How to Buy A Gov't XJ?

[Diablito]

I'm in the market for a XJ. Something 91' or newer in good working order that will get a little built. I was wondering if I'd be able to save some money if I bought a used Gov't fleet XJ?Has anyone on this forum bought a Gov't XJ?Any advice or info would be nice.I live in SanDiego,Ca but I'm willing to go a few hundred miles for a good deal.

 

[Rev Den]

I'm in the market for a XJ. Something 91' or newer in good working order that will get a little built. I was wondering if I'd be able to save some money if I bought a used Gov't fleet XJ?Has anyone on this forum bought a Gov't XJ?Any advice or info would be nice.I live in SanDiego,Ca but I'm willing to go a few hundred miles for a good deal.

Look elsewhere, I have seen several come up in auctions. I think rental cars get more respect that goverment vehicles. Beat to death is the case in this area.

YMMV


Rev

 

[Boatwrench]

Try Craigslist

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/24658815.html

 

[CRASH]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/24658815.html

The state has an auction every month, in three places. Sacramento, Fresno, and LA (I'm not sure on the last one). If you go to www.dgs.ca.gov , you can get a listing of the vehicles to be sold in the next auction.

At the last auction my friend went to, there were 8 cherokees. Some were beat to piss, rusted out hulks. Others were executive staff cars that had never been in 4 wheel drive. You've got to check them out in person to know what is what.

CRASH

 

[Ronbo]

Kennedy Truck Sales
4855 Ruffner St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-2620

It's been a long while since I've checked, but these folks dealt with ex-gov vehicles. Ramchargers, Suburbans, Blazers, Broncos, and of course XJ's.

 

[Gary E]

I wouldn't particularily look for one often they are strippers without even the center console, and I agree many would be really abused.

 

[GI-John]

Stay away from Govt Vehicles!!!!!!

I've used them for years, and know personally that the operators drive them like they stole them. There is no actual liability or accountability by the drivers, so they do as they please.

GSA is also very slow on services. They drag their feet on all services, and will not spend money on cosmetic things.

I have 2 99 XJ's at work, and will show you pics next week. Both have less than 60,000 miles and have gone through 3 sets of tires, their springs and shocks are shot, and paint is f'd

GSA will throw the cheapest fix to get it OK looking for the auction, and thats it.

HTH

John

 

[Spudboy]

One of the 4X4 rags has had an article about a ex-army pickup that they got from a DOD auction. They found it on a website and were close enough to the base to actually look at it before bidding. It was pretty rough but came with a lot of heavy duty stuff you don't normally get.

I don't remember which magazine it was (Rick Pewe' is the editor), but it seemed like the website access would be a good way to start looking for a vehicle.

If I remember to look, I'll try to find the web address.

 

[Big Red]

I got a 95' xj se with 4 wheel drive, air, radio, no center console for $3,000 with 112K on it. It was very clean except for the carpet, but I tore that out and herculined the floor. I got on ebay through Oregon surplus vehicles in Salem, OR. They auction about 2-3 xj's a week. They are known as Oregon Motors 2000. I sold it for $3,500.

 

[MojaveDXJ]

I too purchased an XJ from the State of Oregon. Being a government employee myself, I deal a lot with fleet vehicle services and know that for the most part, in spite of what others opinions are, they are well maintained and rarely miss scheduled service. The one I bid on was in excellent condition and as I looked at all the rest in the state yard, I didn't see one that looked as if it had been abused.
Just my $.02
Good luck
Mojave Desert XJ

 

[Big Red]

I too purchased an XJ from the State of Oregon. Being a government employee myself, I deal a lot with fleet vehicle services and know that for the most part, in spite of what others opinions are, they are well maintained and rarely miss scheduled service. The one I bid on was in excellent condition and as I looked at all the rest in the state yard, I didn't see one that looked as if it had been abused.
Just my $.02
Good luck
Mojave Desert XJ

Yeah, the cherokee I got was in very good condition. I was a bit nervous because I didn't see it in person before bidding on it, but the multiple pictures provided were good enough for me to bid, plus the price was right. I was going to lift it, but then bought a 91' xj with 8" lift & 35" mtr's, winch, etc for $3,500 so I sold the fleet xj for that price and saved myself alot of time & money that I would have spent lifting it. I like the steering wheel/air bag on the 95 & 96 xj, but I would have liked to get a center console, but that could be added for $40 or so.

 

[lost1]

The condition of the 'Govvie' really depends more on the agency that used it most. Any local auction should have information on locating some, but it'd generally be more cost-efective to find one that hasn't been in active military service. (I've watched our MPs do some terrible things to theirs ) Are you out just to save money? Cause if so, a state auction would be yoiur best bet. The Gov vehicles may be cheaper, but there are seized vehicles as well that can sometimes be a better value.

Me, I shelled out 10K even for my 00 from a dealership (stupid, yeah, but it was originally 13K)

Good luck, and good hunting!

 

[casm]

Look elsewhere, I have seen several come up in auctions. I think rental cars get more respect that goverment vehicles. Beat to death is the case in this area.

Depends on the agency, where the vehicle was used and what for, and whether or not it was an active or stored vehicle. The one thing the government would like to avoid at any cost is being sued (deep pockets, so high awards), so at least around here they tend to keep stuff in pretty good condition - at least mechanically. Forget about the interiors, though, unless it's been an execmobile.