Hey guys I have a friend who moved to GA and he is looking at this jeep. The jeep runs but the guy says it needs a gasket... I say no but hes wanting a XJ and thinks he can do the head gasket. What do you think?

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/3604770560.html

 

That is NOT a good deal!! From my experience any models pre 1991, will be nothing but problems wether they're running or not. So basically he is garuanteed to regret it, IMO.

 

If its just the head gasket then its not big deal. It has the 4.0 and not the pos 3.0.

 

Thats kinda what I said, get a 94 and up! I dont understand "head gasket problem", its bad or it isnt or he doesnt know wtf is wrong with it... Gotta try and talk him outta crappy xj #2 now lol. Thanks for the input

 

Do you know what other problems are the old xj's known for? Bad brakes? Overheating?

 

Is the 89 4.0 basically the same as the "modern" ones? As in tuff, reliable etc?

 

Before I purchased my '91 to scrap my '86, I thought about purchasing a model btw '87 and '90 just because there was so many of them available. Those years apparently have issues with the brake system and engine. I'm not sure of the details, maybe someone here can enlighten us. Anyways, I was able to find a '91 with 200k miles and still runs like a champ for $1500. If he's willing to spend $1000, he should have no problem locating a post '91 xj in good mechanical condition and be much happier with it. However, if he's stubborn, then a "I told you so" may be in order . Live and learn, right?

 

Tell him to offer the guy $500, if he's really into that one.

 

LOL he just created a CF account so I think its a sign and there will be years of "I told you so's"

 

Good, I was just gonna suggest that he become a member.

 

the closed radiator system is a hassle! Older 4.0L's with higher millage are prone to leaky rear main seals. I dont think I would pay $1,000 Just because the ad seams like he's trying to hide a bigger problem then a " Bad Head gasket ".

 

I also forgot to mention... I've had problems with the turn single lever. Nothing on it ever worked right... and every older Jeep I've seen had issues with it.

 

I just bought my 96 Cherokee Country for $500 with a blown engine. This is me being perfectly honest. After looking my new Jeep over and seeing how clean it was and how well equipped, it was easily worth $1500 even with the blown motor in my opinion. The 87-90 (RENIX) XJs did have their issues. However, they are much more simple to work on and parts are cheaper for them than the 91 and newer XJs. Now, you guys know I am being straight up honest since I now own 2 91-96 XJs. I have experience with a RENIX XJ as you all know my boys' Jeep is an 87. I would split the $1200 OBO the guy is asking and offer him $600 and then fix the blown head gasket himself.

 

^^^ do what he says!

 

Thats true and after swapping the cooling system and master cylinder (if bendix?) it would be ok assuming a head gasket fixes whatever the problem is and its not cracked or warped. I wonder if its overheating if it could just need burped? I forgot my 90 waggy was the leakinest pos I've ever driven but it still ran great til we destroyed it lol.