My buddy just did this. Paid $1500 or so completely unprepared to pay for repairs, and complains constantly that its a ****box. No tune up, no fluid swaps, etc.


I've put ~$1000 into my Jeep including the lift and everything has made it better! Dummies.

 

Hey, it doesn't hurt to ask. I just got out of a truck that I spent $4k on just fixing stupid rusty/dirty old crap over 3 years of owning it. I wished it was only the alternator. I'm going into this buy with some extra bucks behind it either way just to be safe. I realize that choosing between these Jeeps is mostly a '6 in one hand' deal when they're in good condition. I'm just learning what I can

I dig the newer models. Nicer interior on as far as function/ergonomics.

 

Also, never buying a rusty vehicle again. Never ever. F me... hahaha.

 

Right. As long as it's rust free I wouldn't hesitate. IMO, rust is the only show stopper. (Depending on price, of course) I'll buy one with just about any issue except rust.

 

+1 get the '99, that thing is very clean

Regarding 1999 being the best: It's the last year of fixes and improvements without any new changes. Normally the last year or two of a vehicle's production is the best, not quite in this case: For 2000 Chrysler made a bunch of changes and screwed things up again.

Axle-wise don't bother thinking about it unless you want to offroad with 33"s or larger and a locker in the rear differential. Dana 35 is fine for use under that.

Lowrange2 hit the nail on the head. 15 year old vehicles are going to have problems come up, that's why they're cheap! But the good news is, replace that bad part with a new OEM one and you'll get another 13 years out of it.

 

Yeah. With XJs it's comparatively easy to swap out everything else, and parts are cheap and plentiful. Bodies and uniframes, not so much.

 

Just for a comparison, I bought my 99 sport w/ 151k miles for 4000 with a 4.5 in lift already on it, so I would probably offer something around 2900 or 3000 and work from there. Mine also had an absurd amount of rust though so that lowered it a little bit.

Other than that, I think you'll love the sport. Power locks/doors are very nice to have(unless somethings breaks lol)

 

lol power accessories are awesome. I lived with my Tercel's manual windows because I could roll all four down without even taking my seat belt off, but half the time I have the bench seat in the XJ folded down with a bunch of crap in the back.

 

I'm far too lazy to fix my power windows. The driver side buttons still work but no one elses. Bwahaha, I'm in control! Steering wheel, windows, everything!

 

I need a jeep, your friend can give it to me if he doesnt appreciate it.


have a great weekend, everyone.

 

Jeep is in the driveway for $3,500! Thanks much for the help. It is a nice truck... needs some love but nothing too unexpected really. Does have the 8.25 rear - no 0331 head.

I'll be back here asking plenty of questions as things get worked on I'm sure, oh look there's one now:

#1. Cruise control is out. Prob vacuum line? Any fuses associated with it? It doesn't appear to be marked if so...

 

Nice fall day for gettin some Jeep.

 

Yay! Congratulations!

There are a number of things that can take out cruise control. Where to look depends on the exact behavior of "it doesn't work". Does the light come on? There is a fuse for the module, I think, involvement with the clock spring, and the servo that actually controls the throttle is vacuum-operated.

Now that you've got the sicknes - I mean, now that you own an XJ, a lot of problems come up frequently. Usually you can find a few good threads discussing a given problem by tossing your issue into Google and adding "site:cherokeeforum.com" to the end of it long before someone comes along with a good answer.

 

sweet.... congrats man, and I welcome you to the darkside of the Black XJ world, we are few but proud

you will get many miles/years out of her by just basic preventative maintenance... dig in