Hello!

I purchased a 1996 xj in January for $1800 just to get me through this past winter. My car was not able to cope with the snow this year in Maine.

The Jeep did great through March but is starting to have issues come up that need to be addressed.

My question to all of you is, in your opinion, is it worth keeping or should I ditch it for something more practical?

I really love the vehicle, but I need it to be a reliable daily driver for 48 miles a day, doing a mixture of highway, back country, and in town driving.

The good: upper body is in decent shape, practically rust free; motor, tranny, 4wd all function appropriately; has new water pump, distributor, ignition coil, head gasket, radiator cap, probably a couple other things; rear end and wheels were taken off a wrangler with half the miles and in acceptable working condition

The bad: floors are shot and have some patchwork but need to be replaced (trunk was done right and not too rusty along frame rails), needs new rocker panels, radiator has small leak, just snapped a sway bar link and realized it needs a TON of suspension work- shocks and mounts junk, all bushings are rotted mounts are yucky, really needs all new everything underneath. Also the shaft thingy coming out of the steering box looks like it could snap anyday. Has high miles at 235000.

Is this worth putting the $ into, or cut my losses? It runs great at the moment, but it'll need a lot to stay going long term.

Sorry for the long post snd thank you!

 

Figure it this way .Have you put the same amount in it monthly as a car payment and full coverage insurance would be. Each and every month youve owned it. Also buying another used vehicle just starts the cycle on a different vehicle. Ive had mine 15 years would never get rid off it because I had to repair it .

 

If you can tackle most of the issues yourself I would say go for it. Rotten floors aren't too bad just time consuming. Steering isn't too bad either. I think I replaced all of my steering for less than 120. Good luck with your cherokee

 

Dump it, buy a BRZ, super/turbo charger is an option if there is not enough go ponies for you.

 

Depends on how much money you have, Im a nearly broke college student who can do basic stuff, and more in depth stuff like ball joints/water pump. But hearing from what you have, I would try to run it til it dies, maybe throw a hundred here or there to keep it driveable, but with the mounts being "yucky" Im guessing they need metal work/welding and unless you can do that yourself its not worth the money.

I guarantee you can find some kid with too much money who just wants an "over sized go kart" to screw with on their land. I sold my last Jeep for $700 in less than 12 hours after putting it on Craigslist, I wanted it gone asap. If I waited Im sure I coulda got about $1000. This Jeep was a piece of crap, but the floors were still solid. Just ran and drove.

 

Do you have any pic? More then likely it can be saved, That is if you have the time, patience and of course the money.

 

Thanks for such quick responses! I am only able to basic things myself with limited tools and space. I know a couple people who could do bigger jobs, welding etc for 30 per hour. I'll try to get pics, my husband has it right now.

 

not sure if that link worked... if not check my photos. That is the only pic I have from underneath atm.

 

You are the best person to answer this question, let me ask you just a few to start with.

Number 1 thing do you like the XJ platform and will it fit your needs? If no to this one no need to go any further.

2.Do you want to keep it in close to stock condition?

3. If yes to 2 what kind of a budget do you have in mind for what you intend to use it for?

3. Is it possible for you to have 2 cars the Jeep and a car to use or does the XJ need to be your DD also?

With these answers we can help you a little easier, please let us know.

I purchased my 99 XJ for $1800 early last year also mine isn't my DD but I do drive it on the street. It is one of the best Off Road SUV's I have ever owned but I have added a lot of options.