Good deal on an XJ?
 

I have a line on a '97 XJ sport with the L6 4.0 with the automatic trans. It's got 214k on it. The blunt way of asking is...at what point does the XJ become a money pit?

Seller wants $2,400 for it. Seems in good shape. I'm not TOO concerned about the engine as I know the L6 4.0 is pretty rock solid. I'm more about the transmission.

From what I can tell it has not been beaten up off road and the body is in pretty good shape. It's likely to be a daily driver so I don't want to worry about it being near end of life, so I figured I'd ask the people who would know about this better than I.

I've got a '79 CJ5 (304 v8) in the mountains near me at my brothers that we use for playing. But I want something I can use as a daily driver. But that mileage kinda scares me.

Thanks all for your input.

As long as the trans shifts fine its good.I would be more worried about rust then anything else.

The AW4 auto trans is a good one and mine is the original with 234,000 on it and in excellent shape still as is the NP231 transfer case. Its not uncommon here to see people posting that over 300,000 mi. on the engine/trans so they do hold up well for some people for sure.

The price sounds good if it looks as good as you say.

Thanks for the replies. Far as I can tell it's been a California car since original owner. But not sure what part exactly. Possibly rust from being close to the ocean, or snow salt. I haven't looked under it yet to check.

Good to know about the trans/transfer. Much appreciated.

I am buying an 01 with 157K and had it checked out with a mechanic, only issues found were front U-joints, water pump pulley and needs a new battery and I am paying $4K. So sounds like you are getting a good deal to me.

I agree with the above. What part of the country are you looking? Selling prices seem to vary a good bit depending on where you are. Also, "money pit" is quite relative...

Good point on money pit. I need to drive it daily and not be putting thousands into it to keep it road worthy. The extra to make it off road ready again (if needed) is a different story.

It was in Cali, not sure what part. Currently in the Phoenix, AZ area.