I have an 89 XJ with 307000 miles on it. I have dumped around a $1500 bucks into it to get it running like a champ. Well now i am wondering since i drive it everyday to work, if i should just sell it and buy a 1999 and fix the 99 up. If i keep the 89 i have to change rear main, fix leaky 2 piece window, get air conditioning fixed, and replace the windshield, and fix the loose front end. What would you do? Pros Cons thanks.

 

Keep the 89 as a wheeling rig and get a 99 as a dd

 

I like that idea but the wife does not understand that concept very well. lol

 

Newer is always nicer but also costs more to start out with. I would say that if the 89 looks good and does not have much rust/dents then just take a day to fix any thing that is wrong and do alot of prevention... Remember two ounces of prevention is worth a gallon of cure and since you have already started to sink $ into the 89 you know what you have and have not done to it.

Brandon

 

Better safer than sorry!

 

Id go with a early '99 make sure it doesn't have the crack prone 0331 head (the ones with out caps, starting '99.5) Wish i did because every funny idle or gauge jump scare the heck outa me. But on the better note very little rust and wonderful to work on considering my last '89 was shot.

This 2000 was $2680 from a private owner. With 118500 miles. Was listed for $3000, Told him on the phone i only had $2700, seen it didn't have much gas and got $20 off, lol.

So yea go for a '99 with a distributor cap, not coil packs in a row. That '89 you got is going to cost you more in the long run.

 

X2

 

I am sold on both arguments right now. me and the 89 have alot of history. I know that jeep and it has zero rust. But the creature comforts a radiator cap and a tighter front end have me still wanting new. I value all the input keep it coming. I am at a xj crossroad.

 

If you've had your '89 for a while now you a) know the history b) know the repairs (good, bad, and ugly) c) it's rust free d) know what needs to be done

Buying a new-to-you vehicle is going to cost you a) the initial cost b) title/license

You also know ZERO history (even if the old owner tells you the history, it doesn't make it true) about any accidents (not all are reported by insurance companies), repair history, any intermittent issues that you may not be made aware of at the time of the sale, you don't know if it's ever been run low on oil/overheated, etc... basically you're taking a gamble. Just because it's a newer year doesn't mean it's going to be cheaper to own in the long run.

If I were you, I'd just keep what you have and fix it. You'll know it's been done and done right that way.

 

Stick with the 89 man. The 96+ are made with less metal and more plastic.

If you do get a 99+ make sure it has the old head design and not the 0331 unless you get a deal on it.

 

If i keep the 89 whats the best way to get a newer engine? Do i have to rebuild or swap a newer one? I have a renix and i have done some research on swapping in the HO head but it sounded kinda confusing. Have any of you had to deal with this situation yet?

 

That was very convincing! Thank you.

 

Keep the 89.

 

Since youv'e already spent 1500 on repairs I vote on keeping the 89.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to keep the 89 and make her a sweet jeep.