I saw this white 1988 Cherokee for sale for only $1500 and went to look at it and test drive it. I was surprised at how noisy it was, the guy said I could get a new muffler for $40. But also some of the interior had been removed, like the interior roof. I take it some people are really hard on these vehicles? and use them for recreation? I just want to get to yoga and not have to ride my bike. The owner said the title was "rebuilt" which means it must have been in an accident? But he didn't have any information. I was just continually amazed by this white 1988 Cherokee and it's overall "look". It started up fine but didn't seem to handle too well. Interior just trashed by the way. Not very much get up and go, in fact the whole thing sounded like it was going to fall apart, but for some reason I didn't seem to mind. Is it something you have to get a feel for? Hoping that to be the case. I was used to driving an Audi station wagon, so it was different. There were comments about the Cherokee's engine being good one, and really no maintenance needed. But how could that be? He had only had it for 7 months. He said he wanted to get some cash and buy a car, that he didn't like the way it looked and the noise. Fair enough. With 187,000 miles or so. Said everything works and runs great. Called his dad over when he checked the transmission fluid saying he thought it was low, but the dad said it was clear, a clear fluid, so is ok, I think. The son, it being his jeep, also commented on how the jeep doesn't look very nice, but I actually really like the look of it, especially its form or shape. Do I have to worry about rust on the bottom? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thinking that the 1988 Jeep Cherokee could be something great to invest in. I mean, it might look great come 2015 or 2020! Could I find a new interior roof? One of the doors is slightly dented, but couldn't I find another in a junkyard somewhere? Some of the paint is chipped. Should I worry about rust? I looked on the bottom and it seemed maybe a little rusty. Live in Oregon where we have lots of waterfalls and moss. I am assuming that seat covers can be easily purchased? But aside from the aesthetics and more importantly, will it keep running? I guess that ultimately depends on ... There is really no way to tell if it was taken care of, is there? As I mentioned the interior roof is missing. In fact the interior looks like it's been through hell! Many people seem to have a special affection for these vehicles, I wonder why. It's really starting to grow on me and I feel like I can't let this white 1988 Jeep Cherokee get away from me. My life will be nothing with out it! I've got to get to yoga. Please advise!

 

Find another one that hasn't been a beater. The way I see it, a trashed interior is ALWAYS a sign of someone who doesn't care to take care of their vehicle. XJs are cheap, you can definitely find a decent one for $1500. Maybe high miles, but as long as its not a 2000 or 2001 (cracking prone cylinder head) and been taken care of, it will run as long as you give it fresh oil and basic maintenance

 

Rebuilt title is the same thing as salvage title i would walk away from it unless its 700 bucks.

 

Yeah!
Keep lookin'!

 

In regards to not handling well, that's a cherokee characteristic. It will not handle like an Audi or any other German luxury car.

It can, however, drive right over most all German luxury cars so it's got that going for it.

It was never intended to be a "good handling vehicle" just like the Audi was never intended to drive over a fallen tree.

 

What's going to happen on 2015 or 2020?

"My life will be nothing without it." Haha sounds like you've made your decision!
I've got to get to yoga! Ha

I had an 88 in high school. It was rad