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SEC CraigsList Thread

SCbart said:
Newbie here, looking to buy first Cherokee and get advice.
Goal: Mild trail rig, forest roads, beach, etc.
Issue: Not much in the way of funds so I am looking at craigslist ads like this one.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3584129155.html

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3593310060.html

http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/3578576951.html

http://asheville.craigslist.org/ctd/3565695301.html

OK that a lot but any comments advice or dire warning would be greatly appreciated. I have a lot to learn and I hope to tap into the knowledge of the forum. Thanks, SCbart
Click to expand...

Check this one out.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/ctd/3595146136.html
 
SCbart said:
http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3603971635.html

I appreciate people posting thoughts about these ads. As a newbie it is a little overwhelming. Any thoughts on this ad?
Click to expand...

I would be cautious about this one. Find a good reputable shop with experience with lifted vehicles or even an reputable offroad shop that would give it a thorough inspection. You may need to take it to an offroad shop to have the upgrades inspected and then to a standard shop to have all other parts inspected to get a full inspection on this thing.

From what I can tell it looks like a high school rig being dumped off by a kid getting ready to go off to college. If that is the case he probably beat the shit out of it "muddin" which would explain why the motor had to be replaced. I bought my XJ ten years ago when I was 16 with 75,000 miles. Kept it all through college and now into early adulthood and I have never had to replace the motor and I am now at 234,000 miles. I took care of my motor. There really is no excuse for a 4.0L needing to be rebuilt unless it was neglected and abused. So again I would be hesitant. But buying a built rig is nice since it saves alot of money in the upgrades if they are good parts in good shape.
 
It has been my experience that, especially younger people, when they dump loads of money into cool aftermarket whatevers they tend to neglect the most basic, and important maintenance. Also you have no idea the qualifications, experience/know-how that the person putting these parts on may or may not have. I release it's tempting to jump on something already modified to your tastes, but I would suggest looking for a stock cherokee that some old lady owned and kept every service record from mile 1. Then save your pennies and modify it EXACTLY like you want, and ensure if not yourself that someone knowledgeable is modifying your rig. If somethings questionable, have it inspected. A lifted/modified Jeep is surely going to have been driven harder than a purdy stock one. Cheers
 
Thanks guys! I am going to follow your advice and keep looking.

One Question: I read an article that said the 97 XJ was one to avoid due to wiring harness issues. Is this good advice?

So far I am sticking to 98->2001 Cherokee Sports.
 
SCbart said:
Thanks guys! I am going to follow your advice and keep looking.

One Question: I read an article that said the 97 XJ was one to avoid due to wiring harness issues. Is this good advice?

So far I am sticking to 98->2001 Cherokee Sports.
Click to expand...

Ever heard of don't believe everything you read lol just kidding. Yes, 97 was the first year of a facelift for the XJ and a new group of electrical devices in the Jeep bound to have some bugs. Some have been electrical nightmares, though some have not. I have a 97 with 234,000 miles on it that I have had for 10 years of it's 16 year life and I have not experienced anymore than the common electrical issues typical of most new body XJs. Easy way to check and see if it is an electrical nightmare is to get the carfax on it. Even though it may not say much for recent issues since most people no longer take these old Jeeps to the dealer anymore, it will give you insight to whether or not it had any issues when it was younger and still under warranty where it would have been taken to the dealer. On the carfax it will say when and what it was in the dealer service shop for. The "what" may be vague but will usually point at some type of electrical issue. I dealt with this same cautious advice when helping my Dad pick out a Grand Cherokee WK which too have a reputation for having some with electrical gremlins.
 
Ok cool, so if it been at he dealer for electrical fixes, it has issues and I should move on. Good to know. Thanks.
 
It looks pretty good. Haven't done the carfax on it yet. I am seeing Jeeps with lower miles on them for slightly more money. I am thinking of holding out for one of those.

188,000+ miles seems a little high since this truck going to be a daily driver/family camping adventure rig. I hope getting a XJ I can tow a small trailer up to NC, MI, WI and beyond for summer trips. My wife & I are both teachers so summer is wide open for us. I found a 98 with 82,000 miles on it for $5,500 I might offer less on and see what happens. Who knows? I am not pressed for time right now.
 
Hell my 99 has its own electrical gremlins...but in all honesty, what XJ doesn't? :)
 
SCbart said:
It looks pretty good. Haven't done the carfax on it yet. I am seeing Jeeps with lower miles on them for slightly more money. I am thinking of holding out for one of those.

188,000+ miles seems a little high since this truck going to be a daily driver/family camping adventure rig. I hope getting a XJ I can tow a small trailer up to NC, MI, WI and beyond for summer trips. My wife & I are both teachers so summer is wide open for us. I found a 98 with 82,000 miles on it for $5,500 I might offer less on and see what happens. Who knows? I am not pressed for time right now.
Click to expand...

In general, I couldn't care less how many miles an XJ has.

It all depends on how well it was maintained (like any vehicle).
 
http://nashville.craigslist.org/pts/3617456779.html

99 sport with "frame damage beyond repair" for $500

looks like a small fender bender front drivers side corner that could be easily fixed by any of us but the insurance companies wrote it off. If I was home I'd pick this up in a heartbeat but won't be back for a couple of more weeks so hopefully someone gets this and will put it to good use.
 
dave92cherokee said:
http://nashville.craigslist.org/pts/3617456779.html

99 sport with "frame damage beyond repair" for $500

looks like a small fender bender front drivers side corner that could be easily fixed by any of us but the insurance companies wrote it off. If I was home I'd pick this up in a heartbeat but won't be back for a couple of more weeks so hopefully someone gets this and will put it to good use.
Click to expand...


I sent an email on it, so we'll see.
 
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