black2000xj

ok guys, start out by saying this jeep is 2 hours away from me. Finding a used rust free jeep in my area is hard, so I have to look a little south of me


I found this jeep, the guy says it runs/drives great, everything works but it needs shocks/struts. He says the back end sags. Im more thinking the leafs are tired and weak.



no rust in the doors, rockers or the floors, but there is some surface rust on the bumpers

at asking price I could talk him down im sure to closer to 2000 or so


do you think its worth it?


just shy of 190k miles doesn't scare me, but its getting up there for sure


take a look at it and let me know what you think


he also said he will get me a carfax for it before I make the drive


http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/ctd/4452782216.html

CCKen

I would stay away from a 1996 Cherokee.

There seems to be too many odd wiring systems, and parts, like the fuel pump, are hard to find.

Factory Service Manual is difficult to find.

Wiring diagrams for the '95 XJ don't match up to the '96 and the diagrams for the '97 XJ don't match up. The '96 is sort of a red headed step child if you ask me.

black2000xj

good thought

EZEARL

I've got a '96 and have had zero problems. I'd be cautious unless it's a GOOD deal or you know the history. I have found mine needing '97 replacement parts (built in 9/96). IAC I believe? I bought it from a good friend who was the original owner for $1000 @ 98k miles(140k now). I know she had the fuel pump(and all that goes along with it)assembly replaced at one time but it does concern me. But then again I do like my redheaded women.

foreveryoung001

As the proud owner of a '96, I have to agree with this 100%. I bought a FSM for the '96, but almost everything on it, describes 97' systems, which I've read were being used at the end of the '96 production run.

S0, I bought one for a '95... this matches up closer in a lot areas, but is still not correct with some of the OBDII systems on my '96.

Its not the end of the world, but depending on when that '96 was made, early or late, it could have '95 parts, '97 parts, or even '96 specific parts. Most of the time, if I'm replacing a sensor, I take the old one with me to the parts store. Even the dealer was trying to sell me a '97 TPS, when the connectors obviously matched the '95. I got so frustrated I walked out and bought an Echlin from NAPA.

To answer the OP's question though, is a rust free '96 worth $2000? I could see it being worth that... but a two hour drive to see what's what? If you're up for a road trip, then sure... but I'd hate to get there and find sludge in the oil, burnt tranny fluid, giant holes in the floor where the dirt is so caked on, you can't tell the difference from the metal or the carpet that is showing through... as you listen to the engine, the seller says, "Oh, didn't I mention that there a small rod knock?" or worse yet, he never realized there was a rod knock and has been driving the crap out of it with the thing clanging around.

Just ask a ton of questions before you make the trip.

black2000xj

you being from norther Michigan, Im just a little south of you....but you must know how hard it is to find a rust free Cherokee. I will have to drive no matter where to find a clean on


Ive kinda eliminated that jeep from my list, found a nice 99 (with the 0630) head, that is rust free, low miles at 121k


I think I can buy it for 3500, but that's what jeeps go for in the area. I did find a nice rust free 96 for 2900, but the buyer raised his price to 3500 b/c of all the calls he was getting.


Jeeps are worth a lot more up here then down south, for a nice clean one you will pay more for it

foreveryoung001

Yup, well aware... my '96 is a rust bucket, but I bought it for the challenge of healing the cancer. Its something I enjoy doing, so it was perfect for me, and got a great deal on it because of the rust.

We just bought a '90 Cherokee for my daughter, around the same time. This was a Florida vehicle that the PO had brought up here, did some work on, and we paid almost 4 times as much for it, but it is night and day difference working on the two of them. In fact, she wants to sell hers at the end of next winter, and I might just have to buy it from her, because it is in such good shape compared to mine.

Good luck on your search.

black2000xj

thanks!


and these southern guys and gals sure don't know how good they have it.!

djb383

With a 9/96 build date, one would think it was a '97. Maybe the production run for '96 models was extra long.....by far and away there were more '96 year model XJs produced than any other year.

EZEARL

'96 on the brain. 9/95 of course. True about the # of '96's made though?

djb383

9/95........makes more sense that it's a early '96.

EZEARL

DOM is 7/96. Wife's '96 Blazer is 9/95.

djb383

7/96 would be a very late build date for a '96.....could possibly have some early '97 components underneath/under the hood. 9/95 build date would be a early build '96 year model.

EZEARL

Had to return one sensor for a '97 one. Thought IAC but on second thought I believe it was temp sensor for the gauge when I switched dash clusters. So far that's been it but then all's been good with the vehicle so far. HOPING for a 29 spline 8.25.

Sent for a build sheet earliar today.

KC SCOTT

I think the price is OK as long as there truly isn't any rust. Before you make the drive I'd ask for detailed pics of under the doors along the rockers, floor pans ETC. When I was searching for mine I made quite a few trips just to find rust hidden somewhere.
Good luck.