Recently moved to Wisconsin from Texas. Need a winter vehicle, used to have a Jeep and have been looking into getting one when I found a black '00 with 230k and a bit of rust on the rockers. I test drove it, it could be the fact that I'm used to my newer car but the brake seemed incredibly stuff almost to the point that it was hard to stop. Operated fine otherwise, no lights in dash. He mentioned they had just replaced the radiator and hoses and coolant. After the test drive I got underneath and noticed very large amounts of oil that looked to have built up under the black and around the seems. That is my biggest concern, my 170k jeep I had before was never like that. Is this oil leakage a concern or to be expected at 230k miles? No oil dripped to the ground, and none of the seepage looked to be fresh, I ran my finger across it and it was very thick. What are your opinions? It's priced right at 2k from a used car lot, the oil is a concern for me but I don't want to foolishly disregard that since I love the Jeep. Let me know if this is a major issue. Sorry for the long post, it's nice to be back on here! All help is appreciated

 

This would be suspect for me. I would keep looking for a better deal. Oil and coolant at the same time on a 2000 is suspect. Search on cracked head castings for more info.

 

If that thing hasn't had a new head put on it, I'd keep on looking unless you feel like swapping a new one on it. Might already have a cracked head and they figured reworking the cooling system was the way to go. She's probably a time bomb....

 

On word about the oil most of the time on these engines the leak is from the oil filter adapter where it bolts to the block (3 O-rings).

Like the others suggest the head could have been the reason for the overheating issues.

 

I appreciate the responses, I'm gonna steer clear of this one, I'll keep looking I'm sure I'll find one I like soon. I decided I'm going to shoot for a 97-99 just to play it safe. I know not ALL 00-01 are bad, but I'm not gonna risk it after checking this one out

 

Keep your eye on the Craigslist listings for Duluth, Wausau, Northern Wisconsin and UP.

I live in the UP and keep an eye on all four regularly. Decent deals pop up here and there. Be patient and have cash ready to go when one does pop because they don't usually last long.

Good luck with your search!

 

I'm located in the Eau Claire area, where is UP in relation to there? Sorry, very new to the area. I appreciate the tip

 

Look for 91-99 years and since you want a winter beater it don't have to be pretty just run good.And look at zjs or maybe a wj those are cheap enough a lil bigger then a xj and ride better on the roads.Plus a lot of them came awd which can be nice in the snow.

 

Here's a nice one over in Little Suamico. It's a couple hour drive...

https://greenbay.craigslist.org/cto/5768388687.html

 

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum because I recently bought a 93' XJ. The motor, transmission, radiator, and brakes work well. The only problem I'm worried about is the steering wheel because it's a little loose. Anyone know what could that be? It has just over 175k miles.

Not trying to steal the thread, but I posted it here because it's related to what I want to know; if this Jeep was a good buy. I bought it for $1200!

Also, I have no idea how to create a new thread because I'm new so that tip could help. Thanks to all.

 

Hit the button that says "new thread" or something like that. Give it a title and then post away. Make sure to post lots of pics of the underbody, engine compartment and interior.

If your steering wheel has tilt option it sounds like your knuckle (or is it a u-joint) in there is on the way out. I'm pretty sure that there's a writeup or video or something around here somewhere.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Is it the steering wheel/steering column that is loose or you mean you have play in the steering where you turn the wheel a lil bit before it does turn?

 

Thanks Jimbo Slice, I'll make sure to post more pictures on my future thread! And actually, like andrewmp6 says, the steering wheel has a play. Any idea what could that be?

Seems like I'll be enjoying being here. Feel very welcomed.

 

It has a steering box they have a lil play in normally and most are use to rack and pinion which has almost no play.More then 2 or 3 inches of play is from wore out steering parts from tie rod ends to even the steering box its self.