Im shopping

[ducksarmy]

well here I am I going to get a jeep xj but Im not 4x4 guy yet just a hunter.So lets start simple.are there years to stay away from in the jeep line??I want simple no auto locks or things that use power.why well I work on airplanes only simple thing work and never break.so I will like all and any info you guys give me.

[Tom R.]

What's your budget?

I'd suggest staying away from anything older than '87. I prefer the '92 and newer XJs (no Renix, has open cooling system, better ignition). If you want the most power then be sure it has the inline 6 cyl. engine. I don't dig the 5-sp trannys either as they tend to be a bit harsh. The AW4 autos are tough automatics and have a good rep.

By the way, where do you work on planes? What do you do?

Tom

[crazy4moab]

Hey duck, my neighbor is selling their '92 XJ. They're asking $2500 but will take $2000. It has the high output 6 cylinder (as they all do after that year). Its bone stock and has been a great vehicle for them. Family is getting bigger and they need more room. It does, however, have some power stuff. Would be a great starter vehicle for you. Let me know if your interested.

Good luck.......Mikey

[ducksarmy]

What's your budget?

I'd suggest staying away from anything older than '87. I prefer the '92 and newer XJs (no Renix, has open cooling system, better ignition). If you want the most power then be sure it has the inline 6 cyl. engine. I don't dig the 5-sp trannys either as they tend to be a bit harsh. The AW4 autos are tough automatics and have a good rep.

By the way, where do you work on planes? What do you do?

Tom
well here we go,thinks for the reply first thing.I gather that this renix is a off breed jeep or something?The 87 or newer is just the miles and rust or something else? Oh I work for skywest as a line mechanic, or a pilot baby sitter it depends on the day.

[ducksarmy]

Hey duck, my neighbor is selling their '92 XJ. They're asking $2500 but will take $2000. It has the high output 6 cylinder (as they all do after that year). Its bone stock and has been a great vehicle for them. Family is getting bigger and they need more room. It does, however, have some power stuff. Would be a great starter vehicle for you. Let me know if your interested.

Good luck.......Mikey
Thats just what im looking for I think,so whats the mileage?found one for 1000 bucks but 125000miles I just dont know.Hey whats up with the rust,I see light rust on fenders but heavey rust on thr thick metal ie spring and frame? thanks for all info.....

[poomba]

Thats just what im looking for I think,so whats the mileage?found one for 1000 bucks but 125000miles I just dont know.Hey whats up with the rust,I see light rust on fenders but heavey rust on thr thick metal ie spring and frame? thanks for all info.....

Unless the previous owner is brighter than most, the older models like mine (89) are likely to have rust problems around the floorpans and such. Not hard to repair, but sure, check and make sure, if it's been off-roaded, the rust hasn't affected the structrual strength. I got mine for around 1k, but as you can see in my pics (poomba's revenge album) it ah..had a few problems.
http://community.webshots.com/user/poomba104

Welcome to the community, be sure to check out the info on our new Chapter efforts.
:pig:

[Tom R.]

Thats just what im looking for I think,so whats the mileage?found one for 1000 bucks but 125000miles I just dont know.Hey whats up with the rust,I see light rust on fenders but heavey rust on thr thick metal ie spring and frame? thanks for all info.....

Seriously, 125K miles for a late '80s XJ is low mileage. These engines will hit 200K no problem if properly cared for. My '92, which was NOT well cared for by one or more of the previous owners, is nearing 200K and still going.

I mentioned '87 or newer because the 4.0L engine wasn't available prior to this year. The Renix is the old ignition system ('87 to '90) on the 4.0L engine and was prone to idle problems, among other issues. The HO motor came out in '91. If that '92 is cherry for its year, it might be a great deal and worth checking out. The bottom line is to find an XJ that was well cared for....it will show. Personally, I prefer the HO motors and automatic trans. Extras are a bonus. If you can find one that has the factory skid plates, tow hooks, trans cooler, then that's the icing on the cake. Perhaps one of the local NAXJA members who lives down your way can help you look at prospective contenders. Best of luck.

Tom

[crazy4moab]

I believe that my neighbor's '92 has 130,000 on it. We live in Tooele and drive to SLC for work. That's why the higher mileage. Its in pretty good shape. No body rust that I can see. It does have bent front bumper on the left corner. They got hit in a parking lot.:doh: Other that that I think its in pretty good shape. I got damn luck when I bought my '90. It was, quite literally, the poster child for the "clean one owner" club. The dude showed me the reciepts of when he bought it.
My 4.0L has 182,000 on it and going strong. Hell of a motor a dang near bullet proof AW4 trans.
Later.............Mikey

[climbon]

As Tom said, it really depends on what your budget is. There is a place in Orem on 800 N. called Utah Valley 4X4, he has alot of 98 and up XJ's for sale most go for 9 to 12,000. He picks them up from auction in areas that are out of state with low miles. He makes little on them but turns them over pretty fast to college students needing a 4X4 for school in Provo. He can find you any year you want in an XJ. If I were you and had some money to work with I would go with a 99 auto and up. JP magazine had a big write up on this very subject, " buying the best cherokee". There conclusion was the 96 or 99 and newer. They stated these years had the 3000,000 mile marriage between the tranny and the 4.0 straight 6. I had a 96 and now have a 99 and I am very happy with both. Good luck

[climbon]

Correction: 300,000 miles