New to NAXJA NW, shopping for an XJ

[STUCKHEAD]

arty:

Hey everyone!

My name is Bobby and for a while now I have been shopping for a new car... I was close to buying a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or an FJ Cruiser but I thought of many other ways to spend 30k for a new car... Test drove both, and both were great... but.... $30k is a lot of money.

I was really looking to get a new car, something higher off the ground than my audi, reliable, and can handle all the seasons we get here in the Great Northwest. I am considered emergency personnel at my work so I need to be able to get to work in all conditions.

I was on another forum (offtopic) and was talking to someone about XJ's, tons of people say they are great, and reliable, fun too!

I was seeing if you guys knew of anyone around here selling an XJ, preferably stock or tastefully modded to standards. I will be mainly using it as a daily driver, so nothing too extreme... Was thinking a lift, bigger tires, and maybe a better suspension.

So as far as shopping for one, like I said, I'd want to stick with something basic. What do you guys/gals recommend me to keep an eye out when buying a XJ? Common Issues? Things to look for etc...


I plan to go to Noobfest 10' if I get my XJ in time.


I plan to check out these over the next few days, what do you guys think?

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/1510522717.html

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j..._price=&cardist=7&standard=false&rdpage=thumb


Thanks guys! Happy hoidays atriot:

 

[Shane_92-XJ]

there both nice......i would keep looking there xj's for sale everyday and i woulnt wanna spend 5-6 g's on a rig that has for than 100k just my 2 cent your on the right track though'
Welcome aboard

 

[supsa]

Dont buy an XJ they suck!

 

[TORX]

Welcome to the NWC! It's good to see another local guy on here.

I like the first link you posted. Seems like a pretty decent deal. 151,000 for a 4.0L is a drop in the bucket. It's also relatively stock, so you can build it up later however you want.

 

[STUCKHEAD]

there both nice......i would keep looking there xj's for sale everyday and i woulnt wanna spend 5-6 g's on a rig that has for than 100k just my 2 cent your on the right track though'
Welcome aboard

thanks, i dont plan to pay asking price :laugh3: what would be a good offer for the maroon one? I like it... but i kind of want a black/yellow one, i guess i could paint it.

I am a big fan of DR Moab's xj

 

[STUCKHEAD]

Welcome to the NWC! It's good to see another local guy on here.

I like the first link you posted. Seems like a pretty decent deal. 151,000 for a 4.0L is a drop in the bucket. It's also relatively stock, so you can build it up later however you want.

thanks :wave:

Think $3000 would be too low?

maybe $3500... im going to want to test drive it later though.

 

[GlueNTape]

3K would be a good deal for the seller.

I got my 98 very clean. Ran great for 2000. Acutally 2200, with a roof rack and a bunch of accessories.

I would watch for a deal. If your in no hurry, there are always people on CL, that for one reason or another need to unload their XJ.

 

[Shane_92-XJ]

i think you would be lucky to get 1000 dollars of the asking price lol...drive it look at if you feel its a good way to spend your money do it....if you think its a bad idea....it probably is lol its a 4000 is a good price....i bought mine 86k now its got 200k and still runs like a top

 

[STUCKHEAD]

cool, thanks for the info guys, what are common things to look for when shopping for one?

 

[Shane_92-XJ]

good tires.......clean oil.....ya know the usual stuff put it in 4 wheel dive make sure its all in good working condition brakes.......blah blah blah

haha and make sure the vin on the vehicle is the same as the title lol

 

[STUCKHEAD]

good tires.......clean oil.....ya know the usual stuff put it in 4 wheel dive make sure its all in good working condition brakes.......blah blah blah

haha and make sure the vin on the vehicle is the same as the title lol

what are good tires :laugh: aside from looking at tread etc. my dad is a mechanic so ill have him help me check it out, but as far as mods or anything aftermarket he does not really know

 

[Shane_92-XJ]

for now anything with decent amount of tread.....pretty basic

 

[STUCKHEAD]

for now anything with decent amount of tread.....pretty basic

cool, i still need to hit up the FAQ area for this forum... thanks! if anyone knows someone with a good xj for sale let me know :read:

 

[uber xj]

In regards to the links you posted, the maroon CL XJ is a relativley good deal and 151k on a 4.0 isn't bad at all. The black auto trader XJ is NOT in any way a good deal; they're asking WAY too much. Someone else said it, I wouldn't pay more than $4000; which is what I paid for my 99 w/ 118k over a year ago.

Also, look for a 97+ XJ, lots of upgrades over the previous models plus, typically lower mileage.

As far as looking at tires or lifts. Just look for good tread to get you by. But the maroon XJ had BFG All Terrains IIRC, those will be good tires if you're planning on DDing mostly but still want to hit the trails occaisionally. Or you can get Thornbirds.

 

[mojojojo]

i'd shy away from the pre 91 jeeps. not that they are terrible, but with the newer ones u get the HO 4.0L. and possibly better braking and cooling systems.

 

[Shane_92-XJ]

i'd shy away from the pre 91 jeeps. not that they are terrible, but with the newer ones u get the HO 4.0L. and possibly better braking and cooling systems.

very good point:spin1:

 

[Mudderoy]

cool, thanks for the info guys, what are common things to look for when shopping for one?

4x4, NP242 transfer case, 4.0L engine, either transmission should be fine. D30 front axle, C8.25 rear. If it has ABS it has a Dana 35 in the rear, and you don't want it. 1999 was the best year.

 

[STUCKHEAD]

Thanks for the information guys, ill be skipping on the autotrader one, i requested some info and pictures of the maroon xj

 

[STUCKHEAD]

4x4, NP242 transfer case, 4.0L engine, either transmission should be fine. D30 front axle, C8.25 rear. If it has ABS it has a Dana 35 in the rear, and you don't want it. 1999 was the best year.

So basically i'd prefer it not to have ABS?

http://www.jeepforum.com/wiki/index.php/Dana_35

if this is right, dana 35 wasn't used in any xj past 97?

 

[mojojojo]

So basically i'd prefer it not to have ABS?

IMO.... yes, if you plan on upgrading anything in the future ABS will make it difficult and they are prone to having issues. Not to say thats all bad, but if its the type with no booster and only an ABS pump, dont walk away.... RUN !!!