2000 XJ: Need some input

OK, we're getting ready to have the 2nd baby Roberts of the new generation. We need a 4 door. I've got a 98 XJ 2dr on 3" and 31's I drive to work daily, Julie's got an Escort ZX2.

Found a 00 XJ Sport, silver 4dr, auto, super clean with 104,000 on it, but blown head gasket/cracked head (their not sure). They're asking $2500 for it as it sits and I found a used engine for $550 with 6mo warranty. Now, it'll cost me about the same to buy the parts and just replace the head, and I get 3mo warranty (maybe) outta that. How likely is it that the used motor will crack a head/blow a head gasket and does anyone make a better quality head for the 00 XJ 4.0 than the OE one that's so prone to cracking ect?

Does that sound like as good a deal to you guys as it does me?

I don't think that sounds like that great a deal.....I bought my 98 limited XJ last December with 131k on the clock for $2900 in good running order. I've seen running 00 and 01's in my area for $3200-3500 in good running shape. It sounds like the PO isn't taking any money off for the rig's current condition. I say offer $1500.....then it would be a deal....IMHO

Maybe find someone near you that wants to trade, maybe trade +cash? I'd be willing to trade but you are too far away. ha.

That's a pretty crappy price for an XJ with a shot engine. I also agree on the 1500 dollar offer. I'd probably check craigslist, the local paper want-ads, and a few smaller used dealers for working XJs before going for that one at that price - I paid a hundred bucks less for my 96 XJ in running, driving condition, though it's a rust belt vehicle and required/requires a lot of work.

This thing is super nice though. One broke tail light, one little scratch, and a missing hub cap. The interior is clean and nothing broken or torn.

Go to kbb.com and find out what it should be going for, private party sale, and subtract what the cost of making repairs would be.

Armed with that information, you will be able to make an informed deal.

DON'T DO IT!!!! HAHA. From personal experience I say keep the 2 door!!!! Last year I traded my 2 door with 4" and 31s for a bone stock 4 door because the fiancee and I were expecting child #2. The day after I traded it I started to regret it. Now everyday I see Ol Blue and it tears me to pieces that I got rid of her. And it actually wouldn't have been that bad with a 2 door, I did just fine with one kid. Plus I personally love the look of 2 doors better than a 4 door, but to each their own. Don't get me wrong however, I do love having the 4 doors but it actually feels as if there is a lot less room all around. Like the other guys said either try to find someone who is willing to trade plus possibly cash or an even swap but to go for one that is shot would be pointless. Either way best of luck to you with whichever decision you make!

XJCruiser said:

DON'T DO IT!!!! HAHA. From personal experience I say keep the 2 door!!!! Last year I traded my 2 door with 4" and 31s for a bone stock 4 door because the fiancee and I were expecting child #2. The day after I traded it I started to regret it. Now everyday I see Ol Blue and it tears me to pieces that I got rid of her. And it actually wouldn't have been that bad with a 2 door, I did just fine with one kid. Plus I personally love the look of 2 doors better than a 4 door, but to each their own. Don't get me wrong however, I do love having the 4 doors but it actually feels as if there is a lot less room all around. Like the other guys said either try to find someone who is willing to trade plus possibly cash or an even swap but to go for one that is shot would be pointless. Either way best of luck to you with whichever decision you make!

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The 2dr's not going anywhere, the Escort is! Sorry if you guys all thought I'd be getting rid of the XJ I've already got. The Escort has been a pain in my @$$ since day one. I'd have just let the thing go back to the dealer if her sister hadn't cosigned the loan for it (before I knew we were having the first kid, long story). I wanted to trade it for a 4 door XJ, and had a deal going, and then she got hit on the interstate and banged up the Escort, by the time it was fixed (another long story) we were not in a position to do any trading or dealing with vehicles, so I have had to put up with not being able to depend on that silly excuse for a car for the last 3 years. We're not in a position where I can trade, and a decent XJ with around 100,000 miles cannot be had around here for under $6000. I thought this was a SMOKING deal on this 00 XJ Sport, and then private party sell the Escort to recoup some $$.

edit: KBB books this at $3500 for Fair condition private party seller...

As far as a better quality head, i put an Alabama Cylinder Head on my '00 cause the original one craked. It's been on for about 6,000mi i think, and now problems yet. As far as a good deal? I think they want plenty for it, I talked the guy down to $500 on mine since there was obviously a major problem with the engine.

if you like it go for it

I would say go for it, and get the full engine replacemnt... it has a longer warranty on it, and it would be a lower mileage engine putting back in there.... or so one would think..

Go for it.. Offer them half of what they want and meet somewhere in the middle. 2000 4.0's had issues with the head cracking, don't remember casting # to watch for. I'd be tempted to change out the head. 104K is nothing for mileage so you might only need to do the rest of the motor if you found damage, cylinder scoring, rods and bearings

The 2000's all had the 0331 casting that cracked often like mine. I'm putting a '98 head on it to fix it. In hindsite, I wouldn't buy a 2000/2001 at all. The 98's and I think the 99's have the preferred high-pinion front axle as well at the pre-0331 head. Keep looking for a '98 until you find one you like. That also maintains the highest interchangeability with your 2 door parts. I had an Escort ZX2 also and it is a fun, economical car to drive but a PITA to work on.

winterbeater said:

The 2000's all had the 0331 casting that cracked often like mine. I'm putting a '98 head on it to fix it. In hindsite, I wouldn't buy a 2000/2001 at all. The 98's and I think the 99's have the preferred high-pinion front axle as well at the pre-0331 head. Keep looking for a '98 until you find one you like. That also maintains the highest interchangeability with your 2 door parts. I had an Escort ZX2 also and it is a fun, economical car to drive but a PITA to work on.

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Well, it'll probably never see any more offroading than driving in the fields around the house or some camping. The LP 30 doesn't bother me. I'd like to find a 98. We're going looking for more XJ's next week. We'll see what we can find.

Did the accessory belt slip off your Escort anytime you hit a large puddle of water? It's done it twice, and always during a down poor. The exhaust manifold cracked, belt idler pulleys bearings went bad, just pumped $350 into it for the timing belt/tensioner/idler replacments as well as a water pump, and new tires. I've never worked on a DD vehicle as much as I have this little $h!t box...

no matter what you do with you motor, use a fail safe thermostate on it.it will help keep your replaced or repaired motor from poppin again.. its a extra few dollers but well worth it for your motor.

snow97 said:

no matter what you do with you motor, use a fail safe thermostate on it.it will help keep your replaced or repaired motor from poppin again.. its a extra few dollers but well worth it for your motor.

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I used one of those once, admittedly right after they came out, but it failed, and I haven't used one since.

Not a bash on them, if they are working now, good for them.

When I get screwed I generally expect at a minimum flowers and a dinner, and they offered neither.