My '91 has had no major issues, Other then a factory paint recall about 12 years ago. And I have all the paper work since it's birth. I did replace the front U-joints, and a brake job last fall. For piece of mind. (my daughter was borrowing it for a few weeks). The only complaint I have is lack of cargo space. But it's 4 wheel drive ability greatly makes up for that. (Better than any other SUV I owned.) I plan on keeping it forever! especially because it's only at 67k right now. I'll probably die before my XJ does!

 

i've had three and all were great.

first one: 1995 base model. had 4.0/auto and 4 doors with no 4x4. bought it with 120ish k miles on it. it was a great truck and i totally regret selling it. it never broke down on us once and i used to use it to make fun of my buddies 6 cylinder mustang. i'd blow the doors off his car light to light. we drove it to and from north carolina a few times with no problems.

2nd one: 1998 base model. had the 2.5/5 speed and 4 door with no 4x4. bought it for 900 bucks because i wanted another cherokee but this one ended up being rougher then the wife could handle. it was pretty beaten up on the outside but it ran damn fine. fun to drive and good gas mileage from that little 4 banger. if it was only me, i would've kept it because it ran so good. don't remember the mileage

currently: 1987 base model, has the 4.0/auto and 4 doors with 4x4. bought it with 130ish k miles on it. runs great. bought it from another guy who lives on the gulf of mexico and i am going to have rust problems with it eventually but right now, i am pretty safe. he kept it in his barn and used it to check on his cows or for when family came to visit. it came with all the records and the window sticker in the owner's manual. it hasn't not started but has had issues with stopping. i had to redo the brakes completely because it was a barn jeep. nothing hurts worse then lack of usage. but its still a great truck and parts are so cheap that its unbelievable. i still can't get over how cheap parts are. the kids love it and the wife will love it more once i get some sliders on it so she can get in it easily.

i also had a comanche which is the same thing but the truck version. it never gave me trouble either. it was 4 cylinder 5 speed and was low mileage too but the single cab is not functional if you have kids. other then that, it was a solid truck that i drove from corpus to mcallen (150 or so miles one way) two or three times a week for work so i put some miles on it before i sold it also. it was lifted 3" when i sold it, too, and sold for about 1500 more then i bought it for.

 

my 88 comanche has 240xxx miles and its as strong as ever!

 

Thanks for all the positive replies guys, sounds like depedebility isn't much of an issue. And I'm digging the low price parts (ever had an FJ40? yeesh!).
Now I just have to actually land one. I've had two bought out from under me-first was a 86, 4 door, right hand drive (ex postal truck). Other one was a 98 2 door with 92K only asking $2,600.
Both sold before I caould make the drive out to see em.

Competition for these vehicles is rough.

 

You dont want the 86.. They had a Chevy 2.8 v6 that was weak and had a problematic carb.


Mine was a little too reliable today, took it on a 100mi+ trip and at the last stop the key wouldnt turn off.

 

The only thing I've had to do is replace the shoes and wheel cylinders which I'm currently doing. Because the guy never took care of it.

 

Nope, indeed I don't. I6 or nothing.

 

mines a 90 with 220,00 on the clock has a little lower rattle sometimes it was already lifted(7" overall)with 33's the po i got it from lifted it but claims he bought it off the original owner i use mine as a dd and a off road toy im pretty easy on her on the road but i have a tendency to get aggressive off road as far as reliability it hasn't left me sitting anywhere and other than some minor things like a leaky power steering pump and all fluids changed i haven't had to do anything mechanically to it its been the best 4x4 i have ever owned to date and i honestly think will be the best i have ever owned period

 

Okay, let me go check...

Yupp, it started!

 

Many problems people have stem from mods, and the inherent issues that they cause. THe drivetrain is solid, but if you are looking more at towing than offroading, there are probably better options available. XJ's can tow, but it is not their forte. IMO

 

I would only be towing a utility trailer to and from the dump, Home Depot etc...Strictly local stuff.
But yeah, not a tow-rig. Check.

 

Once you get over the 200K mark (even with good maintenance) it lives up to J.E.E.P. Just Expect Every Problem. With an xj the motor and AW4 trans are heat monsters and electronics dont like heat, so invest in high efficiency coolers and high-perf. fans. Also a common problem with the xj is a CPS (crank position sensor) that when fails, gives you no spark, so keep one of those in your glove box just in case. But although ive been stranded a few times because of that darned CPS, i love my xj. being able to power up a hill in my unibody wagon where a buggy couldnt go is very satisfying. haha!

 

Pretty sure this guy has made up his mind by now, 2010?? Lol

 

Eh, so what. Maybe someone will search it.

Also, to add to the thread, my XJ has been pretty good so far. It didn't start only one time and that was because I bumped the fuel pump relay wires. I am hoping once all of the little stuff is done (common maintenance, motor mounts, TRE's, bushings, exhaust leak, etc.) that is runs like a raped ape.

 

eh i figure id put my 2 cents in for those guys who are trouble shooting their problems or looking for an xj :-) (and for the sake of being bored)