Hey, My first post, new to the forum!
I have been looking for an XJ for a while, and i found one and im going to look at it.

I dont know that much about xjs, but i like the way they look.
I own a TJ now, and like it a lot but looking for another Jeep! (jks are ugly, another two door TJ YJ or CJ doesnt make sense)

Heres the details i was given:
1996 Blue
4wd ( dont know which style it is, could some one explain to me the two?)
Automatic (not happy)
3 inch lift (he doesnt know what brand, and he didnt put it on)
Hes owned it for a year
it looks decent from the pictures.
95000 miles

What should i PAy?
Let me know what i should ask, look for, or anything i should know please and thanks!
Also, i really wanted a manual, but it seems like everyone was putting a high dollar on those, should i just wait? Will i regret not getting a stick if that's what i have now, and what i want?

 

by my knowledge, the manuals are more rare than the autos. but they are out there.
95k is not bad at all on a 4.0
do you like the pre 96 or post 96 body style better? that will affect your decision as well. the pre 96 have box taillights and different styled front clip. the post 96 have rounder tail lights.
also whats your question about the 4wd?
rust will affect the price of any vehicle so take that into consideration.
if its in perfect condition with a 3" lift and low miles like that I would probably pay 3k for it give or take
I payed 1k for my 88 with 256k with a 3" lift

 

With out pictures it could be 500 bucks to 5 grand,On the t case look for a round metal tag it will have np and some numbers.The np231 is the better one but the np242 is ok too.

 

These are the only pictures I have.

 

As far as my 4wd question, I had thought i saw a picture comparing two slectors:
2wd,4wd part time, 4wd full time, 4wd Low
And
2wd, 4wd hi, N, 4wd low.

Or was i not seeing right haha

 

The one with the full time option is a np242, if you live in the north this is good for snowy days
From what I understand the np242 is not as strong as the np231(4hi 4lo both part time) the good thing about a np231 is all the aftermarket support for slip yoke eliminators
But either is a good case

 

2wd,4wd part time, 4wd full time, 4wd Low = NP242 - Good, better suited with an auto. NP242 is strong, able to drive in 4 wheel on pavement but has less aftermarket support and more complicated design.

2wd, 4wd hi, N, 4wd low. = NP231 - Best, better suited for a 5spd. stong, good aftermarket support, simple design with less to go wrong.

if your not in a rush, i would wait for an AX15 (5spd) NP231 combo, but the auto NP242 is still decent...

 

Where could i look, on the jeep, to find out if its the NP242 or the NP231?

 

If it has a full time option it has the np242.

The 231 is slightly stronger...has more aftermarket support.. and gives you a bit more clearance.

Ive had xjs with both.. I prefer the 231.

 

Also, after wheeling both a 5 speed TJ, and an auto XJ.. I much prefer the stick just cause its more involved...personal preference really.

The auto is alot easier to wheel though..

FWIW the ax15 has a lower ratio 1st..crawls a bit slower..

 

In your OP you said it was a 1996 XJ. The pics you post looks like its a 97+ XJ Sport. Check for rust and ask for the maintenance records. Make sure its up to date on the maintenance. If its not, use that as a bargaining chip. I'd offer $3000 and see were it goes from there.

 

2wd,4wd part time, 4wd full time, 4wd Low = NP242

2wd, 4wd hi, N, 4wd low. = NP231

 

Yep..
Not a 96.

 

Im an idiot, its a 1997, IDK why i thought it was a 96?!
I have a TJ thats a stick and i love it, thats why im kinda disappointed.
When i asked him what he was asking, he said...1500 dollars. Which is why im kinda worried?

 

1500 bucks is low.
Either he is desperate for cash..

Or it has a rebuilt title, a helluva lotta rust, or something else.