So I happened upon a 1985 Jeep Cherokee XJ with 2.1L Turbo Diesel for sale. I haven't purchased yet, but hoping to get some help here first.

Here's the specs, good and bad.

Good:
Body is in "mostly" good shape
Interior is in "mostly" good shape
5 Speed Manual (AX-5?)
4 wheel drive works (NP207)
Equipped with A/C but not currently functioning
Runs well once warmed up
Full gauge cluster with tach
Only 136k miles

Bad:
Floorboards rusted to all hell, but not on frame
Dash has some cracks
Manual Locks and Windows (mostly just a big inconvenience on a 4dr)
Runs rough until warmed up

Owner says in the past he knows previous owner had put a larger turbo on and swapped to a Winnebago cam (from same 2.1L engine). He also said he has 2 spare injection pumps, a spare block, head, cylinder sleeves, and crankshaft that comes with it. Although I have a pretty intimate knowledge with the 2.5, 2.8, and 4.0 engines, I don't know much about the Diesel Cherokees except that I've always wanted one. I've never owned a diesel and I have some questions below hoping I can get some help answering...

1. Is the bigger turbo and swapped cam a good or bad thing?

2. What could be the reason it runs rough when cold?

3. Anyone know how much it could cost to have the floorboards replaced?

4. The Jeep is in another state and I'd need to drive it 700 miles back home, and to high altitude. Owner says he drives it 40 miles to work and back each day with no issues. Thought on making the trip?

5. Speed limits around me are about 75 mph on average, which based on my research on the gearing would give a cruising RPM about 3000. Does that sound right and is that safe on a diesel? Anyone know what the redline is on the engine? The tachometer is scaled to 6000 with no redline markings.

6. Owner wants $6500 and he's pretty firm on it. What do you think its worth?


I posted this more or less on jeepforum also, but haven received much of a reply to my questions. I know there are some members here who have diesel Cherokees so I'm hoping to get a better response. I give thanks in advance for the help here and look forward to the recommendations.


.

 

I know that I sure wouldn't pay $6000 for a '85 vehicle with rusted floorboards and a rough running diesel. If you just want to join the really small crowd of diesel running XJ fans then your pocketbook and patience will determine if it is a good deal. You will likely be turning lots of tools on it, regardless.

 

Think I would pass.

 

Yes, definitely one or the other. Could be a kludge, put together by some kid who thinks "bigger is better!", or it could be a well-researched, carefully thought out upgrade.


Many! No way to tell.

If you have plenty of time, and like to live dangerously, go for it. Or if your pockets are bursting with money. Otherwise, no way.


I don't know that engine, but that speed sounds to me like a recipe for a short engine life.

Nothing close to that, unless you are a collector with deep pockets.

 

I'd buy it, but for nothing more than 2000

 

Note from DJ
Have a look at this information then No

2.1L (128 Cu. in.) 4-Cylinder Turbo (Diesel)
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=64521
OP by nomadix on 8-28-2005
Post # 36 on 2-9-2011
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthrea...t=64521&page=3
------------------------
http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...lt-diesel-info
I don't know what Renault diesel they used in the motorhomes but I was a Jeep mechanic and have had a little experience with the 2.1 L they used in the Jeeps.

On the Jeeps as long as you kept up with the maintenance and changed the timing belt at Renualt's suggested intervals (I think I remember 80,000 Kms) they were pretty reliable.

But they were EXTREMELY under powered they could barely move the Comanche's and Cherokee's they were put in, the only way to get any power from them was to hold the engine on the governor and power shift it (oh and they were so gutless they did not offer an auto tranny behind the diesel).

Even the Jeep, Renault engine is impossible to find parts for now. Chrysler no longer supports any parts for it and there is no Renault in North America.

 

Where is the jeep located and where are you located?

No way at $6500.

 

The Jeep is located in California and I live in New Mexico.




I'm starting to get the gist that this might only be worthwhile if I can get it for a lot less - like $2000-ish.

 

I wouldn't even be interested with all of those issues, even if it was listed at $1,500. In it's current condition. I think you've answered your own questions with all of the cons. Reading your description literally; you would be buying a rustbucket that doesn't even run well.

Most of the items you listed under "good" should be under "cons."

 

Note from DJ

Example:
1989 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4D 4WD - $2250 (North Hollywood)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4793901376.html

 

-I was told that the Winnebago Turbo would not fit, ? the flange is different. Maybe they switched the exhaust manifold also. I haven't checked myself.
-IDK about the cam being different or not
-There is a cold start device, or the glow plugs or glow plug controller
-40 miles is one thing, 700 miles, you better have AAA.
-65mph is more reasonable, only has 85 hp

 

For 6500 you can get a 90s f250 powerstroke if you want a diesel.Or even dodge cummins 12 valve for that price.

 

That's a good point. I guess if you really want to collect a cherokee oil burner then you could expand your search and at least find a good one for that big price. If you want a rare XJ then I suggest finding one that has a V8 engine swapped in. Much higher cool factor.

 

I'd pay $500 for it.

 

The price is on the high side but diesels tend to run higher than gas anyway. I do know that they are in high demand...........but CA. cars are usually higher than other areas of the us, reason higher incomes in fact higher everything. IMHO its about 3k + high considering overall condition.

If you could buy it for 3-3500 even I would be a buyer considering it to be a project. When I buy cars I always take a car hauler with me to haul them home on if its 25 mi. or 1500 mi. You never know when you will have a problem even a small one.

Only thing I ever bought a long way from me I'm in MO. this was in FL. was a 42' Diesel Pusher Motor Home. But my wife and I along with 3 small dogs did drive a Blazer down to get it and towed it back with the MH. We drove the Blazer around while there for 5 wks.