Got out of Jeeps...Want Back In!

[Philprof]

So, three years ago I sold my 2000 Limited. It had full undercarriage armor, A 4 inch DPG lift, and ARBs. I needed to go. I bought a Tacoma (2wd prerunner) and have driven it worry since then. But its also boring!

I get an occasional itch to get a jeep again, and it is particularly bad at this moment. So I began to look around.

Before I get to my question, I have to be realistic. I will be commuting 250 miles a week and it is paramount that that ride is as smooth as possible. I won't go all in like the last time, in other words. I'm looking to keep it street and fuel friendly. In all likelihood, I will keep it to no more than 3 inches of lift on 31s. Probably use it on moderate trails, for camping and so forth. More expedition at the end of the day than rock crawler.

Now, the market for jeeps seems weird. I have seen some 00 and 01s, nearly mint and under a 100k miles going for $10k! These all seem to be solely in the possession of small dealerships. Then I see others that are beat to nothing for 2k.

My question is, has the XJ gone up in value? Is any XJ worth $10k at this point? I'm just trying to get a sense of the market, as I have been out for so long. Any feedback would be great. So much seems familiar here, and yet so foreign at the same time.

TIA

 

[DrMoab]

If you pay $10K for any cherokee...even a fully built one you are insane.

First rule. Don't buy from a dealer. I constantly haunt CL and other local classifieds looking for cheap Jeeps that I can either flip or part out. It isn't hard to find very nice jeeps for way less than $4000. My dad bought a very clean 98 with 69,000 miles a couple of years ago for $4500.

They are out there. Just stay away from dealers.

As far as lifts and such. Get an OME lift, throw 31's on it and be a happy guy.

 

[GrimmJeeper]

I bought my 00 with 81k on the clock for $500 and its still like brand new aside from the clear coat starting to oxidize because it was never waxed. Be patient, wait for a good deal, and try to avoid buying a built rig unless you're good at spotting potential problems. There is nothing more frustrating than spending all your time fixing problems left over from the previous owner.

 

[xcm]

So, three years ago...

My question is, has the XJ gone up in value? Is any XJ worth $10k at this point? I'm just trying to get a sense of the market, as I have been out for so long. Any feedback would be great. So much seems familiar here, and yet so foreign at the same time.

TIA

The xj market has gone up tremendously, Ive been here in the xj scene, and watched it happen. First cash for clunkers took some out, then the economic downturn forced some people out of nicer cars, back to reliable low buck ones.

Your numbers are high, but when looking at 00-01's, you gotta realize the newest version of a model no longer in production will allways carry a premium. Maybe try looking for a 98 or 99, pretty much the same thing, except with the better head.

 

[DrMoab]

Better front axle too.

 

[Philprof]

Thanks for the responses. So far I've only located an 01 with 72k for $6k. Wisconsin vehicle. Not many 98-99s out there. My previous XJ was so pristine that it's hard being realistic about vehicle condition.

 

[bigalpha]

Now, the market for jeeps seems weird. I have seen some 00 and 01s, nearly mint and under a 100k miles going for $10k! These all seem to be solely in the possession of small dealerships.

You must be referring to the "rare box style" ones in Las Vegas.

 

[Philprof]

Re: Re: Got out of Jeeps...Want Back In!

You must be referring to the "rare box style" ones in Las Vegas.

Bingo! Lol

 

[bigalpha]

Yeah, they always have a couple listed like that. Probably preys on the suckers who make bank at the casinos.