I'm getting an XJ
 

...but not quite yet. This post is long, yes, but I'm giddy. So bear with me.

The vehicle in question is an '89 Cherokee Pioneer, four-door, with the Renix 4.0 and four-speed auto. Looks really good in the online pictures, and doesn't look too much worse in person - very original, in fact, right down to the AMC-logo keys (both sets!) and slotted steel wheels.

Here's the best part. I called this afternoon to inquire about a test drive, knowing that I'd have to drive about an hour to get to the dealership (they're up in Castle Rock, and I'm down in Colorado Springs). The guy told me beforehand that it had a cracked exhaust manifold and was a little bit loud, thus giving me the option to bail if necessary. Gotta love honesty. (Until the deal is finalized, I'll hold off on naming them, but they will definitely get a recommendation from me in the future!)

But no - I'm adventurous, and cracked manifolds on old XJs are almost a standard feature. So I made the trip. Upon arriving, he basically handed me the keys, slapped on a demo plate and told me to have at it.

Which I did, making a lap or two through beautiful Castle Rock. For a twenty-year old vehicle (though with only 130k on the clock), it still has plenty of power right off idle, the transmission shifts very cleanly with no jerks or hesitations, and the suspension seems very solid. There was a somewhat concerning crunchy sound when I cranked the wheel all the way left, which I noted for later. (Any thoughts on the source of that are appreciated.)

Under the hood, everything seems to be in great shape (apart from the previously mentioned manifold). All the hoses and belts appear to be newer or at least uncracked, and there's a brand-new battery. Apart from a cursory leak check (nothing to really report), I didn't look too closely at the drivetrain so I can't tell you specifics on axles or anything. The interior is basically as clean and original as an '89 XJ can be, save for one window crank on the back door with no handle (the window still works, you just have to turn what has now become a "knob" of sorts).

Oh, and the Pioneer "Premier" head unit did not appear to be working. Not a problem - the sound system on a two-decade-old truck is not going to be my first concern, anyway. :)

Arriving back at the dealership, we sat down to talk. I mentioned the crunching sound and the manifold, and we agreed that $2500 was probably fair (they have it listed at $3000) given those issues. Because I can't drive it home tonight (I was by myself), I left a deposit check and I'm gonna pick it up on Saturday with a friend.

In short, I'm joining the family - I can't wait! :D

Congrats....

Cool Post Pics when ya get it home

Oh, most definitely. I want all the good stuff, as well as the flaws, documented.

X2 on the pics!

Congrats

Congrats! :thumbsup: My guess on the "crunchy" sound? If it happens when you're rolling with steering at left full lock it's the inside of the tire rubbing the left lower control arm.

That was my thought - somehow, it didn't sound terribly serious, though it was a surprise.

Next question - is it supposed to do that, or can it be fixed? :)

I think it can be adjusted out in a front-end alignment.

$2500 sounds like alot to me :dunno:

2500 for a 89 with a cracked manifold? probly find a lot more issues soon...wow 2500"? i seen one local for 1800 its a 2000 with 98000 miles. leather all options and has a 4.5 lift sye and 33x10.50 mts on it with the stickers on the tires...im sorry but 2500 is a lot for a 89 i wouldnt pay but 500 or maybe a grand. i hope it is good buy and dependable though that would make it worth it in the long run.:thumbsup:

That crunching sound my also be a u-joint going in the axle shafts. Sounds cool though, nice find. Need pics.

X 2 on your "crunching" noise being an axle U-joint. Stock size tires shouldn't be going anywhere near the LCAs unless you've got serious problems.

Judging it solely as a used vehicle, all other things being equal, it's in very good shape and appears (other than the known quantity of the cracked manifold) to have no major faults. That's the way I looked at it.

And in all honesty, this being my first XJ ownership experience, I'll probably find some "surprises" over time. But it's also not going to be my daily driver - I have a pampered Mazda for that, which is one payment away from being completely mine.

Put it this way - I'm pretty comfortable with my choice, and if it turns out less good than I expected, I've still got a safety net.

I'm gonna guess that some extra "looseness" in the steering would go along with that? :mad:

Thought it seemed a little less willing to center than I would have liked. I'm still not deterred - I'll just add that to the "to-do" list.

Like I said, not a daily driver - so I'll deal with it as it comes.