trapper

I know a lot but so guru insight would help

IS 200k MILES BAD?

itsanxjthing

Depends on the price tag.

trapper

guy wants $1250

looks like a family car.. not a guys off road toy

dar83

i've got a 2000 model with 200,000 miles going strong. just look for oil in the air box, smoke, and listen for any noise. oh and most likely your going to be replacing the rear main seal, and oil filter adapter seals. best of luck to ya

xjrev10

if its pretty much rust free i would go for it. as long as it still runs and drives good, i would not worry about it

itsanxjthing

1200 and the regular before-buying-used-check and Id buy it

trapper

you mean offer 1200?and check what?.. then buy?

SWC custom

make sure tht the rockers arent rusted cause more than likely if they are then the floor boadrs are gone too

itsanxjthing

If it doesnt have oil in the coolant or vice versa, if it goes in and out of gear/4wd easily, no crazy smoke/noises. And ID offer 900 and work up from there. I would pay no more than 1200 for it, but id buy it, if it passes those checks.
Also find a place on the floor to lift the carpet

trapper

keep it coming guys this is great info and I dont want to steer her wrong!!

My truck is a manual so I dont know about the automatic trans. either..

I might NEED A LIST 1.2.3.4.5....
this would help others who are searching (using the search feature) I did.. a whole bunch.. i promise

thank you all

trapper

how can I tell if there is coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant other than it smoking out the exhaust?

itsanxjthing

Coolant and oil wont mix, oil being heavier would be on the bottom, coolant on top.

guest02

Welcome to the forum!!!


One of the most recent threads on buying a "new" XJ is this one...


https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/jeep-wife-32944/

It was a pretty good thread with alot of good info!!!


Hope this helps.

trapper

how do I check for oil at the bottom of the radiator? ( to tell if there is a blown head gasket.. will the water in the radiator bubble while its cold?)

one guy mentioned that 1995 or newer is good b/c of air bags..

I know to look for rust in the right areas..

any other thoughts ?

trapper

Here is what I have come up with so far.. please add your own thoughts:

Take:

• jack
• jack stands
• crow bar
• star wrench
• screw drivers
• small pry bar
• rubber gloves
• paper towels

Questions to ask:

• where was is bought
• when was is bought
• how many miles did he put on it
• how long has is sat

Check:

• Clear title (salvage)
• does title vin match the vehicle
• loose wires under the hood
• lights and turn signals work (high, low, left/right, brake, hazard, running)
• dash board lights up
• windows cracked chipped or broken
• burn marks on hood or in engine bay
• soot marks on exhaust manifold
• exhaust manifold bolts
• surface rust along the drip rails, fenders, roof, door jams, door bottoms
• Clear coat peeling
• is the interior pretty beat up
• e brake holds
• shifts trans & t-case fluidly
• headliner
• windshield wipers move and spray (rear too)
• do all seat belts latch, belts pull easily
• rust on the floor pans (pull carpet up)
• stock brakes and wear
• shocks for rebound (front and back, side to side)
• ball joints (lift tire w/crow bar and check side to side movement)
• vacuum on front axle
• scratches, dents, scrapes under the truck
• play in the drive shafts
• leak spots on the ground
• shift and steering linkage play
• air filter
• belt cracked
• visual inspection of radiator
• busted steering column and door locks, keys work in doors? (was is broken in to?)
• does the body line up (hood, fenders, front clip, doors, rear hatch)
• are there any tool marks on body bolts
• how do the doors close
• do the windows roll up and down smoothly
• does the dash board squeak, is it loose anywhere, body panels
• motor mounts
• smell and color of fluids
  • oil
  • transmission
  • coolant and bottle
  • steering fluid

Start:

• does the coolant bubble with raid. Cap off when started
• are there any vacuum lines disconnected
• does the motor knock
• are there any squeals
• fuel rail leak
• smoke from the exhaust
• exhaust rattles