11Past9

I found a 1998 XJ Classic for sale with 140,000 miles on it for $1,900 OBO. I called the owner and he said he's had it for about a year and this is what info he gave me:
-New alternator
-New battery
-4wd works fine, you just have to put it in neutral and then he mentioned something about reverse
-Rear tires are not even good in rain and need to be replaced
-front tires are 2 months old, no name brand
-No rust
-Grey leather seats
-Driver side door has dents/scratches but they are "not bad" he says
-Inspected until Feb-2010
Pics:




What should I ask him? What should I look/listen for if I go look at it and drive it? And from what you know, how much money does it need in work?
Thanks

chadattack

Sounds like a good deal, but if by "something about reverse" he meant that it doesnt go backwards, you may wanna look into how much that'll cost to fix first. other wise, sounds pretty solid. Definatly check for hidden rust.

mobilecherokee4

definitely check for rust and drive it around, see if it has any major problems and then ide say go for it it looks like a good solid jeep

11Past9

He didn't say anything about it not going into reverse he just said that in order to put it into 4wd you need to put it in neutral (already knew) and engage it, and then R something something.

What if I offered him $1,500 bucks?

Any sounds I should be listening for?

Where should I look for what?

What might NEED to be done soon at that mileage? Timing belts? Water pump etc?

mobilecherokee4

lucky for us jeep guys we dont have timing belts...we have timing CHAINS! stronger and usually dont break

Eds73Lemans

normal tune up stuff, axle fluids, trans and t-case fluids. watch for the front u-joints and ball joints.

warthog

sounds like a great deal seeing that it is still stock. i have heard of a lot of xj's where people will put them in reverse and back up 10 feet then put it in 4wd, people do it a lot of different ways. drive it down the road and make sure your temp stay around 210. after you get it you can start checking other stuff, but wouldn't worry about it till after you get it. has it been off roaded a lot, you can tell this by just getting under it and knowing what to look for i.e. damage, caked mud, look in the places that wouldn't normally get hit with a pressure washer.

nasonguy

They just jump time, hehe, and then you never know what is wrong untill you tear the whole thing apart and noticed the chain has jumped one tooth.

aircrewallan

sounds like a deal and if your sketchy ask to take it a auto shop for them to look over it quick, $50 look over could save you alot down the road or grab a knowledgeable buddy that knows more then you and tell him to point out stuff so the guy hears it from a guy thats not buying the car, maybe low the price alittle and goodluck!

Stan6406

I have to go from drive to reverse a few times to get out of 4WD sometimes. For that much money take it to a mechanic or a good inspection station and see what they say. Get it in some mud or loose gravel and check the 4WD. Once the floors start going you'll spend a fortune to get it to pass PA inspection. Spend the money now to get it checked before you buy it.

Skreed

looks like a good deal just go check it out.

This is from under use. I had to do the same thing in mine but once I started wheeling it more I can now change into and out of 4wd hi low and full time for ease. Changing the fluid helps too.

zeppfan3

a 98 for $1900?
in colorado they are more like $4000
i would take it to a shop to get it inspected it could save you heeps of money.