Looking at XJ's in the 97-2001 years, I am finding a "few" with some engine problems (anywhere from head to locked up Alt).
But ALL have rust in the rockers and/or floor.
To me rust is rust, Mild or stick you finger through it,, it HAS to be cut out and replaced.
No matter what I get, I plan on a full drive line (Engine/trans/transfer/axle) rebuild.
I did stumble on a White 2001 that has Zero, I mean ZERO rust on the underside, not even on the brackets/bolts. Kicker is I cant start it, just make cash offer and tow it out. I know he has some other coming to look at it.


The rusty ones I can get for 500-600
What premium would you put on a Rust free body ?


Slack

 

I'd put a pretty big premium on it for any older vehicle in the rust belt. But I don't weld and it would cost $$$ to have someone else do rust repairs. If you're looking for a keeper I'd say grab the '01 that has zero rust if it's still available.

 

A lot of the XJs i see around here are rust buckets. Don't seem to bother the owners. They just drive them with a smiles on their faces.

Myself, i hate rust and doing the body work to correct it although i've done my share in the past. Worst part is matching the paint dependent on where the rust is.

If it were me and only IMO, i'd take a rust bucket free vehicle any day even if it don't start.

Be careful with that 2001 though. Check for a cracked head.

 

I'd pay alot more for rust free. To heck with those $500 jeeps that need everything replaced. Where I'm at a $500 xj has something mechanically wrong since rust is not THAT big of an issue here. But I hate rust when I do see working on an vehicle in the shop.

 

Looking for one to "Restore" and slightly mod (AKA "Mall Rated")
No matter what one I buy, I will be rebuilding the entire driveline.
I am starting to think "rust free" adds considerable value,, like a 700-1000 premium over the type needs rockers and floor pans

 

Why have that cost of rebuilding everything if nothings wrong? The driveline components of the XJ are really reliable and durable.

 

Project for 15 year old son and I,, plus most XJ's have 200-300 miles on em.
Basically I want to build a slightly modded "mile one" XJ.
I used to enjoy restoring early 70's muscle cars, have not done it in 20 years,, XJ's are affordable and fit my life better than a "hot rod"
Hate to say it,,,, but think "Davis Auto Sports" LOL


Slack

 

If planning to redo the drive train, buy a rust free one no matter the condition of the drivetrain. I've worked on a few rusty vehicles, yuck. If you plan to take this thing apart, then why fight rust? Drive down my way and pick one up. My 90 is clean, no rust. Everything coated in oil probably helps. Considering most all vehicles are rust free around here, I'm not sure how much value it adds. If in your situation, I would be willing to pay $1000 for a rust free roller rather than $500 for a running rust bucket.

 

Slack, if you are building this for your kid, please dont get a rusted one. Besides rust eating body structure and spreading like cancer, it makes normal maintenance items difficult. Its not just the body that rust. Just imagine every single bolt on the vehicle red loctited. Thats what rust will do. The easier it is to work on, the more enjoyable the experience will be for both of you. Thats got to be worth something, right?

 

I agree. I think you need to stop looking at the low dollar ones because it sounds like those in your area are in real bad shape at that price. Up the budget a bit and expand your search area. You may seem like you are ok dealing with rust now, but once you have to actually do it, you may regret it.

 

He lives in the rust belt cars do not last long in the north,You have two options it looks like buy one and get the rust fixed right or go south of the ohio river and find one and drive or ship it back to you.

 

agr

 

Rust free is the first consideration for me. Pretty much anything else can be solved with time and a socket set (or maybe an engine swap in extreme cases).
Also, fixing rust never feels like an upgrade in the way that new parts can.

 

For me i can't weld so rust free is a big thing,I can do body work but rather replace a engine or trans then do a lot of body work or interior work.

 

Thousands, for sure. The last XJ rotted in half at the frame rails. They also seem to develop a hole under the drip rail above the front passenger door - there appears to be a seam there. With the amount of time I've spent dealing with corrosion I could have built several XJs. I hate road salt!