of the problem areas to look for on these cars.

Thanks
-MM

get one with a 16V engine, I like the auto trans, but you will get better
fuel mileage with a 5 speed. I can't really think of a problem to look for,
just make sure it's not beat to death, and has the equipment you want

haha. i prefer 8v 5speed cars so that goes to show you that its mainly personal preferance. they are all awesome litlte rigs right out of the box.

If the thing has any lift at all or you think the guy liked to 4 wheel it, check out the readers rides on the other forums, then when you know his user name look up any posts he has made.  The last one I was looking at I did that and found all kinds of pictures of what mods he had done and how, and several of cracked frame rails he was trying to fix becuse he liked to jump his.  If you get a good feel for the guy you are buying from, then you probably don't need to do this.  A tip Pop always told me was to check some of the more neglected fluids to see what kind of TLC the rig had such as brake, pwr steering, and diffs.  These rigs are pretty easy to work on and there are many guys like "Wild"(who spoke above) on this forum that are extremely helpful.  Its kind of like haveing the auto shop teacher at your finger tips, so don't sweat the small stuff.  My other 4x4 is a lifted 78 F-250 that is a beast/tow rig, but my barbie jeep (tracker) is way more fun and affordable to play with and work on.  Welcome to ZW.

Here in the NE; rust is the first thing to look for
under rear carpet
rear xmember above fuel tank
behind front bumper cover
rockers, etc.

look to see if it has ac and ps, if hat is a concern

if it is a soft top, make sure hware is complete; the newer one cost more $$$

16v = higher rev, few more hp, multipoint FI--
8v = more common, single tbi, easier valve adjust / timing belt replacement

5sp manual or auto 3 sp and auto 4spd

2 dr or 4 dr

if cel is on, you can pull code(s) w/ a paper clip up to '95...

good luck

What they said. You'll like it here in remedial 4x4, fun bunch.

Great tips all, but hey Medford, I don't drive no Barbie Jeep!  What,  is yours PINK?   Your dad's tip is one of the best I've heard in a while, one that doesn't get mentioned all that often.

LOL! It might be pink in the middle, but its green on the outside.  The guys at work with all their big diesel pu's and jeeps like to make fun of the two of us that have zukes one 87 sami and my 96 tracker.  Mine is called the barbie jeep and the sami is called the ken jeep (I think because he has a ba camo paint job).  We are woking together to humble our brothers at work and many have already admitted that the tracker will go many places they would have to walk to, but they just wont say it when they are in a crowd.  Stinking egotistical firemen!

Yeah, guys and their " mine's bigger " attitude. I often think the bigger the rig the smaller the ............. ok, brain.