Opinions on an XJ

[jjmat3]

Looking for opinions and list of things to look for (from the pros) when I go check out this 1994 XJ this weekend. Also, whatcha think about the price @ $6k?
Link to add http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&advanced=n&start_year=1993&color=&cardist=42

Has a RE 4.5" w/ AAL lift (plan on replacing w/ spring pack)
Auburn LS in rear, Tru-trac in front, 4.10's (all new)
New 31" BFG at's on Blingin' Al. wheels. (probably swap for steels and MT/R's)
Has 173K miles

Looks good in other pics they emailed me.

Thanks!

 

[Darky]

I'd try and talk em down, Kelly's Blue Book (www.kbb.com) puts it at 3860, so I'd say look more around like 4-5000. Start at $4k and work up to $5k. My 96 is worth $6000, and I got it for $4500, I wouldn't want to go too much higher than that for that one. I'm also stingy but, $6000 sounds high to me. Besides with the AAL in back who knows how much time that's got til it sags and dies ( I know you plan on replacing it, but it could be an issue if you can't do it right away) and plus, you never know what kinda abuse its taken off-road. You want it fresh so you can abuse it

 

[Rev Den]

The fact that it has aftermarket diffs tells me that it has been wheeled, lifts, tires and all that crap can be added for looks, but if they craked open the diffs....they prbly used it. That alone would cause me to twitch at anything higher that KBB. I would think less, much less.

Rev

 

[jjmat3]

Any problem areas I should pay close attention to?
According to the owner, they built it up about a year ago and only wheeled it a couple times. The tires look brand new in the other pics I have. I will drive it hard on the test drive and look it over real good. I will be changing the rear springs out soon after getting it and I plan on doing a few other things to it also. I figure they put around $4k (w/ labor) into it w/in the last year and that crosses off a few things I would have done to it anyway. They also said it just passed smog w/ flying colors so that gives me a warm fuzzy about the engine at least. Thanks for the help!

 

[Rev Den]

Things to look for? YUP...a few.

Look for mud or sand in the frame rails, really look, like take a screw driver or a chunk of wire and probe thru the frame holes.
Look for dings, dents, etc in the crossmember, oil pan, gas tank, diffs, etc.
Look for water in diffs.
Proof it passed smog.
Look for evidence of bump stop contact with the axle, that will give you an idea of how hard it was driven.
I am sure there is more....

I honestly believe that a modified vehicle is worth LESS than a stock vehicle, at least when you are dealing with XJ's

Rev

 

[CheapXJ]

just say no


seriously.

 

[jjmat3]

Can ya SPARE an XJ? Brother?

Umm Why? I have already admitted to being a Jeep addict and I am ready to take responsibility for my addiction. I just need one more Jeep, only one more....... I can stop at any time, I am in complete control, honest.

So do yo mean "NO" to just that one or to All XJ's?

 

[Stick]

Go find you one for $500 - $800, take it home and spend the extra $6,000 on build up parts.

When you do it yourself you know what is in it and if it is done right. Just think what a rig you could have for $6K, if you shop around. :lecture:

 

[1989laredoxj]

I agree with Stick, buy a rig for 500-800 bucks and then just build it up. granted a 500 to 800 dollar car may not even run but shop around. I wouldnt drop 6K on it 4 is the most I would pay for a used rig. Thats already been offroaded. Their could be problems to.. Why would you get rid of a rig that you just made worthy a year ago.... I doubt that its a rig worth 6000. Cosmetically it probobly is close to that but I'm sure their must have been some damage done to it. Why would they want to sell after a year? I know I wouldnt enless I had a problem!

 

[jjmat3]

Guess if I didn't want to hear these suggestions I shouldn't have asked.......
Anyhow, I really DO Not need another major project vehicle. I am looking for something I can wheel now. I know enough about vehicles to know what basics to look for, but not all areas of concern on the XJ.

When I am ready to build a trail only rig, I will consider doing the ground up build. Thanks for the suggestions.