argetni

1998 Limited
141k

NO CEL

Only area of rust is drivers rocker
Has a ton of acorn dents on hood and roof

Interior is clean, leather not cracked, headliner good, steering wheel peeling but thats common
mopar tow hitch, only used for thule bike rack (included)
Power windows all work
Drivers speaker is out
Hatch struts are bad

Acceleration felt a bit weak compared to my 1999, I am thinking kick down cable or TPS sensor.
Oil pressure good
no overheatin
AC blows cold
New battery and brake job

Debating hard on it, I sold my 99 and want another XJ bad.
XJ by vdub 18t, on Flickr

Rocker by vdub 18t, on Flickr

Inside by vdub 18t, on Flickr

fijicorey25

Seems like an okay deal. It's hard to tell without more information. Are you sure that's the only place that has rust? How mechanically inclined are you? Consider taking it to a shop to have them look it over. There's also a great checklist on this forum with a list of what to look for when buying these. Here's a few things that I would look for that you didn't mention

Pop that hood:
Look at the oil and look into the valve cover.
Look at the coolant by opening the radiator cap (when cold)
Look at the transmission fluid when the car is warm (and running)
How are the hoses and belt?
Listen for any weird noises

Did you get on the ground and look under the car?
The leaf springs look like they could be replaced.
You will probably need to replace the t-stat and water pump. Replace the belt too unless it looks brand new.

Anyways, I am not a professional mechanic. Find one you trust then go from there.

Jeep Driver

No

dans98xj

I would not pay 2500 for that either. the rocker panel is almost rusted through in one spot. i would look around on that a little better. If there is that rust on the rocker then there is more than likely rust some where else. Where in New Jersey are you? If it is feeling a bit weak there may be some under lying engine or drive train issues. I have 281,000 on mine and it does not feel weak at all. you might be looking at a clogged cat if it is feeling week. Maybe 1500 tops for that.

JPXJMOAB

Up here in MN that's easily worth that, but to me that rocker panel looks like it has bondo in it.

rgr4475

Also the rear is sagging some so leaf springs will be in order too. Price can differ by area. In North Jersey / New York area, that is about what they are going for in that condition.

argetni

The floor pans looked good and the passenger side rocker has no rust at all.

I drove up in my 280hp Acura and my daily is a 375hp Challenger so maybe I am just jaded on how it should feel.

I only need this jeep to make home depot runs and take the kids to the lake a few miles from the house.

The seller wanted $3500 initially and $2500 is a low as they will go, you think I should pass?

argetni

I'm in Mahwah and ones around here as twice as beat for 3500 as this one is. This one is actually in Fairfield, CT but the owner will deliver it.

I noticed the sag but it rode fine over bumps and on the highway.

DFlintstone

Heres a link, "Search all of Craigslist" maybe this can help you "get a feel"> http://www.searchcraigslist.org/ Seems almost a fair deal. The Hitch and bike rack are a niece plus. Last year I got a pretty clean 90 with nearly 200K for $1.200.

jordan96xj

Things like this are so subjective. It would likely get $2500 in Central New York, maybe a little more. But decent condition XJs are hard to find up here.

rwhealey

That's a $3500 - $4k jeep in Colorado (with a $7k asking price on Craigslist ) depending on how the underside looks. I hear XJs are much cheaper out east, though.

NewbJeep

Have you checked what others in your area are going for? I think it's a deal but if you're iffy, walk away and check with him in a week but offer him 2k.

Jeep Driver

Fly to FL and drive one back for $1800 with NO rust.

RubenZ

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Cheroke...m=182194169860

Kuya

Those rockers worry me. I would pull the carpet and take a peek at the floor boards. Especially the areas around the leaf spring bolts.