So I want to first say I love my 96 ZJ. Its mostly stock with a 5.2. I am considering getting a new engine or rebuilding mine for a little more power. I also think about restoring the interior as well. I know its all performance of course but I dont know if I will ever see a profit if I sell it, if I ever do. I dont know if its worth it. I plan of keeping it but you never know. My other option is buying a Wagoneer, they seem to be going up in value. Anyone think ZJ will ever go up in value?

 

Unless it is PERFECT with 0 miles. no, it will not go up in value. Maybe in another 20 years? IF it's perfect, or has 100k in restoration done to it.

Do what you want to your car for what you want out of it, NEVER expect to spend money and get money back or increase it's value. If the engine is running fine, I would leave it alone, unless you have money to burn.

 

I have always had this theory that when you do stuff like that chances are you will only get back about half of what you have in it.
I have a pretty good amount in my XJ. With the work that I have done to her.
No way would I break even if I ever sold her.
But that is not the point as why I do this.
First and foremost is that I would like to keep her forever.
And second I am retired for the most part.
My Jeep is my hobby in retirement.
That being said when it comes to XJ's have been noticing some ridiculous selling prices lately. IMO.
Every once in awhile a thread will pop up with a guy asking if the XJ he is thinking of buying is worth it.
$5K, $6.5K etc. Don't get me wrong. Some of them are pretty nice. With all the mods for wheeling them and whatnot.
But I am just not seeing it.
Maybe it is me. LOL.

 

That's kind of what I was thinking. I may go wagoner.

 

I've seen restored Grand wagoneers go for $60k, but there are just hardly any left, and people want old/unique/special. XJ's have gone up in value recently too. I bought my last XJ for $500, my recent one was $2000 in similar condition, and it was THE CHEAPEST I could find locally that wasn't just scrap metal. so I could see it happening, but not until there are just a handful left, and customizers go through and really start rebuilding them into something special. they are going to put $50k into them to make them worth that $60k.

 

I've got a 96 ZJ and a 92 XJ both lifted with too much $$ into them. In terms of value the XJs will always sell for more - they are higher quality in general and have better transmissions and lighter weight for off-road use. ZJs are a strictly Chrysler designed vehicle and come with all of the typical Chrysler problems. With that being said I still think your ZJ is worth restoring. The 5.2L is a great 8 cylinder engine and the 96 is a great model year for ZJs.

 

You will not make profit. You will not break even. You will lose money.


Do it because it is worth it to you, or don't do it.

 

^^^ this.... because in the vehicle market there are really only 2 things that make a vehicle appreciate instead of the typical depreciate.
1. It's a classic, and either ultra-rare (low production numbers) or as stated, very few remaining in operational or rebuild-able condition.
2. In addition to number 1....it's also one that is deemed desirable/collectible to the serious collector's car market.
If 1 AND 2 are not met...you're most likely not going to get out of it anywhere near the time and money that you've put into it.
What we do to our old XJs and GC's is really out of pure passion for the love of our old Jeeps...and have fun with them.
Put into it what you want to do with it to have fun...and not for resale value in the future.
I look at it kinda like my motorcycle(s)... I buy ones that meet my needs and wants....but I don't look at it as how much will I get out of it when I go to sell it later...
As I tend to be one that keeps them well past the point of worrying about resale value. I keep them in great condition...but if you put a ton of miles on one, resale value just isn't there...but I look at it from the point of how much fun and use I've gotten out of having it.

 

I own a 2000 WJ that I have close to an estimated $18000 into because I've repaired or replaced just about every moving part in it except the front axle. The reason I've done this is because the body is in better shape than anyone could expect for a vehicle from the "Rust Belt" and I can still repair it myself without a huge amount of diagnostic equipment. When I'm done with it, it will be going to the shredder or parted out if any parts are still good. At 263K miles, it has served it's purpose well, better than expected. It owes me nothing.

 

I look at it like this, you never regret the things you did do, but you often regret the things didn’t, that being said, how much do you like the rig you have now? I’ve sold firearms in the past, that I wish I had kept, and passed up guns I wish I had bought, regret sucks! My 2003 WJ has 200900 miles and I like it more now than when I bought it new, face it, Jeep’s are holes in the road you pour money into, question is, is it worth it to you? I use nothing but OEM Mopar replacement parts, expensive yes, but I’ve never had a major problem towing my travel trailer all over the western states. The money issue always muddies the water, I get it, my outlook is I’m going to maintain and drive my WJ as long as possible because I love it. If you like the rig you have now, the satisfaction you get from it may well be worth the money you put into it, if you’re tired of it, don’t be afraid to move on to something else, I wouldn’t be to hasty, you don’t want to sell and then be thinking; aw dang, I wish I had kept it...Remember, whatever you decide, it’s a Jeep...Just Empty Every Pocket, LOL!