Howdy everyone I'm new to the forums here and had a couple questions about a jeep I'm about to go look at. The jeep is up for sale by a guy who lives down my street. It's a white 1998 Jeep XJ 4 door 4 wheel drive. From looking at the vehicle parked outside it seems to be in good condition. The rockers have a bit of rust, but for the most part and easy fix. And the trim looks like it was sanded but left unfinished. Taking a look at the chassis, it appears to be showing normal wear, little rust here and there, but no major leaks. Having become very interested in the vehicle, I gave him a call

He said he bought it from a mechanic, who bought it for his daughter, who threw a fit because it wasn't what she wanted... spoiled brat I take it...

He then said he bought as a secondary driver because he has a mustang as his Primary car. He then proceeded to tell me that the car had 150,000 miles on it... not to bad considering my last two vehicles were over 200,000, well maintained and ran like a charm.

He then proceeded to tell me his price, he said 2,800 OBO

Tomorrow I'm going test drive it and look it over a couple more times.

So my fellow XJ owners, this one is your considering I know very little about jeeps. So I need your help with this one

What should I look for?
What should I listen for?
What should I offer him?
And anything else that would be useful?

Thanks, Dylan

 

I think he wants to much for it, try to talk him down. It sounds like its in good condition though and should be well maintained since the guy is a mechanic

 

Test drive it and see how it runs and drives before getting committed. Make sure it does not have death wobble or make any bad noises. Crawl underneath and poke at the floors from the bottom to see if they are spongy from rust.

What trim are you talking about being sanded?

Pics would be helpful.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, I was thinking about giving him a low ball offer of $2400. And I for sure won't buy the thing without a test drive, checking for knocking of the engine and how it drives. The floor board idea is a good one, I'll give that a go when I look at it tomorrow

The plastic running about mid body (not the jeep I'm looking at by the way)


Thanks

 

If he's asking $2800 for it, $2400 is not a "low-ball" offer. I'd probably offer him $2k and see if he takes it, you never know. The Cherokee i just bought was listed for $4500 (obviously too high) so i offered him $3500 he countered at $3750, but i told him $3500 is the highest, and he took it. You never know.
As for what to look at, just the usual stuff. Make sure nothing seems out of the ordinary.

 

Hey guys, I'm now a proud owner of a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. Got it for $2200

I'm thinking about starting a build thread. I have alot in store for this jeep

 

Congrats! Post some pictures.

 

x2

 

Not always true, most mechanics drive the most unmaintained vehicles on the road. The shoe maker always has holes in his shoes too. I've been turning wrenches for 25 years and I hardly do any kind of maintaince to my rigs. I'll fix it when it breaks or stops running.

 

Jeep Build Thread with more Pics https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...gorilla-55906/

 

Congrats.. if the rockers have rust check the floor boards... most likely they are rusted as well. That is a common problem.

The trim is that way because of sun damage. They make stuff to "refresh" it or you could repaint it.

 

ida offered 2k cuz my mom got mine for 3k about 3-4 yrs ago and its a 00

 

but it looks good
im repainting my plastics with a non fade paint and clear coat