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Nice Price or No Dice? -- 1999 XJ in Germany
Hey Everyonel! I'm new to the forum and am looking for advice from any and all dyed in the wool XJ'ers. There's a really nice 99 XJ with 70k miles about 600 miles from me. I've been wanting one of these for years (especially a 99) and this one's got low miles and been kept up well (lotsa receipts). I asked the owner to send some rocker and undercarriage shots and here's what I got. But I'm on the fence ... I know the pics don't look horrible ... but all that black goo is new and I wonder what it could be hiding. Anything overly cancerous visible (or more likely hiding) in there? For anyone wanting to share their thoughts on this, I'd much appreciate it!!
FYI -- I'm from Texas but live in Germany. XJ's listed for 14.5k which I know is insane Bring a Trailer money but it's a nice one and they do tend to go for more around here anyway. And also, that's why I'm asking ya'll! Cheers and thanks!! Daniel https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7a0420145.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...d36d9366f.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...af83e09c1.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f0da6f8c0.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7cf534f72.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4b00ad1a0.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ee7e76d0c.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...085ae5fda.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...2247ff6e8.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7db483322.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...928cd295e.jpeg |
In my opinion, you're not going to find a better looking 99 anywhere that hasn't had bodywork done to it yet. It obviously hasn't been driven much and has been maintained and cleaned constantly. The rust is about normal for the mileage and keep in mind it's a 20 year old jeep. The price is more than my wallet can take, but they are getting very rare in that condition.
Also, the 99 doesn't have the head cracking problems that the 2000-2001 models have. It looks like a Limited with the power seats so it's a top-of-the-line model. I'm saying buy it. My 2000, on the other hand, has NOT been maintained and lived in the Great Northeastern Rust Belt for 145K miles and only been made road worthy by being welded in several places! I don't expect it to last much longer but it only cost me $700 and about $1000 in repairs, most of which was tires, brakes, and welding. I only bought it for backup while my WJ got a new engine. |
That underneath has been sprayed with something.
I am almost positive. That being said I think it might be more preventive then trying to conceal something. Undercoated when bought new maybe to protect it? Also dave is right. Higher end XJ not only with power seats but betting heated too. Passenger side being power usually is an indicator of it having heated seats. Looks like the Infinity System in there too. Now if it has an 8.25 instead of D35 rear you are really in business. LOL. Betting on the D35 though. |
It's probably an export model, so anything goes.
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It does look like there may be some small rust around the leaf spring boxes but hopefully it was sprayed as a preventive thing like Ralph said.
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I would lift up some carpet and see what it looks like there .
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5th pic... I'm betting he is hiding something. Mine doesn't look like that and I live in Colorado. I would definitely want to see under the carpet. To me that price is high for any rust.
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Hi All ... thanks for the inputs! Just some extra info: it's a 4.0 Limited with heated seats and all the bells and whistles (though I'm guessing a D35, to be confirmed). Apparently it was originally a Chrysler demo car back in the day. 2 owners since then. I know it's crazy dough for a 21 year old car. Then again these are few and far between in Germany and I can't be driving all over the place to scope out mega-mile rust buckets. Plus I just can't get into "new" cars. No soul. Just an expensive mess of infotainment and beeps and "features" and they all look the same. Some don't even have a dipstick, etc. So yeah ... that's why I'm considering dropping this kinda money for such an old car. It's more or less for the missus and some occasional offroading while I continue to daily my mildly rusty old Volvo. Then again, for the price, that rust on the rear drivers-side door hinges and bottom door sill does look rather caustic :nuke:. And yeah, I'll definitely check under the carpet.
The black goo is undercoat that came on about a month ago. There was some rust treatment done and then sprayed. And yup, that's why I wanted the 1999 due to the non-331 heads. Anything older (not sure where exactly the line is or why) and I'm looking at an emissions classification of Euro 1 which in Germany spells upwards of $600 a year in taxes. I'm gonna talk to the mechanic from the last receipt today (and who did the spray) and see if he's willing to add anything. Thanks again everyone!! Maybe we'll be hearing more of each other if I end up pulling the trigger on this. :icon_wink: |
My understanding is that if it has ABS it is a D35.
Also guessing it will have a Select A Trac transfer case. Full Time 4 wheel drive option. I think that is a good thing but because my XJ is just a DD so..... Just wish I had one. Oh and check that boot for the wiring on the passenger door. |
Honestly, if you are willing to spend that much on an XJ, go ahead and buy it. They generally will command a high price when they are not rusty and low mileage. Add that together with the emissions cost you mentioned, factored in over several years, the price is really not that horrible. Used cars, especially ones that are in good shape, have just become more expensive in recent years. Also, supply and demand also plays into it. If you want a Camry, Accord, CRV, etc., you can find them almost everywhere. Low mileage rust free XJ, good luck finding one.
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I am worried about that undercoat. It looks like they went to one of those shops that just kinda sprays it over everything with little prep. I see some mentioned that it looks to be preventative rather than they are trying to conceal something, but y'all know I gotta link that South Main Auto video...
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Originally Posted by Ralph77
(Post 3617638)
That underneath has been sprayed with something.
I am almost positive. That being said I think it might be more preventive then trying to conceal something. Undercoated when bought new maybe to protect it? . there are other signs such as door bottoms the rust doesnt look too bad..BUT, imo, that price is much too high, as you cannot tell the true extent without a personal inspection (or pay for a professional evaluation) I live beside the ocean all my life, and rust destroys cars here, so I know what to look for My XJ has almost zero rust in it, and that is the only type to even consider imo I paid $ A2000 (~(US 1500) |
My biggest concern is what a mess it would be to remove all of it to correct it.
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Guys, you're forgetting this is Europe where EVERYTHING is more expensive, especially gasoline (petrol). Last I checked it was selling in the UK for over $2.60 USD per LITER! (2 pounds) Understanding that, this jeep isn't that expensive. ALSO, this pretty much pristine jeep isn't going to sit around waiting for long!
If you are attached to the US military, you used to be allowed to ship it back to the US when you return, if that's your scenario. |
Dang it. People ruin Jeeps with that black schmoo. That undercoating dramatically accelerates rust. They don't grind, sand or treat any of the rusty metal and just spray away with that trash. The rust is locked in and destroys everything in it's path. The Cherokee unibody was Galvanized during the manufacturing process and doesn't need much maintenance. It's not like a TJ/LJ with a body over steel frame and no drain holes. What that said though, It may be worth the purchase. You just have to be ready to grind all that trash away, sand away all the rust, mask lines and electrical connections and spray away with some chassis grey. Maybe you can work the seller down to a more reasonable price. Or at least ask if they're willing to discuss price. Some folks get real offended about the price of their vehicles.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ad36ead278.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...24a7de911d.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...39124f4431.jpg Flat black frame and chassis grey all the way! |
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