I'm tryin like mad to get my first XJ and saw a 2000 w/114k on it. It drove fine, steered fine and the brakes did not seem mushy at all. Interior is clean and the carfax shows one owner and a bunch of regular service. It needs the hood repainted from some bird crap that ate paint, valve cover gasket and rear wiper motor. Dealer wants just under 5k. According to NADA, this seems fair, but what do you all think?

edit- transfer case worked fine in high and low

 

It's a buyers market right now with the condition of the economy. Cash in hand will have them seriously negotiating since you'll be interpreted as a serious tire kicker.

 

So, would 4500 be a reasonable offer?

 

I think you missed my point.. it's on the lot for 5K, the dealer knows he wont get that from most buyers.

Illinois eh? Your state uses road salt right? I'd get under it and inspect the floors very closely, espescially above the exhaust. Look at the condition of hardware underneath. Rusted frozen bolts can make the simplest periodic maintenance a real chore.

Ultimately your the only one who can put a real price on it, look around and compare pricing/condition on similar vehicles.

 

If you've got a friend that knows about Cherokees, definitely bring them along. They may spot little things you'd have missed.

 

this year they used a sand and salt mix.. less salt more sand..

 

More states are using less salt every year, which is great. It's just getting too scarce in the quantities they need, and it's also getting too costly. This is good news for us, for sure.

 

I picked up my 01 with around 85k on it about 4 years ago and paid like 5500. Mine is also an anniversary edition and was really clean. I also got them to throw in 6 month drivetrain warrenty since I did not like the feeling in the transfer case. Since then the market has died so in my opinion I would not pay more then 4000 for it. for comparison my daughter picked up a 98 TJ with 4.5 " lift, MT's, Cool Air intake, etc. it has like 100k on it. She picked it up for 3700 and TJ's hold value better then the XJ's from what I have seen in the Chicagoland area. Now the TJ has a few issues and paint is not great so that adds to the lower price.

 

Ok, so I went back to the dealer today so I wont be pressured and the underside looks remarkably clean. I know not to pay the asking price, but if he moves I might take it. I have a brother-in-law who is a mechanic and owns a 97 so I have had some coaching. I just wanted some more opinions.

Thank you guys!