Interested in hearing some opinions on buying an xj with 240k miles on it for 4,800. Is it worth buying one with that many miles? What potential engine problems are there with that high mileage ? Also what price should be payed for an xj with those miles in California? Iinterior in good condition, clear coat fading on body paint, looks to be 90% stock.

 

Given that you're concerned about the price as well as the mileage it would be helpful if people knew the model year.

 

I bought one in Kansas for 6K 60 year anniversary model 2001 with 242,000 miles. We have replaced the radiator, electric fan, Evap pump, took off and cleaned the throttle body and all the various sensors on it. That corrected the rough ride and periodic bumping. Replaced oil, tranny fluid tranny solinods. various hoses. 2 02 sensors lower and still need to do the uppers. Still throwing codes for Evap 442, a 161, and a 121.
Have replaced the whole Ac system and the heater core which after 18 months the core sprung a leak so by passed it for now. Did all this while living in our Bus conversion in an RV park. Would I do it again sure I would. Makes life interesting.

All in all it is now a good driving car. It also needs a new rear main seal but at 72 YO I don't feel like laying on my back to replace it.

 

Who knows....depends on what you want, what you can do and what you want to do. Any of the 20 year plus vehicles will need many things. My Jeep, 1996 Classic I have put on 215000 miles of the 230000 it has. I consider parts replacement and a high level of maintenance in lieu of car payments a mandatory agenda.. I average under 10000 miles a year on the Jeep, but that is 3 oil and filter changes. Having said that...don't ever think that a low price is a good deal or a high price means a perfect vehicle.

 

it's a 96

 

I bought a 96 two door with 230k for 1800 a year ago. It was an ohio jeep. Front floors are almost rusted completely out, some rusted spots on the rear quarter panels, and it needed a transmission. Other than that it was well worth it in that condition. It runs great, has ice cold AC, and its been taken on three different 1000 mile road trips. Its getting full frame stiffeners and front floors done this winter, probably take it from Pittsburgh to N.C. one more time before that. 4800 is a little steep in my opinion, but its all about what you want to pay and if you feel good with what you get. Having a clean west coast body might be worth it, these things are getting more rare by the day.

 

I bought a 93 two-door four-cylinder five speed with 169K miles in February of this year for $1750 in Lexington, South Carolina. Zero rust, drove it home and it had new tires and oil change, but needed a front bumper and grill. Replace bumper and grill from parts yard installed new shocks, replaced light – cluster with a used one with full gauges. That was just plug and go. Had to replace the temperature and oil pressure sending units . a California price is like houses and hamburgers completely different than the south east

 

Its impossible to say without a thorough inspection of the vehicle and its maintenance records

I have 3 x '96, all with high mileage

my DD I bought for $2k, with 200k, 6yrs ago, I have a file on here with all maintenance done, I will publish it one day, as I would say its typical of what to expect. I have put over 50k miles on it

ZERO rust (most important thing)

Complete rebuild of; suspension, brakes, new starter, alternator, aircon compressor, tyres, battery, fuel pump, cooling system

replace AW4, 242, entire D30 & housing with used

probably soon needs attention to driveshafts and rear diff

Some other minor stuff

Depends where you get in the the cycle

After 250k, all the above OEM items will be at the end of their lifespan, that is where maintenance records come in

A couple of things I can promise you without doubt

1) My vehicle would be off the road unless I did all repairs myself, and have spare parts on hand

2) They are chocka with electronics, so if you cant do that work, forget it, as guess what, no one else can either (I am a technician)

 

I just picked up a white and Gold trim, 1990 Jeep Cherokee Limited pretty much all original with 241,000 miles on it for $1200.00 in the South Bay Area. The grey leather interior was ok but front driver seat was cracked and opened up. The plugs, cap, rotor and wires were worn and have been replaced, I also replaced the boot on the crancase vent on the valve cover, belts and various hoses. replaced all five tires, with 225/75-15 dextero light truck tires, and installed a used dvd/cd with bluetooth, navugation and back-up camera from pioneer. So far I'm into it about 700.00 more for a total of 1900.00... Transmission was rebuilt 6 years ago and has about 12,000 miles on it... I'm hoping it gets me back to Montana, I have another week to make sure its road ready. Wish me luck....