I am new to the forum and am looking for some advice. I called my mechanic, that I've used for a number of years and have a lot of respect and trust with. He has a 1998 Cherokee sport which he bought from one of his other customers. It had 85K miles and he's been servicing it since it had 40K. He's replaced the brakes, brake lines and tires. I'm not sure what else he's done to it. It's automatic 4WD, power locks/windows. At this point I don't have any other details. I am taking a look at it tomorrow. He's asking $3800. Through looking at some appraisal sites this seems like a reasonable price. Is there anything I need to pay specific attention to and does this seem reasonable depending on the body shape. I am located in the northeast. Thanks, Jeff

 

Smoking deal for a low milage xj!!!

 

As long as it appears to be clean, straight and rust free... that's not a horrible price for that low mileage. I wouldn't exactly call it a smoking deal.

I'd offer 3,200. I friend should cut you that much of a deal anyhow.

 

Thanks! My thought was, depending on the body and other features, to start around 32 or 33. If I get it for 35, I'll be happy. I think that's fair. The nice thing is that he's trustworthy and anything major he'll have to deal with. I'll do the minor repairs myself which will mean I'll be using the forum!

 

Great deal, i paid 3800 up in my area and it had 146k miles on it.

 

That's a good deal. I paid $3,800 and mine had 124,000 on it.

 

Thanks again the for the replies... I looked at this yesterday and the car is in great shape. We negotiated to 3600 which I was okay with. When we were going over some things, it turns out this is a 1996 and not a '98. I've known this mechanic on a business and personal level and truly believe this was just an honest mistake, however I'm thinking that 3600 may not be as good a deal as I thought. Any comments on whether this is a good deal would be greatly appreciated. I doubt he's going to budge on the price so I'm thinking of calling him back and suggesting we leave the price as it but perhaps he throws in $500 worth of labor in the future. Any thoughts?

 

Getting free labor is a very smart negotiation. The simple fact is that low miles are the #1 predictor of high resale. So, you're not going to get this for a steal. You want a steal, you'll need to go to 125k or 150k or 200k. $3600 isn't a steal, but you're locking in serious resale if you bail. If you can get 5 hours of labor, that's a bonus. In fact, I'd ask for $1000 of free labor, considering $100 of labor is often 20-30 mins.. See what he says. These cars are very hard to sell in the Northeast, and he knows it. I got my 98 XJ in CT for $2200, but it was neglected. The guy had it sitting for months, not able to sell it. You have room to negotiate b/c his time is padded. For some perspective, an XJ with 125k to 150k miles will generally go for around $2500 around here.

 

What makes you say Cherokees are hard to sell in the NE

 

They sell for low prices. They sit unsold for 1-2 months. There is less of a DIY culture in the NE. People are afraid of high mileage cars, and trade them in long before they hit 100k. There is almost no demand for a 12 year old truck.

 

Wrong Wrong Wrong... open mouth shovel a shoe in it...

Once again I have a feeling you have no experince in this area.... people will buy a Jeep that old if it runs good and rust free.... I live in the Northeast and strongly disagree with you... I have been asked many times to sell my stock xj many times for a decent amount...
They won't buy a pile of crap tho...

 

So your saying bimmer bought a pos?

 

Paid $300 for my baby, and gave the man a pack of beer

 

Jump on that, I bought mine for $4,800 with 92k.

 

Look around, see what things have SOLD for. I think you'll find it still is a decent deal.

The issue some are saying is true about folks not wanting high mileage vehicles. However, many also want 4x4s and don't have a lot of money. Since the Explorer wasn't built as well, and a ton got traded in during the Cash for Clunkers (which the Cherokees seemed to have escaped from) there is a bit of them around and they still get good retail and even private party prices.

Another reason that they'll go for higher prices in places like New England and the Mid-Atlantic is the stringent safety inspections and emissions requirements. If the Jeep passes both, they can even go for over book value. If they don't....good luck trying to sell it.

And regardless of what the books say, and others say...you are ultimately the one that has to answer to yourself....if you are happy with the buy.