I think I found one

Axl Jack · 01-09-2008, 11:57 AM

1996 Cherokee Sport, 6 cylinder, 4 speed auto. 105,600 miles. NP231 transfer case because its only the part time 4WD system. 8.25" rear axle. Unsure on the gearing, but I'm assuming its at least 3.55, possibly 3.73. (I asked the dealer to get me a build sheet). Only 1 previous owner.

I'd prefer a stick, but they're much harder to find. Anyway, no rust. And I really mean no rust because I checked it thoroughly everywhere. Drives great, lots of power, shifts great (downshifts smooth too).

I'm sure I can get him down another $200 as well, because there is a slight clunk from the front pass. side which I believe to just be a ball joint on its way out. Before I buy I will take it to a mechanic (who is a friend of the family and trust).

I was searching for a 97 to 99, but saw this one on the lot and decided what the heck, might as well try it out.

So the benefit is that it has the fiberglass liftgate. Downside is that its only 27 spline rear, correct? Is there anything else I'm missing or incorrect on?

I'm a YJ owner and don't know a whole lot about XJ's, but I'd like to get into the game. I'm finally lifting and beefing up my YJ this summer and want an XJ as my winter-time DD (I use a 98 Honda Accord the rest of the time).

So is this vehicle worth $4,450 (maybe minus about $200 bucks if I can get him down)? I really like it, but don't want to buy anything on impulse without getting everyone's opinion here.... you guys obviously know more about them than me. Or should I be holding out until I find a good 97-99. I am obviously in no hurry to buy and don't "need" it. I "want" it, and there is a big difference between those two words.

Thankx in advance.

MBJR9 · 01-09-2008, 12:05 PM

As far as the worth, it really depends on the area. I think that's out right crazy for a '96 around here. I picked mine up for $1800.

I check Craigslist, Auto Trader, and Car Soup for your specific area and see how it compares. Keep in mind that a dealer is ALWAYS going to charge more.

It probably has the 27 spline rear, although if it was built late enough it could have the 29.

Also, if you REALLY want a 5 speed I'd hold out for one especially if you don't NEED another car right now. Good luck with your search!

boondocksaint · 01-09-2008, 12:06 PM

I don't know about up there, but down here, it will be hard to find a pre-97 for over $4k. Most of them go for about $2k. The 87-92's are usually $500-$1k, the 93-96's $1-3k, and the 97-01's $4-5k....

SuperStreetJeep · 01-09-2008, 12:22 PM

bought my 93 for 1,200 my 94 for 1,200 (he wanted 2,400) and my 96 for a little over 2k cant recall exactly.

**mecompco** · 01-09-2008, 12:43 PM

That seems a bit high, though it does sound like a nice truck. The Sport is the low-end trim package, though it *should* have the 29 spline 8.25 and does have the HP D30. It is also easy to upgrade to the later model intake, which gets you some more power.

I'd get it checked out and make sure any needed repairs are deducted from the price. Any warranty? That might be worth something, too. Make sure you find some gravel/dirt and test the 4WD.

taseal · 01-09-2008, 01:36 PM

damn, thats alot of dineros

Axl Jack · 01-09-2008, 01:49 PM

Ok, guess thats a lot. I thought that was pretty low considering it only had 105K.

But, guess what? I picked up a local car sales paper today and found a 97 with a 5 speed stick, 2 door, 4.0L, also 105K. He's only 30 miles from my house. I'm going to test drive it either later today or tomorrow afternoon.

Guy wants $3500 OBO for it. What do you think I should offer even if its in pristine condition?

Crystalship1 · 01-09-2008, 01:52 PM

I think you found an overpriced one!!

Looky here:

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingReport.aspx?ManufacturerId=24&YearId=1996&V ehicleClass=UsedCar&VehicleId=9297&PriceType=Priva te+Party&ModelId=402&Mileage=106000&SelectionHisto ry=9297%7c12789%7c17815%7c0%7c0%7c&Condition=Good& QuizConditions=

If 'ya can't talk him down CONSIDERABLY, I'd move on.

MBJR9 · 01-09-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axl Jack

Ok, guess thats a lot. I thought that was pretty low considering it only had 105K.

But, guess what? I picked up a local car sales paper today and found a 97 with a 5 speed stick, 2 door, 4.0L, also 105K. He's only 30 miles from my house. I'm going to test drive it either later today or tomorrow afternoon.

