found a used Cherokee. '96 with 139k miles on it. in good shape. No major issues. Guy wants $3500. is this too much? KBB says $2100 in excellent shape. Im taking a look at it tomorrow, need some advice, should i offer 2100?

 

From whay I've been seeing, and the trend lately, is that kbb isn't very accurate for prices that cherokees are being bought for. It seems they are sought after now so the prices are going up. The guy will probably laugh if you offered 2100. I wouldn't doubt if someone will pay 3500, especially since its close to stock. Make sure everything runs correct and that there is no rust. If everything checks out, maybe offer 2500 and see if he budges a bit.

 

@Martlor13: I am taking a look at it tomorrow its in great shape i don't see why i wouldn't make an offer on it. I saw KBB and thought the same thing, why would someone offer $2100, that seems really low. However, what would be a good offer in your opinion?

 

beware. Pictures are extremely deceiving, as is what sellers say. You need to look for rust underneath and where the doors open. You have no idea how many times people post ajeep here that looks good and they want to buy it. When they go look at it they end up not buying it because the condition didn't match the photos.

a good offer is subjective. In some parts of the U.S., a clean stocker can go for 5k or more. In my area, that's a 3k jeep. Lower mileage increases value, but really anything under 150k is good. 200k isn't bad either though as long as it was taken care of.

 

@Martlor13: Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it! I was thinking the same thing, i was thinking that if all goes well, and all looks good, i was thinking a good offer would be $3k. I will go and check it out and post the results. Thanks, again!

 

Check for frame rust, especially at the front wheel wells and where the leaf springs in the rear connect to the frame. If it's bad leave it. Look at the both axle housings and check for rust, especially the front axle housing where the springs and shocks connect - they are prone to rust rot.

While you are under the Jeep, look at the exhaust, from tail pipe all the way to the manifold that connects to the engine - if it is original, the manifold probably has a crack in it. And the catalyst probably needs replacing too if original.

Open the radiator cap and look at the coolant - it should be bright green.

Check the engine oil (should look brown), and transmission fluid (should be red).

Assume you will have to redo all break lines, hard and soft, and pads, and maybe hardware.

Ask the owner if the windshield is original? If it is, the urethane holding it in place to the pinch weld will have to be replaced soon as it is dried out (new windshield).

Then, of course, run it until it warms up, looking at the temp gauge and the idle gauge. It should idle at around 1000 rpm or lower, and the temp should hold steady at around 210. Any different tells you you will need to do work to get it were they should be. Once warm, the engine should sound loud and throaty, but smooth.

Take it for a drive and feel how it shifts and accelerates.

Good luck.

 

Agreed... they are being more sought after now it seems. Especially for as Martlor said a "clean stocker".
Same was true of what I had before state-side with clean low mile, cared for Toyota Tacoma 4x4s. If you offered anywhere near official book value for one in that condition, you'd never be driving one. The market is what it is...and for a vehicle that is sought after that has been taken care of and is in limited supply as no more of them being made, the value starts to go up. So if you want one, get in on the ground floor before they go up even more.

Another point is about the pictures.. very true. Can be quite deceiving from what is posted by a seller vs. what it looks like in person.

 

If its not rusted out or a pos i would buy it as up to his asking price.I have seen ones in wrose shape here sell for more lately.

 

Price seems a little high but if it has no rust and a clean Carfax and Title then its worth what you are willing to pay. Rust will be hiding under the Battery tray and inside the rear fender wells under the exterior trim pieces that are located behind the tires and before the rear bumper.

 

Mileage seems low for a 96.
Check that the transmission pan doesn't have new sealant coming out around the cover.
Check the Steering Knuckles where the Brake Pads rest. You shouldn't see any deep grooves yet with only 136K.
Check the Carfax carefully for mileage problems and a steady history.
But if everything checks out. The price would be good in my area for that Jeep.
PS. If you are planning to lift this Jeep. Then the rusted Leaf Springs and other components will be replaced anyway.