Trying to make this simple... buying another XJ - stuck between these two Jeeps.

First one, red 4 door 2000 sport -- 114k
Second one, white 2 door 1998 SE w/4.0 -- 95k miles

I have both talked down to around 3,500 and I just don't know what the better buy is. Both run / drive / 4wd works but the Red 2000 interior headliner sags and I haven't been able to travel down to look for leaks or anything else - says there isn't any issues at all.
The 2 door jeep is getting a sensor replaced because it's not shifting into overdrive? apparently -- also it was a former county vehicle in NJ . The red 4 door 2000 sport has no service records though but the owner swears it runs great.

Does anyone get a better feeling from one or the other?? any gut feelings against one or the price?
Thanks guys - i'd really appreciate any insight. Spending money gets me crazy ya know?!


https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...roduct_details RED 2000 4 door sport . 114k

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...roduct_details WHITE 1998 2 door SE . 95k both 4.0 and 4wd

 

That 98 has a renix engine. Got to be a scam or he mixed up the photos?

 

The rust on the red one looks bad! I would pass on both. For 3500 I’ve seen a lot nicer ones.

 

I would want to see good pictures of the rockers on both.

Have you driven either one?

 

I've driven the 1998 White one - won't go into overdrive right now and the guy says he's getting it fixed. The red one is just so damn far away to run down and check it out (altho probably smart) . I know nothing of Renix Engines?? Wow this is new to me. rockers on white are OK but it's gotta small soft spot under driver left foot floor board.

 

Hey mike... you're right. holy smokes I didnt realize that. mine has a 4 bolt throttle body and his has a 3 and what looks to be a radiator overflow up by passenger side?? I thought AMC stopped doing those motors years before 98?? This is starting to seem sketchy because he claims there is only 95k on Jeep - It was an Auction buy. I know that for a fact

 

I feel cheated by people online... I didn't grow up that way. I can't tell you guys how much this frustrates me because from the looks of it, this guy might've swapped his old comanche engine into the 98 and of course the cluster gauge isn't gonna change. Can't even shake a hand and get a straight reply anymore.

Thanks for the tip off.

 

Usually Facebook is pretty reliable for buying used vehicles. When listing my old XJ on Craigslist, I basically paid $5 to invite scammers to my doorstep.

 

I'll bet it's a typo, it being an 89 rather then a 98. When did they stop making the 2-door? 91 was the first year for the Chrysler MPI.

 

It is not a renix motor. Cherokees used renix motors between 87 and 90. So I would check the year, as Dave said. The 2 doors are cool and not as common and were made all the way to 2001. People like the high pinion front D30 over the low pinion. Jeep started using the low pinion in 99. Jeep also switched to the distributor less ignition system in 99. Good luck finding one in Cleveland or near it without rust. One that was undercoated by the dealer would be nice. Most will have rust, you don't want one with the unibody frame rails rusted. Although the aftermarket has plenty to offer if willing to weld and patch. Depending on the cleanliness you can most likely find one for a better price. Around here the ones you described would go for around $2500. 2 door models a little higher.

 

oops, I never looked at the photos before my post. That photo is definitely a renix, but I can't imagine that is what is really in that Jeep.