SundaysHero

Hello everyone, so I am actually returning back to cherokee forums after 3 years. I use to have a 2004 GC Ltd up in Alaska but now that i am down south i went to a coupe. Any ways I am looking at Cherokees and my budget is 5k. I want the jeep for slight off roading, camping, carrying my Mt Bike, fishing, dog, and that is about it and also because I know the I6 last forever. My moms 1996 has about 260k on it, engine still starts in a minnesota winter but the rest of it has fallen apart lol.

Here are the 2 i am looking, at I have driven the 2000 and it has an engine squeal on start up and idling and the headliner is home made because they tried putting speakers in the back. It has miner dings and paint chips. I offered them 4800 according to KBB that is lower than recommended. I figured they paid 3-4k for it on a trade in and if it was an auction vehicle maybe less. The low mileage is appealing. The craigslist 1998 xj i have not seen in person but from talking to guy he mentioned the passenger power window doesn't work, it looks clean and the mileage is a slight concern because i like to put the miles on myself and know the history.

Also price recommendations would be appreciated

Sorry if this is a noob post, Thanks everyone.

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/4091412427.html


http://www.newriverautomall.com/Pre-...t-ST126864.php

Bustedback

If I had to chose one of those two, I would pick the one from the dealer. The craigslist Jeep has way too many miles on it for what they're asking. I would see if there is wiggle room in that dealer's price.

rackem

go drive both of them and find out for yourself.

dont forget the art of negotiation. both sellers will drop in price...

i am mechanically inclined i dont really quiver when it comes to mileage really.. i just bout a 92 with 219k on the clock and everything looks great camshaft is a little pitted but crosshatches etc look excellent..

dont be afraid of mileage in these vehicles man.. (unless you still look for a left handed screw driver)

SundaysHero

I offered the dealer 4800 they said that was too low but lets talk and the guy I spoke with actually wants 2800 now or best offer. Any ideas about the engine squeal? I was thinking and old belt possibly or fan needs some tlc possibly lube.

XJ ONLY

But the dealer one is not a 4.0

XJ ONLY

Now I'm confused, the description states 4.0 and the mechanical tab says 2.5L they didnt make a 2.5 in 2000 did they? so nevermind scratch that

Bustedback

Yes it is. It's a 4.0 in the picture and it's listed as a 4.0 I6.

SundaysHero

Wiki shows a 2.5L diesel but carfax also says its a 4.0 but good catch i didn't see that. I drove it and it definitely isn't a diesel.

XJ ONLY

Ok, I just got confused by the mechanical tab towards the bottom

SundaysHero

I still need to check the other one sunday but from reading some forum post it seems the 97-01 are still expected to be priced between 2-5k.

rackem

the squeal is more than likely a belt/belt adjustment/pulley issue..

not that big of a deal in the big scheme of things. specially if it goes away once its warm

SundaysHero

While driving it goes away but it goes intermittent when you stop and idle also for that one the paint is like blue all on the roof looks like oil slick in water

2WDUnderachiever

If he wants $2800, offer him $2500 cash, tomorrow.
That's what I'd do.

Bustedback

I would pass on it. Too many miles.

SundaysHero

well I looked att it and i checked it as best as i could and knew how to and i came home with it for 1800. that was my opening offer based on its history and the actually shape it was in. I probably could have went lower. He countered at 2300 and i said no and if it helps you can take the sub and amp that you have in it and that was the deal. Originally i wasn't even factoring that into the price. Need to clean it thoroughly in and out, get pics of the underbody posted later.

Engine ran good. He said that it sometimes needs the shifter cycled to start, which from my research the is the neutral safety sensor. Umm also just for some information i feel like it sometime is switching hard from park to drive any ideas on this. Kinda like a loud clunk. Of and the muffler tip was like rusted off. Headliner was drooping and right rear window doesn't roll down, all windows only work from the drivers switches. No leaks in the engine or knocking. Any ways only time will tell if i got my moneys worth.

So now i am thinking a tune up kit to start and possible a new air intake. Any ideas where i should start this weekend project? Also i felt like it was floating on the road not a shake but like an 83 lincoln town car would, drifting side to side, possibly tire under inflation?