Not a bad ZJ... dont like the red interior but that's me... Id say it worth 2500-2800

 

That's what I was thinking, I am trying to get the VIN from them so I can look up the options that came on it so I can make a proper offer. There is easily a $1000 difference in the Zj options (per KBB). I am hoping to be able to start at 2200, since the tires are not new and they bought the Zj already lifted. However, finalizing a meeting time and date is proving difficult.
- Mike

 

UPDATE !!!!! After work toady I am going to look at the white 93 Zj with red interior that I posted earlier. He is now asking 2k and said the passenger rear window does not roll up all the way (rolls up 3/4 closed) I figure that's an easy fix. I will post more info as I get it.

Looking forward to joining the jeep family

- Mike

 

So he just dropped his price 1500... Be on the look out. It may have something wrong or bout to go, like engine or tranny...

 

He listed it for 2k and verbally told me he will not take anything less than 1800, but it is still enough to make one hesitant. I plan on checking for leaks while engine is cold, driving it long enough to get it to running temp. Then test 4x4, then check the leak spots.
While talking to him he stated the life of the tires was almost gone (perhaps why he dropped the price). And I have enough set aside to get new tires tomorrow if need be.
Thank you again for everyones comments and help
-Mike

 

So after looking the Zj over I decided to wait til I can have a mechanic look at the issues I saw.
1. Leaking rear diff. (leaking from the plug hole on diff cover) it has the 8.25 in the rear
2. Leaking transmission line (leaking at a hose clamp mid way between engine and tranny)
3. Loose sound from driver's side suspension after hitting a pothole
4. Oil Pan gasket leaking
5. Looked like it was leaking from the transfer case (skid plate in the way)
We were at $1850 with the deck
So pending how much that will all cost me per the mechanic I am still interested (if repairs are less than $200, because it does need new tires (running 32" on 4" lift) tell me what you all think.

To be quite honest I am starting to get alittle tired of seeing all these jeeps with the same leaks.
- Mike

 

You're going to see a lot of Jeeps with leaks. It's a Jeep thing until one of their owners fix it. Yet they don't because A) they don't know how, or B) It hasn't been a huge issue. So what do you do?

I personally took one with a strong engine/tranny, rot free, and as little leakage as possible. If your stuck in a bad location where "good, older vehicles" are hard to come by, you take what you can get. Gaskets are easily and cheaply fixed, for the most part. Rot isn't, cracks aren't, a bad engine isn't, neither is a bad transmission. It took me four months of searching and research before I decided to grab the one I have now. Since then, I've yet to see a better XJ posted on CL that was within my budget.

 

Thank you, I now feel that I'm rushing things. It's hard not to jump on something that "appears" to be a good thing. I am going to take my foot off the accelerator, watch the scenery and continue researching. I just have to remember wheelin' isn't about getting there fast.

- Mike

 

X2 on this... Big thing for me is finding a seller that is honest. I know I'm gonna have to fix and replace stuff, it's a jeep and I'm gonna wheel it... Finding someone Who will tell you everything about a jeep is rare. But I will pay more for that vehicle, just because I KNOW what I'm getting. That helps me plan how to fix everything.

Take ur time... It's always a BUYERS market. They need to sell, you don't HAVE to buy their jeep..lol

 

This guy was pretty honest, told me right away about the window not rolling up all the way, anti-lock CEL was on he said it's the master cylinder. IMHO I feel he was being forth coming with information. But the interior and body do need some love. I'm just worried because this is my first private purchase and I don't have a ton of money.

 

Not much money? Then you need to be looking for stock. Find a well taken care of stock XJ/ZJ, rather than a lifted one. In your price range, most lifted ones are gonna have problems. But I would find a good stock one and build your own lift. Building my jeep is amazing. Gives me confidence and creates that bond

 

My budget is 3k and for that it has to be almost perfect, I would like to find something around 1800-2000 so I have money to fix something if it breaks. I'm just going to keep looking, this seller is starting to be flakey.
-Mike

 

My budget was around that $3k range as well. Here's a tip... Search for some around the $3,500 range. This is where you're going to find the nicer ones. At this point you can try to talk down to $3k. Even stealerships will negotiate prices down. Mine was listed at kbb value. Right around $2.3k. The seller was an honest guy and a family man much like myself. He sat on that Jeep posted on CL for over a month because he wouldn't sell it for anything less than what it was worth. I ended up taking it for $2.1k, well under my budget range. Everything he said rang true. I bought the XJ, put nothing in it, it was registered and passed inspection the following weekday. Of course it needs some work, but it will run fine stock for now.

I did make one mistake however. I forgot to get the title from him the night I bought it (thought it was in the glove box). I called him, and he had it overnight'ed to me the following day. So yes, if possible try to wait for the "honest seller"/good XJ combo. They're out there.

 

Yea just keep looking

 

I am going to keep searching, thank you to everyone for all the help I really appreciate it.

-Mike