bdub23

Im trying to find a cherokee. This will be my first car. Im 16 and I dont know to much about Cars or Jeeps. I want to get into it though. I have about a 2k dollar budget. Heres the link to my local craigslist http://sfbay.craigslist.org/ Please reply with a link if you find something good. All that i know is that I want a 4x4. I found this one but im not sure if its worth what they are asking http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1629305167.html Please help me out guys. Thanks, Brandon

bdub23

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Im not really shure how much cherokee's are worth and I just want to make sure that im getting a decent deal. Also it would help me out if you guys told me what to look for(i.e. Like what model or year is good. And what mialege I should try and stay under.

guest02

I think that the one that you posted was overpriced. Just take your time and be patient, you'll find the one you're looking for. I really don't think that there was any bad years to be cautioned about.

The only things that i would be concerned about is rust, and obvious signs of abuse. Keep one thing in mind, if it's already set-up for some serious 4 Wheeling, it more than likely has been pretty much hammered at some point.

With that said, i would concentrate on getting something a little less "built", Ya know?
Besides, XJ's are relatively easy and inexpensive to "modify" yourself at a later date.

I took a brief look on CL for something in your budget, and...
I would take a serious look at this one, bro!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1632928276.html

Good luck on your search and keep us posted!

bdub23

Is that a really good deal? And also im a Neewbie. So this might be a stupid question but does it matter how many miles it has on it? And also if i go look at some jeeps what should I watch out for?

bdub23

Heres a clean one let me know what you guys think http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/1637942314.html

guest02

I like the way you're thinking...

Honestly, i wouldn't be all that concerned about the Mileage as much as the "Overall Condition".

I have upmost confidence in you already that you will be patient enough to find EXACTLY what you are looking for, (and deserve)!

bdub23

Alright thanks. Ill be shure to keep you guys updated. Trying to find something close to stock so I can do a build this summer : ) Taking my time forsure though. And learning things as I go.

jiffy

i'm from the bay area and i look on craigslist every day for jeeps. the xj that jfxj posted is not bad.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1632928276.html

but for some reason i keep looking at this particular one for $2500. based on the owners description on what he had done, it sounds and seems to be a damn good deal. the only thing wrong is the head gasket. assuming that's he only thing wrong with it. being that u're on a high school budget, maybe you can talk to the owner about where you stand financially.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1633740033.html

bdub23

Ya the only thing wrong with it is the heas gasket. But i dont know how to replace that : (

jiffy

i hear yeah. it may have a bad compression. but it looks really nice based on the picture and all the work the owner done to it.

jiffy

are you looking for 6 cyl or 4 cyl? stick or auto?

bdub23

jiffy look at this one http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/1637942314.html

bdub23

it doesnt matter as long as its a 4x4

jiffy

yeah..i seen that one. not bad. how bad do you need a car right now?

ken72

Thats not bad, but I think you can get away a little cheaper. If there is any way you can run it by a mechanic to just spot check it... that could save you a lot.... Example.... I bought my 01 sport for what I thought was a great deal. Runs strong... no overheating... some minor leaks in the valve cover and rear main seal(all looks pretty normal)... then after I purchase it, I take it to get the front brakes looked at and all of a sudden I am standing in the mechanics garage with my jeep on a lift while he is pointing out a loose drive shaft, cracked rear brakes, leaking axle into the brake drums, warped front rotors...the list went on, ended up spending another $800 bucks... there went my saved mod money.

A couple things I would look at... 1. make sure its not warm when you get there for the test drive... You want to make sure it starts cold and warms up correctly. 2. make sure you test drive it long enough... not just around the block... but warm it up. That way you can see how it idles. Stop and let it sit running and listen(turn off the radio). Check tailpipe for smoke while running and pop hood while running to look for anything odd. 3. turn it off and look under for leaks and check around the Axles for any oil build up... if you feel good about all this then have a mechanic spot check it for you as well.

In fact before you even test drive it, pop the hood and check all fluid levels while it is cold