Hey so I've been looking into buying a 98 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L. The one I found already has a 3.5 in lift with 31 mud tires. It's a limited trim and is remarkably clean inside and out. The odometer reads 151,xxx miles. The guy is asking $5900 and im just unsure if its a good buy. This will be the first jeep I have owned so I don't know a ton about them or how long the last. What do you guys think? Any Thoughts?

 

It seems to be that nice XJ's are getting harder to find, and people are selling them for more and more. It's hard to say if this is a good price because this seems to be a relatively new development. A local guy just sold his for $7500 (4.5" long arm lift, 33's and in real great shape inside and out, not ever abused offroad), and that buyer flew down here from Pennsylvania to pick it up and drive it home.....

I can find junky ones on local craigslist all day for $1k-$1500, but none that are what I would consider in nice condition. Those come up rarely and sell fast. I think this price is probably going to start to be the norm for a nice XJ, so you just have to ask yourself if the price is within your budget and how much you want this particular one. Obviously don't just hand over the cash, attempt to negotiate for a lower price, but know going in whether you are willing to pay the full asking price.

 

IMO, thats closer to a $4k XJ than $5900. Its not an obscene price, but it is high for the mileage.

 

After performing a compression test, going through the underside with a rubber mallet and screwdriver, pulling back the carpet and putting it on a hoist pulling the wheels so you can inspect the rest of it...
Price is the very last negotiation point, if they don't like your offer just walk away.
Doesn't matter how nice it appears if you can't afford to put an engine in it after you have purchased it.