I am looking for a 1999 XJ that is absolutely unmolested, rust free, and VERY low mileage (less than 50K). This vehicle would be very original, including the paint, and in exceptionally good condition. Musts include 4WD, AW4, and documented service history. Prefer forest green color, and prefer to buy from original owner. Willing to pay highest book value. Willing to fly anywhere in the lower 48. I know I'm asking a lot, and wanted to ask on this forum in addition to searching nationally via the usual means (CL, ebay, autotrader, etc.)

 

eBay is probably going to be your best bet...

 

Mine is a 2000 with 58k, I bought from the original owner. I got lucky!

 

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4291674243.html

Looks like a nice jeep.

 

That criteria is going to be few and far between.

 

Thank you each for your insight. If you know of one that fits the bill, I would be grateful to learn of it. Looking nationally, I have found a few that are close, but not quite. What's interesting is how sellers describe their offering as "rust free" yet they post images showing rust. The best response I got after pointing that out to one particular seller was; "It's rust free except for that spot." Right.

 

nm.

 

And I'm also wondering how the value is determined. Every online guide I can find says these are worth $5K-$8K, yet they're listing in the $10K-$12K range. Either the books are way off or the sellers are very optimistic. Any insight?

 

They are selling these days for much more than book. Pretty normal. I don't get it either. It's insane when all you see of craiglist are XJ's with 250k+ stock selling for 2500 and stuff. It's crazy.

 

It appears to me that XJ's, and MJ's, and probably CJ's as well, are niche markets, and all the value guides don't have a good grasp on the rare actual sales data for the more desirable specimens. There are a great many higher mileage vehicles available, but the lower mileage vehicles seem to have a completely different valuation. Regardless of what the "books" say, it looks like I'll be spending at least $10K, perhaps more, for what I want. Some might say I'm nuts, but show me a better deal and I'll take it.

 

I sell rust free, I mean rust free XJs. All stock, no issues whatsoever. 97-01, 120-63k. I've taken in $4100-5900 depending on color, tires etc. I fix the driver seat that always has the upholstery crack, tires are always matching set of 4 with 75%+ remaining, stock aluminum rims, every system working. Rear wiper, window switch and regs, exhaust, brakes, you name it. Engine holds 40lbs +, no ticks, knocks, leaking oil out rear main or valve cover etc. When people drive by my shop and stop because it's "such a nice looking jeep", they sometimes are visibly shocked when you say $51 OBO or something. Funny thing is that I've never had a jeep more than 2 weeks. I get higher than dealer prices and it's so much fun. very rewarding to take a nice jeep and make it perfect again. I've had people come from out of state for my jeeps too. I've found TJs are about $1500 above blue book value, and XJs are about $500 high. Saying that, mine has 58k, I'm the second owner. It books at $75 or something. I can't see selling it for that.

Attached are a few examples.

 

I would hope the engine has higher than 40psi compression...

 

I believe he means oil pressure.

 

It's a joke lol. Mine has never held 40 or even 20 at idle for the last 12 years so those ones must be pretty good.

 

Oil pressure. I've looked at a million jeeps and some run great with low oil pressure. From a buyers standpoint it makes it much easier to feel good about a motor if all the criteria checks out(no leaks, burning, low on oil, ticks, overheating etc.).

I'm not trying to brag, I'm just agreeing with what the first poster wants to find. "Rust free" is a very common BS phrase. It's frustrating trying to find the right jeep. My advice is to find a CF member who's halfway mechanically inclined look at it for some 6 pack $. And always get lots of pictures. Being that you're probably going to travel a long distance to find the right jeep and gas in aircraft and cars isn't cheap!