So backstory: I had a 96 XJ. Leaked every fluid you could put in it, had to run it thru the gears manually even tho it was an auto, and the unibody was almost gone with multiple holes into the cabin, as well as the back right leaf spring hanging on for dear like by a tiny piece of rusty metal. Biggest piece of **** car I've owned.... However it was my favorite car and every since I sold it a few months back I've wanted another one.

Now I have a 05 Sierra Single Cab. 210k 4.3, doesn't leak or use any fluids at all, runs perfectly and rides super smooth, hot heat, cold AC, only minimal surface rust on the frame. Saw this guy had a 98 XJ with I think around 250k on it. Only notable issues that he told me about was a quarter sized rust hole in the floor. Which is whatever, I have a friend who can help it for me. Secondly, he said he said it uses a lot of coolant. He says there is no holes in the rad hoses or the rad itself. He said it only leaks oil when the coolant is low but burns oil when it runs at temp which both of those make me think of cracked head. And if it's cracked obviously it's a pass. Other than that the jeep looks solid from the pictures that I've seen.

Just trying not to get burnt. Got a good deal on a solid truck that I really like and my other car isn't so reliable so this will be the car I drive the most plus it's a dream car so I want it to last. Opinions and also things to look out for would be appreciated, I'm going to meet him around 5pm tomorrow

Attached pics are my truck and the jeep in question

 

You are looking at a head gasket replacement at the least. It is either burning coolant or losing it into the engine oil. It could have been driven hard or it could have just happened. Either way the owner is still driving it which is absolutely not good.

Offer him $1000 and be ready to spend 1500 at least if you are paying a mechanic to fix it.

 

Was actually gonna trade titles my trucks for his. Ultimately tho, I think I'm going to test drive it and tell him I'll think about it and then decline later. I don't want to give up my only reliable daily car.

At any rate, I have another jeep lined to up look at for trades. Had a 3.5 inch lift, looks like its not too rust and he said the unibody is solid, has no big issues other than the 4x4 doesn't work but I'm not planning on going wheeling soon. Only thing that concerns me is it's a 99 and he said it doesn't have the distributor. Which means it has the 0331 head. I've heard the head cracking on those are over exaggerated. You have any light to shed on them?

 

Absolutely do not trade your truck for this.
if you don't plan to get it, don't even waste your time looking at it

unless you have a trusted mechanic go over the vehicle from top to bottom BEFORE YOU GET IT, I strongly discourage you from trading your solid vehicle for something you know hardly anything about. It will not be trustworthy and it will be a shot in the dark.

 

Where are you located. I could use a nice pick up!