I just bought a 96 Classic with 136K miles in nice shape for $2600. I thought that seemed like a good first vehicle for my 16 year old son. The problem is that I like it so much that he might not get it after all. Not really, but I am thinking about selling my car, which is worth about $3500 and looking for a Cherokee for myself. My question is, what should I expect for $3500 and was my 96 a decent deal?

 

seems like an ok deal for a 96 pending on miles, condition and such. for 3500 you could find a newer cherokee stock in good condition. or you could find an older one already built if youd like to go that route, up to you.

 

You should expect at least a very good condition 1996 to a decent condition 1999 for $3500. 1999 is arguably the best year for the cherokee

It is very dependant on your region too.

Since you say its in nice shape, and only has 136,000 miles, I think you did pretty well for the 96.

I paid $1000 for my 1990 in 2008, it had a 3" lift and worn 31" tires, but its my first vehicle ever, and now has over $2000 into it, not including purchase price, and only about $200 of that is in general maintence parts (brakes, thermostat, oil, and a radiator pressure bottle)

 

wise man

 

It all depends on what you looking for if you want a wheelin beast of an XJ or a nice smooth riding daily driver/weekend wheeler??? You could always buy a older model $500 XJ & build it your self, $3000 would get you a LONG way...

 

Your location isnt listed but that will be one of the main factors.

Locally here $3500 can get you a nice used XJ 97-00. With some looking under $2000 can get you the same nice used XJ.
I would prefer the latter of the two and use the remainder on a nice lift and tires.

I was looking for a replacement for my 93 and found a 99 a while back. drove 2 hours to look at it and brought it home for $1400. Needed tires and cracked windsheild replaced. Runs like a top and everything works.....

You might want to post on CL and other sites for a trade........there is a guy here locally who was trying to trade his DD lifted XJ for a smaller car.

 

Oops, forgot to set that up. Thanks for pointing that out. Should be there now.

I would like a straight, rust free stock daily driver. If I end up doing any mods I would like to be the one to do them. With that said, I would look at modified Cherokee's as well just to not rule anything out.

 

For 3500$ you could get a really-nice, stock, low mileage, rust free cherokee. I would get a 99, pretty much the best year. Definately stay away from 00-01, because of cracked heads.

If you get one for cheaper you could get a lot of nice hp mods since you will not be offroading. K N filter, new exhaust, injectors, etc...

I don't like offroading . I just like riding around with my 24 Hwy MPG ZOMG!

 

i have a 96 and i love it check my jeep out for ideas

 

I beg to differ. 94 is the better year. It was the last year without airbags. Plus you got to love the tank like look of the old XJs.

Otherwise 3500 can get you a heck of a lot of cherokee. If I were you buy something with like 100k miles on it and build it but its your decision. Pretty much any year is good for an XJ just get an I6 4.0 liter and your good to go.

 

i got my 2001 XJ sport for $4000

 

If your going for straight looks, or just trail ready, you can do quite a bit with those dollars. If your going for BOTH, start saving a bit more.

 

Hell, check out your local police/Gov't auctions. I got my Heep, it's and old forest service XJ for $1100. It's a 97 and only has power mirrors, but it hauls. Police package, lol.

 

badasssssssssssssssssssssss

 

I got my '98 fully loaded sport 4x4 for $1100. Of course they thought the $300 ECM was out. It was the $45 crank sensor.

I looked at a bunch before I found "mine". Around here $3500 would definitely get you a nice relatively low mileage ride.