Buying 1999 XJ What should I look out for???

[danzy]

Hello all,
I'm looking at buying a 1999 XJ with 102,000 miles on it. What should I look out for, I will be seeing the Jeep this weekend for the first time other than pictures on line. All advice is appreciated!

thanks
Shane

[safn1949]

Private or dealer?Try to get a carfax to see if it was wrecked,look at the coolent and the oil to see what kind of shape they are in.That will tell you a lot.Look under the vehicle for damage and oil leaks,anyone can wash a car but they rarely clean underside.Smell it.I know that sounds weird,but see if it smells moldy or musty,if it does walk away.Ask for maint records and don't take anyones word for anything,I can say anything about a car,so what,prove it,I have been burned before.And of course drive it,see if you can get it on a rack to check it over,I work as a mechanic and you can really see the condition of a vehicle from under it.The last thing to remember is that they made a bunch of them,you can always find another one if in doubt.:patriot:

[Jess]

Didn't some of the 99's come with a bad head? I'm not sure if I am correct, but if so the number should be stamped in it so you can tell if the one you are looking at has that particular head.

[gmars]

Oil pressure when warm, in traffic. Should not fall far below the mid-point on the gauge. Try ALLl the heater controls, and listen for a distinct "flapping" sound or major delay between "floor," "def" and 'def/floor." A/C issues I'm no help on, but heat/defrost probs are my forte, unfortunately. Major also, twist the heat control all the way from left right, slowly, from full cold to full hot. Make sure it goes ALL THE WAY to the hot and stays, w/o major "binding". Indication of major dash issue that most, if not all, XJs have.
Also, note how long it takes to crank and start from a cold start, indication of fuel pump/regulator/filter issues. (PITA to fix and spendy) It should fire right off. Might not delay if "warm."
also, it might seem obvious, but make sure all four(five if full-size spare) are the same size/brand and similar wear. maint and susp issues if diff brands front to back. AVOID if diff!
Try EVERYTHING, remote mirrors, rear defrost, cruise, signal lights, hazards, etc. One of my pet peeve areas; bring a tire pressure gauge and check all four tires. if they're not w/in a couple pounds of each other, it means there is likely extra wear on 4x4 components. also indicates poor maint. look for a wobble in the front end when stopping from hwy speeds, indication of front rotor issues and maybe susp maint troubles. good luck!

[caspergotaz28]

Didn't some of the 99's come with a bad head? I'm not sure if I am correct, but if so the number should be stamped in it so you can tell if the one you are looking at has that particular head.

The bad heads came on the '00 and '01 models. They have "0331" stamped on them somewhere.

[PolishX]

biggest thing , cracked exhaust manifold and rattling cracked cat convertor I have a 98 just replaced both mine at 92000

[darjevon]

Hello all,
I'm looking at buying a 1999 XJ with 102,000 miles on it. What should I look out for, I will be seeing the Jeep this weekend for the first time other than pictures on line. All advice is appreciated!

thanks
Shane

I just got a 99xj and had to spend days wrestling with vaccuum lines and the blower fan speed resistor block, and the window lock switch. however, dont worry too much about any of those problems because they CAN be fixed. However if you are not too handy with electrical/vacuum problems, you might want to steer clear if 1. The heating/ac vent selector is stuck on defrost 2. Although the driver's door's control panel will open all the windows, the passenger doors' control panels will not open then windows or will only open them slowly or 3. The HVAC blower fan will only work on speed 4 (highest)

However if you encounter any of these problems and buy it anyway send me a PM and I'll tell you exactly how to fix all of the above issues.

[yardape]

All good advice above. One thing I'd add because I'll never do it again, is buy a Jeep from a hobbyist or backyard mechanic. You will not know what they've done until they have your money and you're halfway down the road. My ZJ blew a fuel pump at 110,000 miles which I think is unheard of. I relate it directly to the owner installed kill switch. The part alone was close to $500. Me personally, if its lifted/pimped out/or had any other mods requiring a wrench or screwdriver, I'd walk away but that is just me.
From now on I build my own Jeeps.

[PolishX]

unless you know the owner ... but yeah buyinf stock ones from people that cart kids to soccer practice is the best