I'v been looking at xj's to buy I have found two that might be what I am looking for. I have been looking around this forum and decided that I should ask experts (all of you ) before I buy.

I am looking at a 90 model xj that I might be able to get for 2k (87k miles)or a 91 (150+k miles)for 600. Both 4x4's

They are both good clean bodies and hve power windos and locks.The 90 model is running and has some kind of knocking noise in the engine. On the 91 the current owner has replaced a leaking head gasket(his words) and said the starter went out while woking on it, so it is not running. He said that it was running good before he decided to change the head gasket out.

My question to all of you guys is do I spend all of my money on the 90 model and take a chance with the knocking, or do I buy the 91 and fix the starter(if that is the prablem) and take a chance on that being the only problem and then have extra money left over to fix it up?

Oh yea, the owner of the 90 model said he would fix the starter himself but the price would go up to 1500.

Thanks for your help.

 

Before I read the bad part I thought both were really good deals. After reading the whole post, I'm thinking unless your good with a wrench maybe just keep looking.

A 4.0 with 90k with a nock in the engine? If that were true its probobly been neglected pretty bad. I think i recall people saying a reman engine is about $1500 with waranty, but that drives the price to essentially $3500

The other jeep with the average miles imo sounds like a good deal, but it sounds fishy that replacing the head gasket caused the starter not to work. And $600 for him to put a starter in? He must work at a dealer where those rates are acceptable.

Like I said, unless you are prepared to put some work into it yourself I'd probobly just keep looking as there are alot of jeeps out there. Keep an eye on craigslist.

I'm sure some of the smarter jeep people will post soon with some good info for you and maybe even have some cheaper alternative ideas for what could be wrong with them.

 

I havn't heard the 90 model run yet so I don't know where the knocking is at or how bad. I called the guy about it and that is what he told me.

I asked about the 91 because I keep thinking that if he changed the headgasket out and the starter whent out on it at the same time that he might have knocked a wire loose and not know it, hence making it an even better buy.

 

I agree with tkdtim, there are many many Cherokees out there, and sometimes it's best to just wait till the right deal comes along. That way you can make the most of your budget, without having to overcome alot of unexpected issues. That said, if you are pretty competent mechanic then it might be worth taking a look at them in person and trying to figure out which one is the least risky...

 

I'm not much of a betting man, so I'd keep looking if I were in your position. If you're playing hte odds, you really could get a great dea lon those xj's. The problem is that if you put too much stock in the seller's words, there is potential for disaster. Definitely take a look at them and see if you think it is within your range of expertise, but be cautioned that you may be buying a sinking ship. Food for though: If I were dishonest, what story would I give to unload those xjs?

I agree with previous replies to keep looking. I waited about 5 months and ultimately found a 96 4.0 4x4 4 door for $1200 with a solid mechanical platform. Sure there was a banged up front end but it wsa very minimal damage and the interior was horrid. Thankfully though, these are simple weekend projects and now, just one week after owning it, the Jeep could sell for 3x what I bought it for. These deals aren't all over the place, but if you're persistent, you just might find yourself breathing easily instead of having a severe case of buyers remorse.

Just my opinion of course.

 

If you're good with a wrench you could potentially get a good deal on either of these Jeeps and just fix the problems. If you're not, I'd keep looking. If it was up to me, I would go with the 91 just so I could get the HO motor.

 

They both seem a little high to me, I just picked up my 92 with 93k, a good 5 speed 2 inch lift and Centerlines and new heater core, just needs paint for $1000. My friend is selling his with 8 inches and 35x14.50s for like $3k. I see them all the time around here under 2g

 

That 91 for $600 is a rocking deal.Even not running. Especially if the PO did actually fix the headgasket problem. If all you have to do is replace a starter. Send me a link with the ad for the 91. If you don't buy it, I will.

 

Found a 90 model limited edition for 2000 on craigslist that has had the motor replaced with a jasper engine that now has 80+k miles on it. Talked to the owner and said that everything but the rear windshield wiper works. I think he said the moter has 100k warranty on it. Do you think that this would be worth checking out.

Thanks

 

Sure, it would be worth checking out. Really, any XJ is worth checking out. You just have to see them in person and give them a really thourough look over to decide if it has been taken care of or not. Or if it's obviously going to need repairs soon. I have seen XJs with 200,000 miles on them that were in better overall condition than some that have half that mileage. It all comes down to finding one that you can manage the repairs it needs, and you can get it for the right price.