purplefever

Hello guys, new to the forum!
Been researching my next car and finally narrowed it down to:
1997-1999 XJ.
I really want a 4x4, manual but money is tight since im a college student who just opened my own retail business.
For the meantime, i found this:

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1852815987.html


He is asking $2200 but said he would go down to $1800.
Does this seem like a good deal?
I just need transportation for now and figured this would be cheap plus a perfect introduction to the Jeep world.
Any opinions or advice you can offer, im all for it. The more opinions, the better i can make my own informed decision.
Thanks guys!
Dave
www.954petfood.com

DCM

ads down....

purplefever

ad works for me? try copy and paste?
ill re-paste the link:

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1852815987.html

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1852815987.html

CodeXJ

Nope, I'm getting "This add has been deleted by the author"

purplefever

ill just copy and paste the ad:

1998 CHEROKEE, COLD A/C, GOOD PAINT AND INTERIOR, 6 CYL. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 160K MILES, CD PLAYER

954 446 5248

SE HABLA ESPANOL









How about now?

fantic238

looks good..

purplefever

im thinking it looks good also, will be going after work to take a look at it.
any specific areas i should look for rust? i read here, around the muffler area?

fantic238

Yes and the floor pans.
All you need to check is that the engine runs fine, the tranny shifts good and the transfer case works. If you test drive it find a spot on gravel and check the 4x4.
Everything else is cheap to fix.

fishtaconc

Good advice...just to expand on it when you go to look at it start it and just let it idle for a few minute while you talk to the person keep an eye on the the temp gauge shouldnt go much above 210-215ish then when you drive it watch the temp gauge. overheating is probally the most common problem next to CPS failure

CAEMI

Check the VIN on the title to the VIN at the base of the windshield, driver's side. Si Habla check the VIN.

Close the deal at the Sec. of State, if possible.

Crawl under and look for not-factory welding.

Sniff the fluids...oil, trans, rad overflow. They should smell normal, look normal. Don't know what normal is for trans fluid? Buy a quart of Dextron II trans oil and sniff it, rub it between your fingers, then you'll know. It should feel and look the same on the dipstick.

Rust? In Miami?

Should not smell like a dead cat inside.

Have soon-to-be-dreaded-previous-owner waggle the steering wheel whilst you observe the pivot points of the steering equipment. Lots of play is expensive. Should look pretty tight.

Brakes should work well. OK, maybe decent is the right word...it's an XJ.

Finally, drive it. Should track decent and not make alarming noises.

Other than that, 1800 looks awfully good to me. I'd stand in line for that.

Oh, and like fantic said - check the 4wd function. Very pricey to fix.

mtparker97

hey if you have your heart set on a manual hold off to find one. i did it took a little time and lots of craigslist calls but got mine for 2K, 4door, 5 speed 4x4. that was my criteria as i really wanted a manual and didnt want to settle for less. anyways good luck with your purchase.

purplefever

THANKS! You guys are the reason why i love forums, good advice from a third party point of view. Plus its stuff one learns from experience.wohooo
Will check VIN & compare against tittle. Review all vital operating fluids, operating temperature and how she drives.
I picked this Jeep since it isn't 4x4. I figured 4x4 is just another complicated thing to fix and expensive. All i will be towing is a pair of jet ski's so with some good rubber, i shouldn't be having any problems at the ramp.

As far as the steering column pivot points, what would be an indicator of it needing future repairs? excessive wiggle? "should look pretty tight"? TIA

I would like to wait to find a manual 4x4 but i need transportation since university starts in less than 2 weeks. Plus i figured my mom can drive it, if the need arises. If this Jeep isn't in good conditions then ill just take my time to find the right one. I have my own business, but i haven't had a car in 4months... AGHHH

CAEMI

If you're going to TOW, buy the auto.

You will know when you look at front end parts if they don't Look Pretty Tight. A wee bit of play is acceptable...you've got 10,000 to get it fixed. But a wee bit is like 1/8". The ball joints and tie rod ends should not move around. The STEERING gear should move back and forth and the connection points should be solid. Everything wears out so as things wear play develops. You'll know it when you see it. If you see a lot of play, figure $50 per fitting to get it set straight. If you have eight fittings, you can spend $400 in no time at all. Fortunately, most of these parts are easy to replace yourself...except the ball joints.

When in doubt, have a professional look at it. I'm just a garage grunt and my advice is worth zip when it comes to your money or your life.

BTW, if it has 130k on it, the front end has probably already been done.

fantic238

What it's 2wd?? i wouldn't buy it.