Hello from Northern NJ
 

Hi,

Long ago, I grew up on a farm in the midwest. My dad had an army surplus, multi-colored but mostly red, stripped down Willys Jeep (no top, flip-down windshield, and jerry can on the rear bumper). After I learned to drive stick, he let me take it out with one piece of advice - you don't have to stay on the road. I had more fun than a fifteen year-old is now legally permitted. (Of course, the terrain was flat as a pancake. There's not a lot of risk driving 20 mph around 80 acres of plowed dirt.)

I'm getting back into that, maybe with a little more challenging landscape. Looking for a good starter XJ, either stock or with some good components already installed. Really jazzed about finding this forum. Lots of great advice and friendly support.

See you on the trail,
Richard

Welcome to the family.... and good luck on your search.
besides the normal mechanical condition to take in to consideration on any used vehicle... the big thing you want to watch out for very carefully on XJ's is for any signs of body rot. Because they are a Uni-body construction, not a traditional chassis and frame. So keep your eyes peeled for it. There are good ones out there. took me 5 months of searching to find mine without any body rust.