I recently paid a little over 13K for a 82 CJ7 with a AMC 401 (early 70's vintage engine with high compression). The electrical system was toast but the body, tub and frame were in near new shape. 2 owners....
I've put about 3K into it to get it re-wired, new carpet, gauges, lights/lenses all the way around, updated correct seats and a new top.
All in all mechanically it was in great shape. A few electrical gremlins and when I pulled on that string I saw enough issues with the insulation on the wiring to start over entirely.
So... I looked for a year. I found a lot of CJs that looked good but when you got under them you saw the issues. This one was a little different. Good shape and appearance but the body/frame were great. I looked at CJ's all the way up to $25K. By the time I'm done I'll have 20 in it is my guess.