I am looking at a 96 cherokee 2wd in very good condition. Original paint still looks great, interior is almost perfect. The problem is it has 165,000 miles. It has the 4.0 and 5 speed. I have yet to drive it. I have never delt with this kind of mileage. What kinds of things should I look for when going over it. Any typical problems. How many miles can they run for, I know previous care is everything, but usually how much it to much. Asking 2800, probably get it for less. Not planning to drive far just few miles back and forth to work and occ. tow trailer. What do you think. This jeep "thing" is all new to me. Thanks, Jon

 

$2800 for a 2wd 5-speed sounds a bit much to me. I paid $1000 for my 2wd auto thath ad 180k on it, and it was spotless (not a spec of rust) with full documentation. For $2800 I'd expect it to be super clean and a 4wd. $1800 would be the max I'd pay, if it's really nice.

However at 165k miles, you should check the standard things. Is the oil full? Clean? Coolant look good? How does the engine run? Any funny noises (it'll probably have lifter tick, most 4.0s do)? The biggest question mark at those miles, if it's been taken care of, is going to be the clutch.

The 4.0L, properly maintained, will go well over 220k, some on this forum are over 300k. Mine is at 194k and runs great, although she does use a little oil and has a noisy valvetrain.

 

165K is decent mileage in my opinion.... Haven't owned a car with less that 130K!! These Cherokee's will last a very long time if you keep up on regular maintenance. Check for rust on the frame, body, etc. various fluid leaks from the engine and transmission and everything in between. The 4.0 engine is infamous for leaking from the rear main seal, but they will last forever!! If you're looking in the 2000-3000 range, you can easily get a decent 4x4 cherokee. Keep your eyes out. Also, the rear springs tend to flatten out, but you can get some replacements relatively cheap.

 

My XJ currently has over 210K... as you said previous maintenance is everything... but good maintenance on your part will at least help it last longer. Since it is a 2wd I would offer less... but not knowing what region you are in or what the going price is, it is hard to determine what a good price might be.

 

Use www.kbb.com as a guide to help you with the price.

 

yup mines got 210K and shes a stick! MAKE SURE U ASK WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS LAST REPLACED!!!!!

 

I just bought a 1997 XJ from a friend (that bought it new) that has 250k miles. It runs so well, I don't even care.
When I was getting it insured, my insurance agent says his best friend has an XJ with 386k miles on the original engine!
I think under 200k miles is just getting broken in!

 

High miles....

 

ive had a 96 xj for 3 years now with 196500, still gets 20-24 hwy and only thing ive done engine wise is change the oil every 8k and a few crank sensors, purrs like a kitten (if kittens had lifters)

 

Hardly high miles, but the price is without a doubt on the higher end.