New to the site and looking for some advice. I've got a limited budget to work with but I think I've found one with possibilities.

http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/3271098359.html

It has some issues and I'd like some thoughts on what I may be looking at. I figure I can talk the gentleman down to $1000 and that will leave me about the same for any work to be done.

It's located in another town an hour from me so I'm looking for advice on things to check for and look at when I head that way.

I've spoken with the owner and asked about the overheating issue. He stated that he had the radiator replaced but hadn't gotten around to the thermostat (which he has on hand). If it's not the thermostat and not a bad head (read below) what else should I check.

As far as not starting he said his neighbor had a work around but that it ran rough when doing so. Not sure what to check other than identifying a bad ignition switch or neutral safety switch issue.

I've read that the later 99 models have the infamous 331 head. How do I identify whether or not it has this and what should I check if it does (or how to tell if it's FUBAR'd).

Thanks for you time and patience!

 

Need to start it to see if the fan clutch is bad... but I see it won't start.

 

Any serious overheat can ruin any cylinder head or block. If you can't hear it run, plan on replacing the motor just to be safe. The way it sits $1500 is way too high. To tell how the vehicle has been maintained look at the brake fluid, it should be clear.

 

And possibly the transmission and Lord knows what else. How will you know any of it works if it won't run? There's no shortage of smiling crooks with plausible cover stories on CL.

 

If you're not even sure what to look for I wouldn't tackle a non running car with overheating issues.

 

dont do it i bought a jeep for 900 and thought i was gana have a bad *** first car. i was wrong i have 3000 into it and just blew my transmission.

 

the reason the guy had for selling it was a bad fuel pump and i didnt get to test drive it

 

in agreement with the other posts a non running vehicle isnt worth half that and if you realy want this one plan for the worst... id keep looking because you can definetly find a running decent xj for $1000

 

Thanks for the advice folks, I'll definitely keep looking. The hunt goes on!

 

Okay folks, as I stated the hunt went on. Here is a next possible target. Advice and comments welcome and appreciated.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/3311096801.html

 

Whatever you do make sure its a Transformer!

 

Find one that runs, if all that was needed was a fuel pump I doubt it would be for sale.

 

+1. Lord knows if that's all that's wrong with it.

 

Hell, I would bring a fuel pump with me and some tools. Swap it out, if it runs great. If not walk away and you're only out the cost of a fuel pump.

 

^^^^^^
I'm with these guys. If it don't run, you run.
It sounds like you just don't have the experience needed to make a cost/benefit analysis some of us old timers can. I bought a cherry 98 for $750 once but i knew that it only needed ujoints on the front drive shaft. Her mechanic told her the front axle was pooched, and of course he was prepared to buy if from her for $500. But it was running so i could at least hear it. The most expensive component to replace is a fubared engine. Any thing else is just elbow grease.
My advice is find something RUNNING in your price range and bring an experienced friend. It's worth a case of beer.