I'm in California and just bought a 1998 XJ for my daughter going to school in CT. It has about 160,000 miles and I believe has been well cared for. What should I have changed (other than fluids) to make sure the care is reliable for her... Radiator? Starter? Alt? .... The only current issue is that the check engine light will come sometimes on with a transmission controller code if the car sits for more than 6 weeks without being driven but once cleared doesn't come on again as long as its driven.... If anyone knows a reliable shop for this vehicle in Middletown, CT you would be a hero!! Mark

 

Is she driving it from CA to CT? On a 13 year old car, if it easily unbolted or drained, I would have replaced it.

 

I bought it from New Hampshire and the seller is being kind enough to drive it to her in CT... I want to service anything suggested prior to her starting to drive it....

 

Error on the safe side......presume the PO did nothing maintenance wise. Your daughter will thank u and u will sleep better at night.

 

If you post the EXACT code here, we may be able to help more fully with that problem.

New plugs, wires, cap, rotor for sure on a "new-to-you" vehicle.

And as you mentioned. Fluids. ALL OF THEM!

98 is a good year for the XJ!

 

I bought a 95 for my daughter to drive locally.

Put it in the shop for a COMPLETE Fluid Service. ( like said above ALL of them )

A full tune-up.

Front end alignment and brake check.

Cost money? Yeah, but I think it is money well spent.

Ours is going to a dealer on monday who only does Jeep. That's all they ever did and their mechanics have been with them a long time. Yeah I'll pay more, but it is winter time and they know what they are doing.

Also - a AAA Membership isn't a bad idea, though your Ins. Co. may offer a similar program as part of the policy.

 

X2

 

Good idea taking it to the jeep guys, they will find anything questionable.

I'd also replace all the radiator and heater hoses and clamps along with a coolant and block flush.

Get a full blown 60-k or equivalent service done.

Check and replace the battery cables if they are questionable.

Replace the wiper blades, all three.

I am in the process of doing this all to my 99 XJ I just got last week, but I have been widdling away at it a few items at a time.

 

I bought mine with only 81K, It was well maintained, It needed routine stuff, but also shocks,with your daughter being so far away spare no expense and make sure it's good as new and she will have an unstoppable rig for many years and you will have peace of mind you made an excellent choice for her....way to go dad!

 

yup, i agree with the above posts...tune-up and change all the fluids out.

Also, since the Jeep's from NH, check for rust on the rockers and floor pans, just in case.