mitch500

Hey guys,

Ive been looking to purchase a XJ, i like the 1990-1996 body/interior style best.

I have been keeping my eye on local classifieds for a while and recently came across this.

He wants $1750 for it. he was out of town so i couldn't start it up just poked around for a bit... yeah i know it sounds retarded to give advice on a car i haven't seen run. but my biggest concern/ question was the rust underneath it.

just wanted to see if this rust was common for XJ's/ if its a big deal.

if i wish to go see it monday i can do so if i would like.

anyways here are some pictures, let me know what you think.

mitch500

More....

mitch500

last one.

The Rooster

Doesn't look to bad but the rear leads are shot it has some bad sag it's cool that it has the factory running boards and mud guards the hitch area does look a little rusty so do the floors just a little bit but if you catch it now you should be ok... How many miles on it tho and 87-89 is also the same body style FYI... Being a 96 make sure there is no check engine light... I probably would pay more then 1500 it will need some suspension work by the way it was sitting... How did the tire wear look how many miles on it...

The Rooster

It also looks like it has a few leaks make sure it has good oil pressure .... I also noticed it might need tires from the pictures but it is hard to tell...

1990 XJ-Texas Edition

Do they use a lot of road salt where you are? Poke at the floor panels and see if they have give, also stick your finger or something inside those framerails and see how they are on the inside, if those are rusted pretty bad, its gonna be a deal breaker.

Radi

Springs are starting to reverse-curve at the ends too. It looks like a typical '96 that's been driven in winter. The rust on mine is worse.
Those floors are going to go fast, BTW, the rust already has a good foothold. POR-15 or similar might preserve them for a while.

Check the fuel pressure with a gauge. The regulator is a 1-year deal and almost impossible to find.
Not much point in worrying about that until you see it run and drive it though.

mitch500

the Jeep has 330,000kms (205,052miles)


it definitely needs tires.


they do use road salt here but not heavily,so i have heard.

what do i have to worry about with a check engine light?... i have a scanner, i could check it and look the code up if there is one present.

there is also small rust bubbles at the top of the windshield, 3 spots. don't believe its bad, its begun to bubble the paint.

if it does run good and check out, i have a budget for of $1300 for tune-up/suspention parts and about $700 for tires.

The Rooster

Rust bubbles near the windshield I would stay away... That is the worst part that the water could start leaking through those rust near the windshield... And it is very hard to fix rust near the windshield from what I know

The Rooster

Where are you located?

EvstaG

This happened to me, the shop I had the last windshield replaced at did a poor job, and water got into the wells, and rusted them pretty bad. I just got it fixed a couple months ago, and it cost me $600 for the work on the wells, and a new windshield. They had to get in with the grinder, and repaint the wells, as well as the a-pillars. I'm not sure if they needed to weld anything new in with my situation. That rust is a concern, maybe pull off or pry back the windshield trim if you can and have a look...

ctjkelley

I bought this 98 last summer for $1700 no major problems just normal stuff like brakes, alternator etc..

mitch500

located in edmonton.alberta,canada.

i think i might pass on it. i could probably find a cleaner one if i keep looking.

Jesse Hallum

Not a bad XJ for $1750. It looks like a fixer though. Major lubricant leaks, and some rust underneath that will need dressing/coating. A good steam-clean to identify where the leaks are and a good rubberized undercoat treatment are in order.

The deal breaker may be the engine compartment. If it looks as greasy/dirty as the undercarraige, pass.

ctjkelley

Can you elaborate on the steam cleaning and rubberizing the under carriage? What's the process