Going to look at a 1999 XJ this weekend. I need to know what to look for. Any potential problems that I should look for. I don't want to buy a junk Jeep. It's pretty much stock and has a few minor issues but nothing mechanical besides the A/C Compressor. Give me a list or just tell me one thing and I'll make my own list. Thanks guys.

Josh

 

I have read here about several jeeps that were purchased and then needing to be scrapped because they were so rusted out they were not worth even messing with anymore.


Probably Priority #1

 

Rust Rot is definitely at the top of the list. Also added unitbody damage.

 

Next major priorities for me would be coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant

 

Check for oil and trans leaks most have them and easy to fix but a bartering point to drop price down a little. Make sure you take it off road to test the 4wd to make sure it all works properly.


Do check all the floor pans and uni-body structure using a small screwdriver if rusty to see how bad it is poke hard at it to see. While underneath have a look at the steering also to check for ware or damage.


Good idea to check electrical lights, gauges, any codes shown from ECU with locks, doors, windows if equipped.


All of these things can be repaired and most cheap except for one RUST its the deal breaker. Also consider that the 99 model year is the best year for XJ's with the best of the new and none of the problems with the 00/01's.

 

 

Crawl under it look at the rear half of the frame rails from the back doors to the hatch those always rust out first.If it runs and drives fine and no rust i would buy it depending price.

 

I would pay $3k if no rust. Looks like its starting to rust underneath in that last pic though. And I want that van in the background

 

The rockers have a little surface rust which should be easy to take care of if done now.The front of the floor pan has a spot not sure if thats dirt or early rust.

 

He's only asking $2,000. Says it runs and drives well. Front passenger window doesn't roll down(bad motor or pinched wire), front door locks don't work, bad A/C compressor, headliner missing, says the unibody frame has been under coated. Thoughts?

 

Offer him $1500

 

If it drives out good on/off road like I told you to check and you can deal in cash offer 15 dead presidents with the last 2 in smaller bills the rest $100's, see what he says.


If he doesn't take it walk back to your car and have a seat, then go back in a few minutes and offer him the 2k if he fix's the headliner, AC, windows, locks and try it again.

 

You have a lot of things there to talk him down in price. If he says no, explain to him that ac isn't cheap, windows and door locks can be expensive, headliner is $100, and pick out any other things like that that give you room to talk him down

 

$2k is more than fair all those things are minor fixes. If it's running good and not overheating just pay the man and take it home. If it were my jeep I'd be asking more than $2k. Aside from the headliner and floors it actually looks like a clean jeep.

 

I agree. That's why I said $3k in my other post. But if he can get it cheaper than the guy is asking than why not right?