White Rabbit

I am new to the 4x4 scene and have little vehicle mechanic experience. I have recently been window shopping on CL for the right jeep, well today I went and looked at my first one. So now I am here to hopefully get some advice about things that I found when inspecting, I still plan on taking it to a mechanic. I figure the $50-$100 cost of their inspection is worth saving me thousands in the long run.....lol. Here is the Cherokee I looked at today http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/2861309727.html.

195k
4x4
4 door
No rust on any piece of the undercarriage (thank you hot ***** Phoenix sun)
No visible sagging from the suspension (did notice the leaf spring bushings were degrading)
Alpine deck
Alpine rear hatch speakers
Very beautiful interior, everything is manual (windows, doors, mirrors...)
Body is in good condition (no major dents or striping)
Has a center console 2 cup holder (aftermarket and does not conflict with the E-brake)

Now what I found that I don't like :
Has a few leaks, none of them are seriously dripping but there are leaks
1. Rear diff. appears the covers gasket is leaking, Cold had a dripping hanging from it but no puddle on the ground. After test drive (hot) no visible drip hanging.
2. Oil filter appears to be leaking from the filter/block gasket is leaking (again not terrible but is leaking)
3. Oil drain plug leaking
4. The housing where the drive shaft meets the transmission gasket was leaking
5. There appeared to be metal flakes in the fluid under radiator cap, no metal on oil dipstick or tranny stick.

Questions, comments, advice..... all are welcome. (Sorry for lack of pictures)
Again I do plan on taking it to a shop tomorrow for inspection. Thank you in advance.

- Mike

White Rabbit

Ok so today I found another one to check out, tell me what y'all think http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/2872320932.html

I am going to check it out tonight, and take it to a mechanic to make sure it's sound. The Xj in my previous post is on hold for now.
- Mike

OnAll4s

Ok man first off this is strictly my opinion. Others might differ.

First ad is out of the question. $3000 for a stock XJ with 200k and it's leaking everywhere. Hell no. I paid 1500 for my last XJ and it was perfect condition with 250k.

Second ad is a bad *** ZJ... With that being said, I am skeptical as to why he is selling it for 3500 and why no one has snatched it up already. All the mods he has in that( bumper, rack, lift, tires) what gives?
It the second ad is legit and mechanic can't find a problem I would get it...
The ZJ I have now I bought for 1500 and rebuilt the motor and replaced the PCM. So my total cost is around 5000. But I know with a new 4.0 my jeep will last for years... I would check out the second and keep looking

Illuminator

To me the xj looks well cared for and '93 should be a good year. The cage in the zj looks super cool and the arb bull bar is one nice bumper, but I'm alittle concerned about if it was abused (it's got a CAGE), plus '93 is the first year for the zj so there maybe a few more bugs to work out (got one and not as reliable as a xj). If it were me I'd get the one in the best condition. Good luck.

zombie jeep101

IMO, no to first, heck yes to the second.

cranesrule

X2

White Rabbit

Ok so I just realized the second vehicle has a salvage title and I'm a little worried about purchasing a vehicle with that title. I didn't get a chance yet to ask the seller why it has that title and I was only able to get him down to 3k. I don't really want to spend that kind of money on a bent frame or even something worse.
If anyone has a suggestion please let me know, we are supposed to finalize the deal this morning and I will be asking the reason for the salvage title.

- Mike

OnAll4s

Find out the cause first thing. A bent frame isn't too bad, I mean if you are planning on wheeling you will be bashing it around anyway. If it was a flood or fire vehicle I would have my reserves. Cash always Talks man. Last car I sold was listed for 3500, and I said no lower than 3000. Guy showed up and had cash in hand. 2800 and it was sold... So try 2700 and don't offer a penny more. He may stop you tight before you leave or call you back later. Of course you can always hit him up an hour or two after and tell him you sold something and now you have 1-200 more... Or you could agree to 3 if he obtains a carfax to say what damage it had.

I do know this much. 3 years ago I was hit from behind in my XJ, they totaled my vehicle for 900$ in damages cause they said the "actual cash value" of the vehicle was only 1400. And I had about 5k in lift and tires and other things... All it did was bend rear bumper and a quarter panel...lol

White Rabbit

I appreciate all the help and advice, I did pass on the one with a salvage title. I am trying to set up a time to look at another one. I am going to take my time and find the right one, it is hard to contain the excitement when looking at them.

- Mike

White Rabbit

Ok I do have another question about looking at lifted Xj and Zj's. I was reading here that if you go more than 3" you need to adjust the rear differential and have an sye installed. Is someone able to look at it and tell if that has been done without having to take anything apart?

-Mike

nickxj94

X2!!!!!!! i give $500 cash for mine with 167k and owner put a new alt,belt,batt on before i bought it!!lol and i got it off craigslist..

White Rabbit

This is the one I'm going to look at today











Really don't like the interior color but that can be changed it has 173k on the odometer and asking price is 3200 any opinions?

nickxj94

looks clean!! i would drive it..

OnAll4s

Too much money... This is the one leaking right?

White Rabbit

No that was a different one, leaking one was bone stock. I have no intention of paying 3200, figure if the mechanic says it's good to go I will offer 2200.... Good / Bad any advice BTW this is my first third party purchase so I am really nervous.
- Mike