5280XJ

So the insurance company totaled my "sensible" car last week (cheap pice of computerized foreign plastic) after a bad accident, and it's time to go back to Jeep. I had a '95 YJ in college, but ditched it for something a little more practical for commuting. Worst decision I ever made. Spent way more fixing stupid things than I ever would have on gas Time to get an XJ!

I'm looking for:

1997-2001 XJ;
Sport, Classic, or Limited;
Less than 110k;
2-3.5" Lift Already Built;
At least '31s Already Installed;
Something w/in ~300 miles of Denver.

I've been trolling the sites, and am pretty surprised by the crap out there. The truck will have to pull double duty as my DD, and weekend toy. So if anyone has an XJ for sale, knows anyone who does, or is willing to otherwise help point a nooob in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Happy 4th!!!

Unleashed

depending on how the jeeps motor has been taken care of you could even settle with the high hundred thousand mile range

5280XJ

That's def an option depending on the jeep. Insurance company did right by me, so o figure mine as well go for broke lol

Unleashed

you want 4x4 right?

5280XJ

Yes. 4x4 is required for sure.

Unleashed

do you live by MOAB?

5280XJ

In Denver.

Unleashed

woops, sorry

how is the price for jeeps out there? are they in demand?

5280XJ

It's all over the place. Some with 250k and beat to s*** are $3000! Then some with potential are like $6500.

I'm just looking on craigslist and dealer stuff like cars.com.

Would like to find something semi-built b/c I have no garage at the moment. (thumbs down).

Unleashed

thats weird, im in Socal with a huge demand for a XJ and a fixed up 97-01 is around 4500 at most on craigslist

Disoriented Hillbilly

Anything else is just an expensive and awkwardly large paper weight!!!

5280XJ

Alright, so I am real close on one, and have a couple of real random questions:

1. Recalls. I see that there are 8 factory recalls; if I buy, will a dealership take care of all of them for free?

2. Decals. Something that makes me a little nervous is the fact that there are no factory decals on the jeep. Specifically, the "Jeep" (Hood/Tailgate), "4x4" (Rear Quarter Panels), and "Cherokee Sport" (R&L Front Doors) emblems are gone. The Xj is already semi-built. Is is normal for folks to take theses off? Or is this indicative of a recent paint job - possibly because of a recent accident?

3. Out-Of-State. The jeep is in WA, and I am in CO. I have a deposit down on it so its not going anywhere, but I have NEVER bought a car out of state before. I paid $150 bucks to a company that sends a ASE certified mechanic out to do a pre-purchase inspection and take it for a test drive, but this makes me a little nervous. I will get the report w/ pics back in a day or so. People buy cars off ebay all the time so I guess its not that uncommon, but it seems uber weird... Thoughts?

5. Shipping. The lowest quote I've found for shipping is like $900. A flight out there and gas to get her home would be about $500. Is there any recommendations on shipping companies? I dont mind (and slightly prefer) driving it home, but if there is a cheaper way to ship it, I would be all about it.

6. Basically the only body issue on the jeep is a bump where the windshield meets the roof. There is a big dent too, but it kind of looks like a rust issue to me... See the pic attached... Rust?