Hello Everyone, Im a new Jeep owner and new to the forum. Im hoping someone can help me with some questions I have. I just got a 1987 Jeep XJ Cherokee Laredo with the 4.0 engine, 5 speed manual transmission, bone stock with no body damage, No rust, and never been off-road. It has 85,000 original miles but has some minor or maybe major mechanical problems (Fuel pump and clutch issues). I read post saying XJ's like these are rare, however these were made for 16 years. I see some for sale on line for 15K + or -, but I also see people saying they are only worth 2K. My question is do I have a unicorn? Is it the Manual transmission that makes it desirable? Or is this just another XJ that's stock, clean and with low miles for its age
?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

one man's garbage is another man's treasure

What is rare is the fact it is a 1987 with 85k , no damage, no rust..and I assume the interior and paint is above average.

To the ordinary person, it is nice, a novelty and may be worth "something" but nothing they would go out of their way to own.

To a XJ aficionado, or one that wants to build a show vehicle or a rock climber it will be worth more than what most would pay.

To the successful entrepreneur that had one as their first vehicle when they were a teenager and lost their virginity in it...priceless...

 

Sounds like a nice ride. The 2 door manual trans with 4.0 liter are popular with off-roaders.
I don't know anything about production numbers but the "rarity" of that vehicle is primarily due to its low mileage and good condition.
It would likely sell for 4 or 5k in the rusty mid-west.

 

Thank you BruceB and RedRoadRunner for taking the time to respond!!! I kind of figured this would be the general response. I forgot to mention its a 4 door, 4x4 model, has the factory spare tire carrier and has always been in Southern California away from the coast, so no rust like you see in the east or mid-west. I inherited the vehicle from my father who was going to take it to the salvage yard because it does not start and has been parked for 10 years or so, however it ran fine when it was parked. I told him that this should not go to the salvage yard as I know there are Jeep enthusiasts who would call this a criminal behavior as its in great condition inside and out, Mechanical time will tell... Judging by your responses I probably should get it running mechanically sound, give it a good detail and keep it bone stock. Thanks Again.

 

I have an '88 Laredo (also in Socal). I do see a quite a few XJs around here. I wouldn't call it a unicorn. However, based only on your comment, it is in nice condition.

1987-1990 models are referred to as RENIX, short for Renault-Bendix, which is the fuel management system. Since this is a "subset" of XJs, it's hard to tell if that alone increases or decreases it's value, beyond being a 34 year old vehicle. If you choose to fix and sell, you may have a longer wait to find the right buyer willing to pay a higher price for condition.

Two sites you should look at:

1. To test the various sensors, look at:

http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...iagnostics.htm

2. To test sensors, clean up grounds, connectors, and ton's of other tips, check out:

http://cruiser54.com/

Post some pics when you can.

 

IIRC this has the good manual, right? I'd kill for a 5 speed renix. I too have a clean AF 87. Here is another link you'll enjoy NickInTimeDesign – Home of the Renix Engine Monitor!

The value in a clean 87 manual XJ is way higher than what it's actually worth, keep it and love it and baby it and then sell it to me. Also, post pictures.

 

I would call it a unicorn if it was a 2 door with all the options. But I am biased

Not putting it down at all because XJs like yours are few and far between. You have a rare one for sure. Some guys would kill for something like that.

 

I prefer stick shifts, that is all I drove for 40 years, then got the jeep for wheeling, it is an automatic. no way id prefer a stick shift for wheeling. but wish it was a five speed.

sounds like the value in your jeep is not so much the model and equipment but rather in its pristine condition. please post photos!

 

there are no unicorns......

 

NickInTimeDesign – Home of the Renix Engine Monitor!

This looks pretty neat.
Is it worth having?

 

Yes, it is.
First, go to www.cruiser54.com and complete Tips 1 through 5. Light afternoon or evening of work.

 

thank you for taking the time to respond to my post and give me further information. I don't have the XJ yet as I need to pick it up but soon as I get it Ill reply to this post with photos.