173k and $3800 too much?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Hereford, MD
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
173k and $3800 too much?
So looking on craigslist today and found a 98 Cherokee 4dr (sport edition I think) with a 5spd trans. Looks to be in great condition and reportedly no rust. Has the 4.0 which I hear is nearly indestructible, as well as a new clutch. Seller also said he has all the service records. The Jeep has 178K miles and he's holding firm at $3,800. I'm in college so funds are a bit of a factor. I don't mind spending a little time under the hood for easy stuff. I also don't want to have to dump 2k into it 3 months after I buy the thing. As experienced jeep users what's your opinion? I'm not a jeep guy...yet..and I could use some third party advice.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
::CF Administrator::
Keep in mind, you're buying a 16 year old car. Expect things will go wrong with it and factor into the cost. Best advice I can give you is take it to a reputable mechanic in your area if you don't know what to look for.
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I paid about this much for mine because it had a bunch of recent work done to it which made sense for the price. If its been kept up great, and everything is in good shape, the engine can typically last. If they have legitimate records that show everything being taken care of I can see it running around that. I'd still try to coax them down a few hundred bucks if you can. Mine had just had the whole front end worked over, some new tires, great interior, etc.
If it wasn't had any legitimate recent work done to it, I wouldn't spend that much. Even then, maintenance doesn't truly ADD value, but it does prevent having to troubleshoot 100 things in a neglected vehicle.
I second taking it to a trusted mechanic if you have one.
If it wasn't had any legitimate recent work done to it, I wouldn't spend that much. Even then, maintenance doesn't truly ADD value, but it does prevent having to troubleshoot 100 things in a neglected vehicle.
I second taking it to a trusted mechanic if you have one.
Last edited by kgm; 02-10-2014 at 08:24 PM.
#5
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1999 Sport Road Rash Monstaliner
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine
for sure too much. I paid half that for a rust free 99 jeep with 150k. Although it depends on how you feel about it. The guy I bought it from was convinced it had major problems so he just wanted to dump it. I knew better that it really didn't luckily. That's the benefit of research I suppose. I wish mine were manual though. Expect to throw down probably 500 bones in tune up stuff just to be safe.
Trending Topics
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Washington, MO
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Don't be in a rush to buy, and leave some money for any surprises... there are always surprises.
Firm isn't always firm. Offer him what you are willing to pay without sounding harsh. Sellers are more likely to come down if you're nice about low balling them. lol
Firm isn't always firm. Offer him what you are willing to pay without sounding harsh. Sellers are more likely to come down if you're nice about low balling them. lol
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Santa Cruz Ca.
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7
Edmunds/ KBB
I always start with these two sights to get a high and low value for the vehicle. Sometimes there is a great disparity between the pricing on the two sites. I sometimes average them. I bring the information with me so I can show it to the seller. This information will help start the conversation and determine if the pricing is within the given range. That might be a $1500 vehicle on these sites. But the demand in the market also sets the price. Given its age, you can bet its' gonna need something. Even a low mileage older vehicle is gonna need work.
#12
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bakersfield CA
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I paid 3250 for my 90 in 04 with 248k on it. But it came with a very well tracked history and I also knew the first two owners.
If you are living in Cali that is a "fair" price if it is rust free, straight body, manageable leaks, everything works, and a good service record.
If you are living in Cali that is a "fair" price if it is rust free, straight body, manageable leaks, everything works, and a good service record.
#15
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Boston
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre
Don't try to negotiate a price over the phone or Internet. Show up in person with cash, it's easy to turn down a theoretical offer over the phone, it's more difficult to turn it down when you have a person in front of you cash in hand.
Also, a ridiculous low ball offer isn't going to help but you should offer less than what you actually want to pay. If you would buy it for 3500, offer 3200, if they say no, ask them to work with you. I you would buy it for 3500 and offer 3500 and they say yes, you probably left money on the table.