ColonelForbin

I am looking to buy my first XJ and am extremely excited. With that being said, I have a very small budget. limited to Craigslist buys. And XJs that arent in the best condition. The one I was really interested in sold earlier today. I am now thinking about this one http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/cto/5329794642.html
Does this seem like an OK deal? I obviously haven't had a chance to drive and check it out yet. Its at least a good 2 hour drive from where I am. What advice do you guys have for a first time XJ owner when it comes to buying. Total noob here so any advice is appreciated.

jay_sco

Appears to be decent for the asking amount. If it's 2hrs away at least ask for better pics, maybe during the day? Just make sure everything is mechanically sound, test the 4x. FWIW I got my '94, with similar miles, for a similar price.
1994 was a decent year for the XJ, nothing drastically problematic that you'd need to watch out for. Check the lift, probably not a great one, but doesn't look like they're trying to use that as a main selling point anyway.

PS, ask for a pic or two of the undercarriage, these things are fantastic vehicles, but tend to be rust magnets in some regions.

studmuffin

I would pass on it. Get something a little cleaner and less used. Be patient don't think that just because you are on a low budget that you have to settle for a pos. It's your first jeep and if you get a headache jeep it might end up being your last jeep. Always go for stock unless you know what your looking at in a jeep.

BrawnyDog

If you must get it, please have another grand in your budget for stuff that is guaranteed to need to be done.

ColonelForbin

Thanks for the advice everyone. My budget for the jeep itself would be between 1 ad 2 gs. Leaving me with about another 1000ish to work with on getting the jeep in driving shape. If I can't make trips to check out the jeep I will definitely be getting many pics and details on the jeep. So many scams on Craigslist its crazy. Or just people being super lazy about selling. I would like to purchase one by 2nd or 3rd week in January. For now it would be mostly a dd. That will slowly but surely be tweaked to what I want (still not sure about that part)

ColonelForbin

I've had some trouble finding stock XJs that fit my budget. Like studmuffin said I gotta be patient. Just keep looking.

ColonelForbin

Here's a stock I'm interested in.
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ctd/5350085152.html

BrawnyDog

I concur with studmuffin. Try to find a stock XJ. Unless mods are done by enthusiasts they tend to make vehicles less reliable. I hope you find what you are looking for. I love my XJ.

Edit:^^^ do some research on 0331 head.

ColonelForbin

Yeah Brawny I know I've seen people mention some 00-01 engines can have issues. Thank you for pointing that out to me. Starting to research the 0331 head now. I don't even own a Jeep yet and all I wanna do is research everything about them...

Turbo X_J

That's a ~ $500 vehicle.

ColonelForbin

Wow really? $500 is what you think this should go for? Or is that your opinion on what its worth? From what I've been looking at this seems pretty average for the XJ market in Indiana.

ColonelForbin

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/5320660872.html
So I may get a lot grief for thinking about this one. But let me go over y quick game plan IF I did purchase this XJ. I would do the following: front sway bar, new battery, header panel and grill if needed, putco harness and relay, hella h4 headlights, probly seat covers, and floor mats. Tires are new. This would all hinge on the results if the test drive and inspecting the car. That is just to get this thing going. Plenty of time to get deep into mods on any XJ

BrawnyDog

Too many grammatical mistakes in description. Seller can not be trusted.

Bustedback

Do not waste your time and money on this POS. If the guy won't even clean it up to sell it there is no telling how lax he was on maintaining it.

andrewmp6

Look for a 91-99 stock as you can find one,Look for rust in the rocker panels its the metal under the doors and look for rust inn the floor pans.If your not trying to build a rock crawler you could get a grand cherokee 93-04,The zj which is 93-98 are a tiny bit bigger then a xj and you can get a v8 on them.On road they ride better since they have coil springs front and rear,And if you want to off road it you can and the aftermarket is just as big as the xj but somethings cost more.