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Just curious. Many of us are on our second, third, etc. But who bought from the dealer new back in the day?
My story:
1986 Laredo V6 New from the dealer. Sold in 1990
(loved that chevy engine! JUST KIDDING)
1990 Laredo 4.0l New from the dealer. Sold in 2001 for 2001 PT Cruiser
(not sad to get rid of the RENIX)
1996 Sport. Bought with 196K in 2013. (When PT died) Now has 221K.
Last edited by HappyTrails; 10-22-2014 at 07:02 PM.
I bought my 2000 Limited new, and I still have it with 161K miles on it. Build date was 5/00, and I picked it up in June of that year.
It has served me well up until the last couple of years, but then an idiot ran a red light and smashed my rear quarter panel, and another idiot rear-ended it. Both times the insurance companies tried to total it, and both times I worked out a way to avoid that so I wouldn't have to deal with rehabilitating a salvage title. Then, while looking for a new car so that I could put the XJ in the shop to get that stuff taken care of, the 0331 head crack made itself known, and I learned a very large amount about the 0331 head in a very short time.
That's when I really had to decide whether to just junk it or build it. I decided to keep it and build a rig that can handle the terrain and the type of emergencies we sometimes have down here in Louisiana. It's not uncommon during the spring and summer for the city streets down here in New Orleans to be completely impassible for my other car, and I really feel the need for a capable bug-out vehicle. I could buy something else, but why, when I already have a perfectly good (almost) XJ?
So we swapped in a Golen stroker and full exhaust to get it back on the road. It's in the shop right now getting the wreck damage repaired. Because I'm an apartment-dweller and don't really like working on my cars out on the street, I'm looking for a powered storage space where I can pull it in, put it up on jack stands and go to work on the suspension, steering and frame. I'm hoping to get into that in December and have it roadworthy by the time the rain starts in the spring.
My body man asked me why I didn't just find another one instead of going to the trouble of fixing the damage to this one. It's irrational, but this truck is part of my family, and I see no reason to throw it away because it's a little banged up. I figure it'll give me at least another 15 years of service. I just have to learn how to keep it on the road.
Mine was bought new by my wife's step mom. She let her daughter (wife's step sister) drive it for a few years after buying a 04 Rubicon. I recently acquired it and have been bringing it back up to snuff while selling the German sport sedan it is replacing.
Bought this xj in jan 86 2.8l auto, runs great! Lots of work over the years but kept all stock. Needs paint but no rust. Just broke 500k! Just did all bushings and ball joints, tie rods and the sort. Purchases from Castle AMC in National City Ca. (dealer long gone). Will try and post pics.
That would be awesome to see your 86! I have two completely stock, original 86 XJs. One is a Chief, and the other a Laredo. Both 2.8, auto, Command Trac. The Laredo is a barn find. 129k miles, and the interior is like showroom condition. The Dark Honey Metalic paint is faded, but no rust, scratches or dints at all. Still has the original Jeep floor mats! It was a one owner until I rescued it two years ago. Bought new in Birmingham Alabama. I am in the process of collecting several of the first three years of the XJ. Not many people care for the 2.8, or the early 2.5, but I do. Not many left. Both of my 2.8s run slick and smooth. If I want something faster, I just get in one of my 4.0 XJs! The 2.8s have done everything I have asked of them. They are definitely not 4.0 strong, but no matter how long I have let them sit, They have always cranked up an run.
I posted some pics in the gallery today, not sure how to put with my post. Mine is rust and dent free but needs paint. The 2.8 does get bashed alot but with normal care it keep on running. Inside it is pretty good but does show some wear, I have had this unit for 32 years so not suprised. Still use as a daily and nothing can go bad that I cant fix. Have all records dating to 86 including window sticker. They are getting sparse even in the j yards. We can still keep these things alive good to hear Iam not alone...Mike
I posted some pics in the gallery today, not sure how to put with my post. Mine is rust and dent free but needs paint. The 2.8 does get bashed alot but with normal care it keep on running. Inside it is pretty good but does show some wear, I have had this unit for 32 years so not suprised. Still use as a daily and nothing can go bad that I cant fix. Have all records dating to 86 including window sticker. They are getting sparse even in the j yards. We can still keep these things alive good to hear Iam not alone...Mike
I looked at your pics. That is a pretty clean old XJ! I found part of the factory build sheet in my 86 Laredo. There was a small piece under the edge of the carpet where the main carpet meets under the driver side of the rear seat. The factory dealer build sheet for my 87 Laredo 4.0, and my 87 XJ Wagoneer Limited were taped behind the passenger door panel. I am currently trying to obtain an 86 Chief, 2.8, auto, 2 door 4x4, and an 85 Pioneer, 2.5, auto, Selec Trac, 4 door. They have been sitting for a really long time. Trying to get the owners to sell is the problem! LOL
They did a pretty good job of cleaning up the lines on the one you have. Build sheet on mine was found behind spare tire (inner spare) panel. I pulled and filed with all my pwork. I have done all work since new and saved the paper. I dont plan on ever selling mine but nice to have records. Nice color on yours.
My dad custom ordered a 1990 (IIRC) Cherokee Laredo 2 door 5 speed new. Leather seats, all the chrome options. I remember being in it when I was little. Well before the Jeep thing really set in. I'll have to dig up some pics of it for you guys.
10-22-2014, 07:00 PM
Who bought an XJ new? Still have it?
