Total Jeep newb Looking to buy an XJ. I've seen a 2001 black 4x4 Cherokee limited with tan leather, 80k miles, and one owner for 8,9k. Problem is: it's a 7 hour drive. So, I'd be flying up then driving back.

My questions are: FIRST! Should I be obsessing about this because it seems like a fair price for a jeep in its condition, or should I just wait and find something closer to home? The ones around here are usually 150k+ miles, and usually abused. I suppose, I'm a little hesitant because of the price. If it was dirt cheap, I really wouldn't care what was wrong with it.. etc.. I just hate to spend that kind of money and regret it!

Second, if it's actually a good deal and I should jump on it. What things should I be looking for? Kind of "kicking the tires" type things. Normal rust areas, Bad signs that might lead to real problems.. etc, etc. Also, it would really help if I knew some normal “everyday-habits” these jeeps have so I know what to expect when I get up there and don’t freak out about a noise. I’m used to driving Hondas if that says anything, haha.

Any help is appreciated!!!!

-Shane

 

Pass on this one

To much $ and to far away for you in my opinion.

Don't be afraid to buy a higher mileage XJ with the 4.0. Around here they go for $3000-$5000 with 150,000 miles and as long as it was well maintained it will last for many more miles.

I would stay away from the dealerships as well, usually overpriced.

PS: Welcome to the forums.

 

8-9k is STEEP... cut that in half for a jeep near mint condition

 

If I were you, I'd wait. You can definitely find something better, that is overpriced for sure. I waited almost a month and found a 96' XJ w/ 100,000miles for $1,000.

Goodluck!

 

Agreed that 9k is too much unless it has a pretty decent warranty (say 3yr/36k mi). Typical things you have to be prepared for with an XJ are rust un the floor areas and rocker panels. Unitbody squeak (and rattles and such)if you haven't driven one before. Also be prepared for the pure awesomeness that is the 4.0 I6 HO engine...Jeep's best feature. Make sure and try to put it in 4hi and 4lo and if that works you're pretty much good to go.

 

Thanks guys, I'll keep an eye for something closer. Once I do grab one, I'll start posting build pictures!

Thanks!!

 

Try and find something in your area. Cherokees look good in pictures, but always have surprises. Take it from me I checked out more than 10 xjs before buying mine.

 

I'm looking around for XJ's too in the 97-99 range and I'm finding them around $3500 if they are <100k miles, and about $400 less for every 25k more miles.

I'm going to look at 3 this weekend, two black ones and a chili pepper red one. One has 115k and they are asking $3500 (hoping they'll come down to $3200), the other two have around 170k and they are asking $2200.

I found one with 60k miles for $3000 but that thing was sold within an hour of going up for sale.

Just be patient. There really are a ton of XJ's out there for sale. A couple of times I thought I was missing out on the deal of a lifetime, only to find one just as good or better the next week.

 

Buy local. I wasted a lot of money driving all over the state looking at jeeps. I learned something when buying my jeep, this world it's full of scum bag liars. Lucky the guy I bought my jeep from was honest.

 

Haha, it seems very true when buying a jeep. I found one close to where I'll be moving for a new job. So, I had my parents, which live about 1.5hrs away from the area, go look at it. He wanted way too much. However, I figured.. might as well check it out and then try to negotiate with him. Anyway, what he didn't tell me: A/C didn't work, needed new tires, power windows were going out; amongst numerous other things. I couldn't believe it and he had the nerve to ask 8800 for it. (2000 XJ, 92k miles). I asked him over the phone if ANYTHING was wrong or if there was anything I might need to know before I have my family drive up. What a waste... funny thing is: they boast about how honest they are on the website..haha. I don't mind paying a fair price for a nice XJ, just be honest!

 

that's nothing... i found a mint looking xj on craigslist in orlando (a 4-5 hour drive) that i called on. i told the guy exactly what i was looking for. number one thing on my list that i made extremely clear to him was "no rust" and i wanted it to be clean. the guy assured me that it had no rust and was in near mint condition... just the paint was that of a 12 year old car, but no clear coat peeling or fading. he said he bought the jeep for his wife and that she didn't like it cause it drove like a truck and said that it was nice enough for his wife to drive and "she doesn't drive junk". i explain to him that i will be driving 5 hours one way in a diesel truck with a double axle trailer and that it was going to cost me a lot of money to come look at the truck and if it wasn't as he described to please not waste my time and money. he assured me he was accurate in describing the jeep.

i get up there and get out of the truck and the first thing i see is a huge rust hole (not spot, a hole) in the roof. i was pissed!!!!! i look at the inside and the carpet felt like someone had dropped concrete onto it.... it was hard. the trunk had what looked like a 5 gallon paint can spill in the trunk. it was a total pile. wasted a full day and $200 in diesel.i have more stories like this but not enough time or want to post about them. bottom line.....learn from me, buy local.



you shouldn't be paying anywhere near $8000 for a xj (as far as i would think, i could be wrong), maybe more like $6,000 for a mint lifted one. the norm around here seems to be $3500 for a 97+ that is in good shape. don't be so hung up on mileage, these things last forever. i'd be more concerned with rust, current running condition, and fluids condition. maybe pay the dealer $100 (normal check out cost) to go over the truck for you and make sure it's in good shape before you buy.

things like the power windows going out can be a bargaining point. it's very common on these jeeps for the power windows to only work from the drivers switch. the switch fails and the window lock gets stuck on. it's a easy $1.00 fix.

but yeah like you are finding out, buy local. i don't know what people are thinking when you make it clear to them what you are looking for and that you are about to drive a long distance.... if you know you don't have what i'm looking for don't waste my time!

 

@DualSportDad. Sorry to hear about your horrible XJ experience! Thanks for making me feel a little better though, haha.

Just wanted to update everyone. I bought my first XJ. It's a 2000 classic with the overhead cluster, silver, the dark gray wheels, and factory brushguard. I promise to have pictures when ever I get it legal and clean it up a bit. Build thread coming shortly after! It used to be a sheriff's dispatch vehicle. Has all the records!

Thanks everyone, I'm excited to really get envolved.

 

Congrats on the XJ purchase.

 

Congrats!

 

Finally found an XJ. I started a build thread here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...sponge-118757/

Thanks for all the support!