I picked up this XJ, because I've always wanted an opportunity to learn how to work on cars.
Got it off CL for $400, changed oil, replaced hoses, fixed the lift gate, the side mirrors were busted off so I fixed those as well, upgraded the lights.
Took it in to see a mechanic, it's fine, even the springs in the back, wild! After I replace the ignition systems this upcoming weekend I SHOULD have cleared my check engine lights.
Thought I'd pop in here as I work on things to get advice.
Yeah a good deal, the dude who owned it bought it from the Wichita Parks Department... it was an old Rangers vehicle. So the entire inside is rubber mats and it has the Extended Idle Switch, which is cool. Guy had to move for work and didn't have a way to transport both cars so I offered him $400 the day he was leaving and he took it.
wow, great find! and here i thought i won the award for "cheapest running XJ purchase" at $500. XD
I might have qualified as a runner up for that award.
My first XJ was a '96 bought running and driveable for $300.
I changed the oil when needed, tuned it up once, replaced the thermostat, had to replace front brake pads,
did a rear brake job, the 2 front brake lines, a battery, wiper blades as needed, 4 used tires for $100,
the heater control valve (wish I knew you could delete it at the time), and 1 radiator hose.
Pretty sure that was all in the 6 or so years that I owned her.
And sold it for $750. Don't get me wrong she had tons of issues, mostly structural, but always started and got me to where I had to go. LOL.
lol yeah ok, i think that beats mine. altho i def did something crazy with mine... bought it after it sat with the oil pan off for about 5-6 months, put a new pan on it, fired it up, and after a few minor suspension adjustments, immediately took it on a 4000 mile trip (CA to WI and back)... with half that distance hauling a small cargo trailer
the ONLY problem i ran into on the trip? the alternator started dying in the last 100 miles.
