Okay, so i am looking at a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic. This will be my first vehicle and there are a few issues with it:

The roof is starting to rust and needs to be re-painted so how much is the going to cost about? (I live in North NJ if that helps at all...)

The radiator also has a small leak in it and needs to be replaced so how much is that going to cost?

Is it normal for there to be a little play in the steering?

What would be a good price to offer? He is asking $4500 and it has about 98,000 miles.

Sorry for all of the questions but I hope you can help!
Thanks,
Ryan

 

Body work is difficult to estimate. Are you going to Maaco, or a body shop? That will make a difference. For the radiator, are you planning to work on it yourself? Or are you paying a shop to do the work? I would say $4500 is too much for a vehicle that needs the items you've mentioned. What else is hidden that you'll find after purchase?

 

I have to agree that is way to high for needing that much work. Since it will be your first vehicle take it to a mechanic and have it checked out really good mainly have them do a compression test and make sure that the head is good. That year (late 99-01} have a crappy 0331 head on them and are known to crack. The radiator is not that big of a deal you can pick a new one at Auto Zone for around $100 with a lifetime warranty. As far as the body work and paint you will have to check the shops in your area to get an estimate.

 

As for body work...a general estimate is 600 per panel for paint work ( not including the rust repair and bodywork)

 

I'd pass on that one. I'd pass on any 00-01 because they have
1- a head that's prone to cracking
2- a weaker front axle
3- updated emissions with 3 cats
4- coil packs instead of distributer and plugs

I think $4500 is to much to pay for any old cherokee unless it's absolutely cherry.

 

I payed 3000 for mine 00 with 137k miles perfect body but the muffler is one of the few small things i had to buy. Also look at the tires i had to buy mine new spent 500$ it makes a difference. My jeep is all stock right now. Offer him like 3500 max 100k miles is rare and they go for 4000 under 100k miles

 

Thanks for your help! I have to say that the seller was very honest with us. We would have know idea the radiator was leaking if he didn't tell us, thats how small the leak is. I think I am going to keep looking and pass on this one. Thanks again!

 

Where in north nj you around? im also a northern NJ jeeper

Id say for this area thats about normal for an xj in good or top condition as i payed around 4500 for my 01 w/ 120,000 miles on it at the time. If i were you id look for a nice 99 without the 0331 head that's prone to cracking, which did happen to me by the way. Also i've noticed the two cats right of the manifolds on the 00-01 years pump so much extra unneeded heat into the engine bay its ridiculous.

 

I live in Sparta

 

The price is high considering the work it needs. IMO with a vehicle of this age while mileage is going to factor into the price, how the vehicle was cared for is just as important. Of course most Jeeps aren't garage queens and get driven in the worst condition so it's hard to find a well cared for example.

 

No crap huh? i live right down the road in Franklin, small world i guess. Anyways best of luck to you in whatever you decide man