Cherokee Chat General non-tech Cherokee chat
XJ/MJ/ZJ/WJ
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

Potential XJ purchase — what should I be on the lookout for?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-07-2018, 05:56 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
amongmany's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Question Potential XJ purchase — what should I be on the lookout for?

I'm driving ~2.5 hours on Friday to check out a 2000 XJ with the intention of purchasing if all looks good.

I've spoken to the owner and been informed that it has:
4X4, 4.0L, Auto Trans, 185k on the clock
A/C works
Detroit autolocker
3.5" Rubicon express lift kit with swaybar disconnects, Bilstein shocks
new upgraded head for known cracking issue
3 core radiator and high flow water pump

It doesn't appear to be an overly "done" rig and doesn't show any trail damage, so I don't believe it's been driven too hard. I tried to schedule a pre-purchase inspection at a couple of local spots (jeep dealer and a couple of local mechanics) but no dice on short notice. I'm looking for any pointers of specific issues to keep an eye on when I go to check it out. Anyone have a link to a solid pre-purchase checklist?
(Sorry if it's been asked before. I searched, but wasn't having much luck.)
Old 11-07-2018, 09:01 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
GreaseMonkey17's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 645
Received 33 Likes on 23 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Rust is the primary thing to lookout for on an XJ. Poorly executed modifications are a big one for me I’m not a brand snob like a lot of people but if someone had done cut folded fenders or trimmed them and it looks like garbage I’ll walk . Obviously check for worn, loose or broken steering and suspension components , check all fluids pay close attention to the coolant if it’s nice and clean green it’s probably been well maintained if It’s Brown id be concerned ... check trans fluid you want it to be nice and red not burned smelling , check engine oil if someone shows up with black oil and low on oil I’d quickly walk away ... open the fill cap while running and check for excess crankcase pressure due to blow by ( smoke out fill cap in excess amounts ), check cold and warm oil pressure , Check the heater core for sure that’s a huge one by making sure the heat works if it doesn’t I’d walk away .... check all power doors and locks ... speakers by testing radio ... AC compressor to cycle when commanded , defrost to work .... check condition of belt and air filter also shows the type of maintenance the owner performed .... check for operation of all lights to ensure ability to pass inspection ... condition of exhaust ... I can keep going but there’s a bit of an art to a good used vehicle inspection .
Old 11-08-2018, 10:51 AM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
amongmany's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Originally Posted by GreaseMonkey17
Rust is the primary thing to lookout for on an XJ. Poorly executed modifications are a big one for me I’m not a brand snob like a lot of people but if someone had done cut folded fenders or trimmed them and it looks like garbage I’ll walk . Obviously check for worn, loose or broken steering and suspension components , check all fluids pay close attention to the coolant if it’s nice and clean green it’s probably been well maintained if It’s Brown id be concerned ... check trans fluid you want it to be nice and red not burned smelling , check engine oil if someone shows up with black oil and low on oil I’d quickly walk away ... open the fill cap while running and check for excess crankcase pressure due to blow by ( smoke out fill cap in excess amounts ), check cold and warm oil pressure , Check the heater core for sure that’s a huge one by making sure the heat works if it doesn’t I’d walk away .... check all power doors and locks ... speakers by testing radio ... AC compressor to cycle when commanded , defrost to work .... check condition of belt and air filter also shows the type of maintenance the owner performed .... check for operation of all lights to ensure ability to pass inspection ... condition of exhaust ... I can keep going but there’s a bit of an art to a good used vehicle inspection .
This is super helpful, thank you.
Old 11-08-2018, 06:12 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
NRGXJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: NY
Posts: 47
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 i6
Default

Originally Posted by GreaseMonkey17
Rust is the primary thing to lookout for on an XJ. Poorly executed modifications are a big one for me I’m not a brand snob like a lot of people but if someone had done cut folded fenders or trimmed them and it looks like garbage I’ll walk . Obviously check for worn, loose or broken steering and suspension components , check all fluids pay close attention to the coolant if it’s nice and clean green it’s probably been well maintained if It’s Brown id be concerned ... check trans fluid you want it to be nice and red not burned smelling , check engine oil if someone shows up with black oil and low on oil I’d quickly walk away ... open the fill cap while running and check for excess crankcase pressure due to blow by ( smoke out fill cap in excess amounts ), check cold and warm oil pressure , Check the heater core for sure that’s a huge one by making sure the heat works if it doesn’t I’d walk away .... check all power doors and locks ... speakers by testing radio ... AC compressor to cycle when commanded , defrost to work .... check condition of belt and air filter also shows the type of maintenance the owner performed .... check for operation of all lights to ensure ability to pass inspection ... condition of exhaust ... I can keep going but there’s a bit of an art to a good used vehicle inspection .

Adding to this wonderful list:

- 2000 - 2001 models are prone to cylinder head cracks use that to negotiate.
- RUST: Check under rocker panels, inside bottom of doors, get under truck and check both floor pans, rear lower quarter panels. Rusted seat bolts on floor for a sign of rusted floor pans.
- Check all door hinges, and door alignment when shut.
- Check if windshield wipers work with spray. Motor fails or lags and fluid pumps fail.
- condition of headliner and cracks in seats
- check engine and other dash lights. Turn key ON and make sure check engine light doesn't come on. Also make sure it DOES OPERATE. Some sneaky people take the bulb out!
- Rear defogger
- Drive and see if any sounds from axles/front bearings with the lift. If something is off you'll here whirring or knocking sounds
Old 11-09-2018, 03:33 AM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
Ralph77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 7,357
Likes: 0
Received 1,530 Likes on 1,173 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

Bring a scanner. If you don't own one you should. Any cheap $20 one will be fine. You will want to make sure that all the monitors are up and in an OK status. To easy to disconnect the battery to get the check engine light to turn off. You buy it, drive it for a bit, and it throws a CEL. Cause you did not check and since the CEL was not on thought everything was fine.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Paul80
Cherokee Chat
8
12-24-2017 05:02 PM
XjRI1990
Cherokee Chat
9
11-14-2016 09:38 PM
baranmickle
Cherokee Chat
1
05-31-2011 03:40 AM
warrpath4x4
Pacific Northwest
2
05-25-2009 08:09 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Potential XJ purchase — what should I be on the lookout for?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:15 AM.