So i have an 86 with so many issues i've decided there is way to many issues to keep putting money in for a soon to be college kid. So i was thinking of buying a new XJ to get me through college i'm thinking a newer one then my 86. So i was wondering what i should keep an eye out for when looking at a new one. Ex: Dana 44 rear and inline 6. Any opinions are great. Thank you jake.

 

if you like the older body style get a 96 with a chry 8.25

reasons:
added strength to unibody frame work
first year of OBD2 so it will monitor your vitals pretty well
awesome styling
some chry 8.25's came with the 29 spline
ax-15 manual tranny
bigger U-Joints than the pre 96
can lift without the issues that the 97+ models have

 

Thank you that already helps a ton

 

I'm kinda an auto man does that make a different? for the record i can drive stick just think i'd have issues on trail.

 

no the auto didnt change much at all through out the years of the xj lol

 

from my experience i like stick better.. you get a more precise control of the power.. you get used to gas braking.. i was able to drive stick too but just enough to get by.. its really easy for me now.. its just a thing you grow into.. and the kind of great thing with jeeps is that you can have your foot straight up and down on hlf the brake pedal and be able to floor the gas.. ask me how i kno

 

what issues can you run into lifting 97+ models?

 

they used a different yoke on the tcase so lifting presents more vibes. Every jeep is different but 97+ models are known for needed a SYE at lower lifts than 96- models

 

I would stick to 96 and up for easier troulbeshooting just my opinion might help out as far as repair bills OBD2.

 

i just bought a 99 4x4 with the good axles and manual tranny windows and locks white with gray interior..almost SPOTLESS!!! with 116,000 miles for only $3500 in atlanta. i looked for about 3 months and went to look at 5 of them. i saw some alright ones and some HORRIBLE ones and finally found mine. just be pacient and look at...
craigslist.com
lemonfree.com
cars.com
autotrader.com
and call some dealerships and tell them what you want and they will put their people on it and find you one! just check the websites in the morning and in the evening and you will find one in no time!!

 

also AOL autos even!

but good advice ^^^

 

so i found an 96 i really like on craigslist. Opinions its an 96 with inline 6, with 136,000 miles. looks clean, haven't seen it in person yet for $3500. is this a deal? what should i look for when i look at it? thanks

 

It is stock. any help thank you

 

yeah see if you can go lower as always! but if not that sounds fair man. that low miles as long as it is clean with no rust anyways. i paid $2000 for mine with the SE package (no power anything)

 

Local Used car lot has an XJ there.
2001 Model 4.0, Auto, 4x4, power everything, 72k miles. Get this. $9500
He is crazy, the book is 85 If I remember right.