Hi all,
I'm looking to buy a Jeep xj as a second car/winter car. I've been researching on these forums for a while and I've found a lot of great info on these cars, and I'm convinced a xj is just what I need.

Driving my sedan through this last winter was rough, and I'm looking at buying a xj as a winter car. The thing is, I don't want to spend a lot on a second car.

I want to get a later model (96-99) xj with the I6 and 4x4. Manual or auto trans, I don't mind. I'd prefer to get one with minimal rust, and under 200k miles. Do you guys think this is possible for $1500? I don't need a lifted or heavily modded xj, just one that I can drive for the winter and when my DD is down. I can turn a wrench pretty well so I'm comfortable with repairs.

If you don't think a xj like that is attainable, what am I looking at for $1500? Lots of rust? Lots of miles? I can't find any near me with the criteria I listed. The closest I found was a '99 manual I6 4x4, 200k miles and minimal rust for $2000. But that was a little too much for me so I didn't pick it up.

Thank you in advance. Any input will be appreciated.

 

It depends on where you live as far as what you can get for the money goes.

For some perspective my '95 with 213k on it when I bought it was $800, It needed drive shaft u-joints, a tail-light lense and the rubber pad for the brake peddle.

You'll probably have better luck if you expand your search to older models 91-99 are all pretty good reliability wise.

If you live somewhare that uses salt on the roads (since you said you're looking for a winter vehicle I would assume this is the case) the biggest thing to look for is rust, especially in the floors and underneith. Surface rust is no big deal and can be easily taken care of with some good rust-inhibitor paint (but don't let it go it will only get worse), but holes and rotted metal signel bigger issues and if there are rust holes/rotten metal you can see there is likely more that you can't.

When it comes to miles (or a vehicle this old in general) it is all about maintance, a higher mile vehicle that has been properly maintained is often a better bet than a lower mile one that has been neglected.

If you can't find an XJ, a ZJ (93-98 Grand Cherokee) may be a good option, since they are more often used as "mini-vans" and less likely to have been off-roaded (not that they aren't capible, but less people use tham for off-roading) they ore often easier to find in good shape for a low price. They do however have a weak transmission (especially the 42RE used with the 4.0L I6) and more electrical issues (look for a "stripped-down" model, less electrical = less to break) but can still be a decent option for a winter vehicle if they were properly maintained.

Regardless now is the time to look if you want to get a 4WD as a "winter-beater", the prices will start to go up arround Sept. or so, since getting an older 4WD for winter isn't exactly an original idea.

 

I would say it depends on where you stay. Usually in snowy areas, there are more rust problems I would like to think. Also take into account supply and demand.

I got mine for 1750 from a mechanic who got it for free and put it on craigslist. After watching craigslist like the stock market for 4 months I finally saw an ad that was reasonable. I called him as soon as he posted it, literally hit refresh on my browser and called him.

Motor and tranny seemed "good" other than that it was poor condition and dirty. Different tire sizes and brands (all 5) and had sagging leafs, but ran good, 4x4 worked, didn't have major leaks and didn't overheat after 3 miles and 45 minutes.

I noticed that replacement parts were less than half of any car I've owned.

 

Welcome to CF

 

I agree with whoever said you should consider expanding your search to 91-99. I think $1500 is a very reasonable goal. Whatever you end up with probably won't be pretty, but if it goes, stops, and turns then you're golden. Obviously check out underneath of whatever you're looking at. Bring a flash light and check out the floors and rockers.

 

Thank you all for the responses! I'm in southeast Michigan, by the way. We get harsh winters and lots of salt where I am.

I will definitely expand my search for 91-99. I know whatever I get will not be in the best shape, but I will keep looking for a 91-99 for around $1500 and will update if I find one! I'm in no hurry to get a winter car, but I do agree that prices will go up starting in the fall, so hopefully I can find one during the summer.

Is there such a thing as "too many miles" on these i6 engines? Or will these things seriously hit more than 300k if maintained? I'm just wondering how heavily mileage should affect my decision.

One I get my xj I'm looking forward to becoming part of a great online community here! So far it's been a very positive experience.

 

Many have hit 300k+ mi. with proper maintance and there are a few out there with 500k+ mi., one example: http://www.allpar.com/old/high-miles/richey.php .

Maintance is key though.

 

That 500k one the guy bought it new and took super good care of it.

 

Mine fit 1 of your 3 requirements, as others said id expand your search.

93, 253000 miles when I bought it, $1200, no rust underneath. I got a bit lucky, the jeep lived out of the salt belt for 20 years, however it's clear coat baked off from the sun exposure. It was road ready when I bought it, I've had to put about $250 into it in 10 months.

On a jeep 4.0, miles are less of a concern than how it runs and whether there are any fluid leaks. These engines are relatively bulletproof. On a cherokee in general, rust is the primary concern.

I'd open the search up to any fuel injected cherokee (which I believe is 93 and up). I'd avoid the early renix Cherokees only because they seem to be more of a labor of love and have more preventative maintenance to keep them reliable.

 

About these things having to high of miles the answer is not really, haha. There comes a point when people retire them or start neglecting them. My dad's 89 XJ went 300k then was destroyed wheelin by my cousin, my old ZJ had 245k when I submerged it (twice) and ruined that. My dad's newer WJ has 240k and stills goes strong. My buddy's ZJ has 290k and I still see it on the road every day. Saw a guy at the gas station the other day with 315k on his XJ. It just goes on and on. Some things to look out for on the engine: COOLANT. If there is coolant in the oil, or vise versa then you could potentially be destroying main and rod bearings in the engine and mess up the lifters. Over heating will lead to a warped or cracked head which leads to coolant destroying stuff. That's how these motors die.

 

Cherokee XJ 4.0s were fuel injected from 87 and up.

 

i just picked up a 97 with 173k miles, and no rust except for the drivers rocker. only thing wrong with it was a dead battery, and a bad 02 sensor. other than that a cherry bone stock that hadnt been beat on, and i got it for 500$. I spent about a month looking tho, so best advice would be to just know what you want, and keep an eye out. also spread the word on what your looking for, mine wasnt listed for sale or anything, just a friend of a friend of a friend had it and it had been sitting for a year.

 

Am I thinking yj 4.0? I coulda swore some jeep inline 6 went fi in 93...

 

The Wrangler 4.2 was carbureted for a long time until the 4.0 was used.