Hi Folks!

New member here! Been lurking for a while, but decided to sign up for an account. I live just outside Milwaukee, and next spring I plan to start my search for a 1997-2001 XJ. Pricing seems to be all over the map on these things, but I'm hoping to find a sub-$1000 rust-free XJ that is in non-running condition, but otherwise complete - not sure how realistic of an expectation this is, but that's my initial goal. The idea as of now is to DD it during the non-winter months. I don't have any plans for hardcore off-roading at this point.

Being that I'm in Wisconsin, I'm suspecting I may need to drive half-way across the country to find a specimen that isn't completely rotted away, but that's okay. I think the biggest challenge will be finding a motivated seller who is willing to answer my questions and put in the time to provide pictures to a "remote" buyer, for a relatively low purchase price, and obviously snatching up the deal before a local buyer does.

If people have any tips/tricks on finding deals or doing long distance purchases, I'm all ears, otherwise, I'll continue to scour the boards for answers before posting new questions, as I'm sure this has come up ten thousand times before.

Looking forward to a project and experience to share with my little boys (currently 3.5 and almost 2 years old). The oldest has already picked up on some swear words (oops), but I'm sure there will be some new ones if/when Project XJ comes to fruition.

Excited to joining the community!

See you around!
Mikey

 

Welcome!

A sub-$1k XJ without rust will be hard to find - even in a non-running condition. You're best bet would probably be to find a 2wd one and then convert it to 4x4 (if that's what you want). Those tend to be in better structural shape than factory 4x4s. The 00-01s are probably going to be the most common "non running" versions too due to the 0331 head casting and the inability of plebeians to understand those engines need more attention than earlier 4.0s. Also - just keep in mind a sub-$1k XJ will become a $3-5k XJ once it's ready to be a reliable DD so maybe expand your buy-in budget? Also - do you have a truck and a trailer?

Regardless - good luck!

 

Thanks for the honest feedback! A 4x4 is the desire for sure. Starting with a 2WD is definitely an option (and I see a lot of those when I search further south), but admittedly, I haven't researched that path yet. I do have a truck with a 5000lb tow capacity, which should just get me over the hump to tow an XJ home, but I would need to rent a car hauler/trailer. I'm not opposed to driving just about anywhere in CONUS for the right deal, but that obviously adds a ton of risk on my end from a time investment standpoint and potentially coming across a vehicle that isn't as described AFTER I've driven half-way across the country. LOL

Your points on budget and the cost to get to a reliable DD is well-advised, and something I've definitely been thinking about. I have $1K set aside right now, but I will continue to set aside additional funds in the project piggybank as the search continues, so my initial buy-in budget will increase over time. I'm not in any hurry at this point, but I DO want to go into this journey with realistic expectations.

Thanks again!!