I might be getting this Jeep for around 2k-2.4k. The owner says there are no issues aside from the front shocks need replacing, but he has them just not installed. My only concern is to actually purchase this Jeep. I plan to conduct Wildlife Biological studies for my Masters at Texas State University. Is this Jeep worth it as a daily driver/off-road? If I were to purchase this Jeep, what are some mods that I can do to make it a better daily driver.

 

Just my opinion, but if I were in your shoes....

1. MPG in a brick sucks, so don't expect much. In a stock XJ I think you would be in the 16-18 mpg if you have a light foot and wind at your back!
2. Lifts and wider tires will not help your MPG.
3. I have owned about 8 XJ's since they came out in 1984 (yep, I am old). They are very capable in the stock form so much that I never saw a use for big tires which need high lift kits which puts a strain on your drive train. I always kept them stock and usually just replaced the leaf springs due to sag. Good shocks help make for a smooth ride! I have driven in spots (where lifted big rim/tired chevy 1500's have had to winch themselves out) as I always used the the advantage of lighter weight and speed to get through. Xj's that have been modded have been used harder then those that have not in my experience.

4. So my advice is to look for a good stock XJ, between the years of 96 and 99 with average miles and less rust and give it a shot. For some reason, I only found 4WD with auto's at my time of purchase, but don't turn your nose up at a AX15 5 speed! Good luck and wish you the best in your search! If not a XJ, find a good used 1/2 ton P/U with 4WD, you should get better MPG and be sensible in your trail selection. Finally, our Xj's are dinos in the present day! They require a bit of work and steady mantenance that sometimes require a lot of patience and a knack for finding replacement parts!

 

These are fun toys! But If your on a tight budget and don't have time to work on it - get a Japanese sedan to get through school. Save your jeep owning for after you graduate

 

$2000 for a 1998 with mods. The owner sez all it needs are some front shocks.
I have some swamp land for sale if you're interested 😉

 

My advice is ask yourself these questions:
Is my budget unlimited or unrestricted?
Am I and my friends gear heads ?
If the answer to either is no, is there someone willing to underwrite the costs ?

If the answer were no then I would look into other options for this use case. No one needs additional financial burdens while in school.

My Subaru was excellent for daily driving and running around Forrest Service and logging roads. Its fuel economy was vastly superior to my 2WD Cherokee. Nearly double what my lifted big tired Cherokee got.
The Subaru was excellent for long distance travel as well. There are other like vehicles besides Subaru to choose from.

Are there any volunteer Search & Rescue organizations in the area?
Volunteers like to help. Helping a student access remote areas could be good good skills maintenance training for the volunteer, good PR for the organization and a tax write off for the volunteer.

Is parking at a trail head and hiking in an option?