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First time buyer, what do you think of this ‘96. Too much rust?
I’m new to this and I have absolutely no experience in cars but I really want to get into it. And I’ve always wanted an xj. I’ve read that rust is a problem with these cars but the engines are great and relatively easy to work on. From what I can see the leaf springs might need to be replaced and there seems to be some leak around the engine… I’m not sure how bad the rust is… something that I can fix if I put some time into it?
Also, seller said they put a 3in lift but don’t know the brand
i would really appreciate your help guys.
thank you!
Rust! What rust? That little bit of surface discolouration? Press it with your thumb just to make sure it's not hiding any rot - that's what you have to worry about.
Rust! What rust? That little bit of surface discolouration? Press it with your thumb just to make sure it's not hiding any rot - that's what you have to worry about.
thank you. Will do. What else should I worry about before buying this? It’s got 96k and one owner. They said radio doesn’t work and needs new tires.
I would want to see pictures of the frame rails the whole way back. Look around the leaf spring mounts and hangers. Front axle coil spring mounts. Tons of other places. Thos pictures don't tell much.
Looks like the floor boards are rusted through at a few spots. I'd offer $1000 less than what the seller is asking if it actually has rust holes in the floor. Or anywhere else.
Originally Posted by tomotomo0821
What else should I worry about before buying this?
Everything. You never know what you are getting yourself into when buying a used vehicle. Especially when you have no experience with vehicle work.
If you can, get some people to go with you to inspect the vehicle. The more eyes on it the better
Last edited by TrailerTrash; Jan 27, 2023 at 05:21 PM.
So the seller was nice enough to facetime and show me the undercarriage and the rust is not bad at all. There were a couple of spots that looked bad but it was not rot through. It has an issue with the neutral safety switch and ding on the front bumper. The paint is a bit worn and maybe an alignment fix.
asking was 7500 and he is willing to go down to 6500. It’s 2 door.
fai price?
That's BS that there is no rust through. You can see it plain as day. I wouldn't pay $2500 for that. I bought a rust free XJ out of Texas for $3500 and had I known the issues it has/had I wouldn't have bought it. I paid at least a grand more than it was worth.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for high prices for XJ's. It will just help increase the value of mine. But I'm upside down on mine and expect to remain there for several years, if not forever.
It doesn't take much to sink $5K into basic repairs and undoing previous owner's "jack-leg" work. I have done that and I don't have to deal with rust.
That's BS that there is no rust through. You can see it plain as day. I wouldn't pay $2500 for that. I bought a rust free XJ out of Texas for $3500 and had I known the issues it has/had I wouldn't have bought it. I paid at least a grand more than it was worth.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for high prices for XJ's. It will just help increase the value of mine. But I'm upside down on mine and expect to remain there for several years, if not forever.
It doesn't take much to sink $5K into basic repairs and undoing previous owner's "jack-leg" work. I have done that and I don't have to deal with rust.
And mine is not even roadworthy yet!
I see, thank you. I’m going to see if they will negotiate the price more.
I also found another one that they said they replaced the engine with a jasper. Is this anything good?
First time buyer, what do you think of this ‘96. Too much rust?
