So looking on craigslist today and found a 98 Cherokee 4dr (sport edition I think) with a 5spd trans. Looks to be in great condition and reportedly no rust. Has the 4.0 which I hear is nearly indestructible, as well as a new clutch. Seller also said he has all the service records. The Jeep has 178K miles and he's holding firm at $3,800. I'm in college so funds are a bit of a factor. I don't mind spending a little time under the hood for easy stuff. I also don't want to have to dump 2k into it 3 months after I buy the thing. As experienced jeep users what's your opinion? I'm not a jeep guy...yet..and I could use some third party advice.

Thanks

 

Keep in mind, you're buying a 16 year old car. Expect things will go wrong with it and factor into the cost. Best advice I can give you is take it to a reputable mechanic in your area if you don't know what to look for.

 

I paid about this much for mine because it had a bunch of recent work done to it which made sense for the price. If its been kept up great, and everything is in good shape, the engine can typically last. If they have legitimate records that show everything being taken care of I can see it running around that. I'd still try to coax them down a few hundred bucks if you can. Mine had just had the whole front end worked over, some new tires, great interior, etc.

If it wasn't had any legitimate recent work done to it, I wouldn't spend that much. Even then, maintenance doesn't truly ADD value, but it does prevent having to troubleshoot 100 things in a neglected vehicle.

I second taking it to a trusted mechanic if you have one.

 

To much; you could get two nice ones for that in my area.

 

for sure too much. I paid half that for a rust free 99 jeep with 150k. Although it depends on how you feel about it. The guy I bought it from was convinced it had major problems so he just wanted to dump it. I knew better that it really didn't luckily. That's the benefit of research I suppose. I wish mine were manual though. Expect to throw down probably 500 bones in tune up stuff just to be safe.

 

I just bought a 99 with 126000 for 3500. ..it just needs leaf springs and a couple other little odds and ends

 

I would pay that much for a late model 5-speed that actually has ZERO rust. But chances are it does.

 

Don't be in a rush to buy, and leave some money for any surprises... there are always surprises.

Firm isn't always firm. Offer him what you are willing to pay without sounding harsh. Sellers are more likely to come down if you're nice about low balling them. lol

 

like every one says always check underneith for rust, expecially around the cargo area and floor boards

 

I always start with these two sights to get a high and low value for the vehicle. Sometimes there is a great disparity between the pricing on the two sites. I sometimes average them. I bring the information with me so I can show it to the seller. This information will help start the conversation and determine if the pricing is within the given range. That might be a $1500 vehicle on these sites. But the demand in the market also sets the price. Given its age, you can bet its' gonna need something. Even a low mileage older vehicle is gonna need work.

 

I wouldn't be afraid of the mileage at all, and that's a good price

 

I paid 3250 for my 90 in 04 with 248k on it. But it came with a very well tracked history and I also knew the first two owners.
If you are living in Cali that is a "fair" price if it is rust free, straight body, manageable leaks, everything works, and a good service record.

 

I think the price is OK, but it needs to be rust free (floor boards, rockers etc) and not needing very much if any work done.

 

i would be more comfortable at 3,000 to be honest

 

Almost everything he said plus...

Don't try to negotiate a price over the phone or Internet. Show up in person with cash, it's easy to turn down a theoretical offer over the phone, it's more difficult to turn it down when you have a person in front of you cash in hand.

Also, a ridiculous low ball offer isn't going to help but you should offer less than what you actually want to pay. If you would buy it for 3500, offer 3200, if they say no, ask them to work with you. I you would buy it for 3500 and offer 3500 and they say yes, you probably left money on the table.