Just lost my XJ thanks to a drunk driver smashing into it in my driveway at 1:30AM. Knocked it 1/2 way across my yard and kept going. I had to go chase the guy down. Anyway, it was a '96 classic. I'm sure it's totaled, but my question is, why can I never find "classic" as a trim level on kbb or other sites? They have "country" but from what I've read here, "classic" appears to be above "country" (mine was loaded, so I guess I believe that, but I've not seen "country" versions to compare to). Is that correct?

I want to make sure I get max value from this kid wiping out my Jeep, and I'm sure insurance is going to try to lowball me, so any tips you guys have for dealing with this would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

Thats ridiculous man, sorry to hear that. Glad you got the guy though

 

May get more satisfaction out of giving him a good woopin. A drunk totaled my wife's Suburban and caused a 3 car accident and nothing happened to him. Good luck.

 

Classic is the highest level trim.

How many miles where on it?

 

Most insurance companys use NADA for totaled values. NADA lumps the sport with the classic and the country is below those two (in options). The difference is the classic had some upscale options standard that the sport owners needed to order (if they wanted them).
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/sport-classic-12173/
Sorry to hear about your poor xj getting smashed. Maybe buy it back from the insurance co. and rebuild?

NADA link:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1996/...Classic/Values

 

at least nobody got hurt...are you going to part it? if so, location?

 

If they use a book value and you think their number is too low ---> REFUSE THEIR OFFER

Before you go through that, do a little homework so that you can show reason for refusing the offer.

Shop around to several used vehicle dealers looking for 1996 Cherokee - same level interior if you can find them.

When you get prices, take the THREE HIGHEST prices and let the insurance company know that the cost to replace them is more than their offer.


HOWEVER - if the dealers selling them are less than the insurance company offer ... take the ins co offer.

DO NOT find deals with private owners ...... dealers will always be higher and the insurance company has to go with them.

( at least that is how it works here in Maryland - it can vary from one state to another. )

 

My 2001 sport has power locks, power mirrors, power windows, heated mirrors, fold able mirrors, keyless entry

 

@adam - It had about 135K miles on it. Not too bad considering it's age.

@DaddyCat - I don't think this one is going back on the road. Every panel on it is sprung in some way, none of the doors open anymore, the roof has a nice compound twist to it when you look across it.

@SlackJaw - It does have a bunch of good parts, glass is all great, but I'm sure the insurance co. will haul it off and that's the last I'll see of it. Doubt my wife would like to see it slowly dismantled in the driveway for 6 months while I try to eek some extra $$ out of it.

Thanks to all for advice, I'll start digging through autotrader and see what I can come up with. First offer is bound to be low. The book value I'm seeing won't even get me into a rustbucket around here. They've set up a pretty lucrative business out of NOT paying customers, so I'm sure I've got my work cut out for me.

 

If their cash offer isn't acceptable to you I would force them to find you another one of comparable or better condition. Otherwise you'll need to seek representation from a lawyer and sue the crap out of them.

 

Man, that is heartbreaking. Reminds me of what happened to my bud's '72 AAR 'Cuda - it got t-boned in his driveway and wedged under his front porch.

Your wrecked Cherokee would make an awesome matching trailer to another green Cherokee - after some metal work!

 

Tried that root, after a year and a half and my wife loosing 6 months of work the bum lawyer was the only one that made any money.

 

Sorry to hear / see what happened, that's terrible!

The Classic and Country were the same trim level. I believe the trim was called Country, up until 96 when it was switched to Classic, back to Country for 1997 then to Classic for 98+. Or something weird like that. If you're looking for another one that's loaded, look for a limited.

 

country has wood grain trim on the inside....and two tone paint.

classic is one below limited. it has color matched fender flares like the limited, but no leather.


im sure there is more differences in trim packages, but thats what i have noticed from owning 26 cherokees.

i have wrecked 3 and got lowballed everytime.

 

They just came by today and officially declared it totaled. Said I'd probably be hearing from them tomorrow with a number. Ugh, I don't want to argue over numbers, I just want my xj back!