TREYR8D

Hello all,

First I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Trevor. Kudos to those that can guess the significance of my username, which is my license plate.

While I'm a long time jeep fan and owner of a '00 TJ for 12 years, I'm new to XJs. I sold my TJ a couple years ago in preparation for family expansion. Got myself an F150, dont really like it, so now i'm trying to get back into a Jeep and the XJ is what i want. Its very similar to my old TJ, but with 4 doors for the family, and wont break the bank like a new JKU.

I'd like a little help from all of you experienced XJ owners. I'm looking at getting a 98-99 XJ for around 3500, then pumping around 4-5k into it to get it 'reliable', as it will be my daily driver, and then customized to my liking. So far I've looked at 2 XJs in the area for that price. Here are my questions I'm hoping for some guidance on.

Mileage: should i be concerned about 270k miles? I have never done one yet, but I'm not afraid of rebuilding an engine. I also dont want to have to buy a new crate motor. Anything past listening for pings and knocks or a drive test? will MPGs tell me anything if the seller knows that?

Leaks: Both XJs viewed so far have had wet or very wet blocks all around the valve covers and in between the engine and tranny. I'm most concerned with the valve cover area. I've been through the rear main seal efforts on my TJ so i think i know what that one entails.

Rust: Surface rust i think i can deal with pretty easily, sand, prime, paint. As long as it's not the whole roof or something like that. As for rocker panels or quarter panels, are they hard to cut and replace if i they're rotted through?

Any other helpful hints. I've done some reading and searched a few threads on what to look for in buying an XJ. Thanks in advance for the help, hopefully i can get one sorted soon and join as an XJ owner.

Picture of my old TJ:

93_xjcherokee

The 4.0 will run forever if taken care of but I wouldn't get one with that many miles. You can get a xj for way less miles. Just keep looking. Come to Arizona. There are xjs everywhere with no rust.

XJwonders

Welcome to the forum

xgerryx

That sounds fair mileage for that age of XJ but like mentioned here, you got other good options around. You sure will get more ideas here, welcome!

Ianf406

The engine is the exact same as the one in your TJ (Assuming you had an I6). I had one last 320,000 miles until I cracked the engine block in an ice cold river and I've had one explode with just over 200,000 miles on it (I bought it high mileage- obviously not taken care of). I personally would look for one with a little bit lower mileage. You never know what it has been put through by previous owners. Oil leaking is common. It is also very easy to fix. The valve cover/oil filter adapter gasket never seem to last that long.

Welcome to Cherokee Forum! Good luck on your search!