Hello,
My question specifically pertains to whether or not an 2000 XJ I saw online is worth the price they're asking for. It's only got 92k miles on it and interior is in excellent condition but the used dealership is asking $6800 for it. I'm wondering is it worth that much? I know the inline 6 is notorious for outlasting everything else but I'm wary about any major problems that could happen once I get it off the lot. I figured I'd ask people with experience with this particular vehicle. Any advice is welcome.

Edit: I should also mention that it is bone stock.

 

The biggest problem is the 0331 head cracking issue that's widespread in the 00 and 01 model years. Google it and you'll find loads of info.

Other than that, if it's rust free (check the floors, under the rear leaf springs and along the rocker panels, I'd say 5k is reasonable. Does it have a lot of fancy options?

 

Power lock/windows and cruise control is about the fanciest bits I see on it. I called the dealer and they did say the head gasket seal, water pump, and belt have been replaced. I'm not sure if they contributes to the issue with the heads. I'll try to talk them down but they're giving the me the "one of a kind" sell pretty hard.

 

Head gasket isn't good enough. The actual casting of the original 0331 head is defective and leads to the head itself cracking.

Be very clear - did they replace the HEAD or just the gasket? If they did replace the head, where did it come from?

It has to be an updated casting that doesn't have the original defect. What you want to see is a TUPY stamp (google it for details).

 

One of a kind... pfffff.. is it a manual transmission? Maybe I'd believe it then. I tried to buy a brand new 00 XJ with a manual tranny in 00 and they couldn't find me one with the I6 engine so I ended up buying a TJ.

There's >100k on the engine.. whoopdy doo.. you can buy a fully remanufactured stroker for less than 4k and put it in a 2k XJ and you're still $800+ less than their asking price. If you go to the southwest you can find numerous XJ's without rust.

I would offer $5500 provided it has a reputable brand, new casting head already installed. And I'd want a warranty.

 

Nope. Just the gasket. I'll bring it up when I call back.

 

New head...

So 6800 + 500 for a new head + a weekend under the hood (provided you replaced it yourself)... Nope.. bad deal.

 

$5500 seems reasonable to me too. And I tried to find a manual! I figured there'd be a boatload of manual XJs around...
I'll bring up the point about the heads and see if they budge. If not I have a feeling it might be sitting there for a while.

 

They want to say it's unique.. it's super low mileage.. but here's the thing. An average buyer in the 6800 price range can get a 4wd vehicle with better gas mileage that's only 5-7 years old. Just because the XJ has low mileage doesn't erase the 18 years it's existed. In fact, consider that for >100 k over 18 years there is a lot of -NOT- driving. So seals dry up, lubricants don't move.. it's NOT the same as a 5 year old vehicle with the same mileage.

Make the argument that the only people that are going to be interested are Jeep lovers. Jeep lovers that KNOW that the 0331 head is a ticking time bomb. Jeep lovers that know that the fair dealer price for a low mileage XJ is 5k.

Also consider that all it takes to fake the mileage on that Jeep is to pull a low mileage gauge cluster (it's super easy, 15min if you know what you're doing) from ANY XJ, TJ, etc. that uses the same cluster. Or, of course, hack the cluster or take it to a speedometer or body shop.

Did you check the carfax? You want to see a trail of records that suggest the mileage is valid. Also take a super-super close look at it.

 

Also if you want a manual, look for a manual. You might be able to find a good 99 manual without rust in the 5k range with 150k-ish miles. Really, the difference between 100k and 150k is minimal. My Dad got 400k out of his 94 XJ.
I'd prefer a 99 manual over a 00-01 manual anyway since I don't like the NV3550 transmission - the AX15 is far superior.

 

Sorry to go on and on, but I can't in good faith not mention my thought.

That they changed the head gasket is a red flag on a 0331 original head. It's possible that the head cracked and the mechanics, not being familiar with the defect, simply replaced the head and figured it was all set to sell.
It could have a small leak that isn't obvious.
Antifreeze in the oil will quickly ruin engine bearings. How long was the engine run with antifreeze in the oil?
I'd rather have an I6 with 200k on it than one with 50k that has had the bearings chewed up by antifreeze and are on the verge of failure.

I'd do a lab analysis of the engine oil (blackstone labs is a popular provider) before even considering buying that Jeep.

 

Sadly any manual xjs i see are either beat on or basic af with no creature comforts.

 

thats how all manuals i have seen as well. Se versions. Never seen one with much power anything

 

Guess I got lucky with mine. Got it with 158k miles, rust free, bone stock, not beat (besides the carpet), almost fully loaded for $1100. Although it was 2wd....

I say keep searching. The right one will pop up.

 

That's how I like my Jeeps -- power nothing!!! Give me hand crank windows and mechanical door locks all day long!