Guy wants $3500 OBO for it. What do you think I should offer even if its in pristine condition?

I'd offer him $2500 and see where it goes from there. KBB/NADA are going to say a 5 speed decreases value. Try to play on that, unless he's a Jeep guy in which case he knows it going to go for more. I dunno, all these prices seem WAY high. Maybe that's just how it is in your part of the country.

red96jeep · 01-09-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axl Jack

1996 Cherokee Sport, 6 cylinder, 4 speed auto. 105,600 miles. NP231 transfer case because its only the part time 4WD system. 8.25" rear axle. Unsure on the gearing, but I'm assuming its at least 3.55, possibly 3.73. (I asked the dealer to get me a build sheet). Only 1 previous owner.

I'd prefer a stick, but they're much harder to find. Anyway, no rust. And I really mean no rust because I checked it thoroughly everywhere. Drives great, lots of power, shifts great (downshifts smooth too).

I'm sure I can get him down another $200 as well, because there is a slight clunk from the front pass. side which I believe to just be a ball joint on its way out. Before I buy I will take it to a mechanic (who is a friend of the family and trust).

I was searching for a 97 to 99, but saw this one on the lot and decided what the heck, might as well try it out.

So the benefit is that it has the fiberglass liftgate. Downside is that its only 27 spline rear, correct? Is there anything else I'm missing or incorrect on?

I'm a YJ owner and don't know a whole lot about XJ's, but I'd like to get into the game. I'm finally lifting and beefing up my YJ this summer and want an XJ as my winter-time DD (I use a 98 Honda Accord the rest of the time).

So is this vehicle worth $4,450 (maybe minus about $200 bucks if I can get him down)? I really like it, but don't want to buy anything on impulse without getting everyone's opinion here.... you guys obviously know more about them than me. Or should I be holding out until I find a good 97-99. I am obviously in no hurry to buy and don't "need" it. I "want" it, and there is a big difference between those two words.

Thankx in advance.

yeah that's a pretty fair price if it is really in good condition like you say. and by the way, all xj's have fiberglass lift gates just an fyi if the dealer trys to trick you with that little bit of info. 106k sounds pretty good for a 96, i have a 96 that i got two years ago and it only had 100k on it, and now has 120k and still runs strong. also you get a bonus on the 8.25 rear axle, it's kinda the one everyone looks for. see if it dosn't also have the towing package if so you might also get a LSD

1996xj · 01-09-2008, 02:05 PM

I got my 96 3 years ago(price equivent to a 99 back then) for 2,000. It was just like you described but with 136,000 on it. The only problem was a cracked windshield which cost me $180.

We talked the guy down $1000, it was orginally posted for $3000. And like i said the value of a 96 wouldhave been higher three years ago.

SuperStreetJeep · 01-09-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axl Jack

Ok, guess thats a lot. I thought that was pretty low considering it only had 105K.

But, guess what? I picked up a local car sales paper today and found a 97 with a 5 speed stick, 2 door, 4.0L, also 105K. He's only 30 miles from my house. I'm going to test drive it either later today or tomorrow afternoon.

Guy wants $3500 OBO for it. What do you think I should offer even if its in pristine condition?

I officially hate you .. thats exactly what I want.... 97+ 2door 5spd

**19OlllllllO41** · 01-09-2008, 03:04 PM

Overpriced! I got my 2000 Classic (see spec's in signature) in very good condition with 105,000 miles about 4 months ago for $4,300.

**mecompco** · 01-09-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red96jeep

and by the way, all xj's have fiberglass lift gates just an fyi if the dealer trys to trick you with that little bit of info.

This statement is incorrect. The later models had steel lift gates.

**19OlllllllO41** · 01-09-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red96jeep

yeah that's a pretty fair price if it is really in good condition like you say. and by the way, all xj's have fiberglass lift gates just an fyi if the dealer trys to trick you with that little bit of info. 106k sounds pretty good for a 96, i have a 96 that i got two years ago and it only had 100k on it, and now has 120k and still runs strong. also you get a bonus on the 8.25 rear axle, it's kinda the one everyone looks for. see if it dosn't also have the towing package if so you might also get a LSD

Check your facts dude, mine has a steel liftgate!

They made the switch to steel ones for the last few years of production. Maybe with the '97 redisign? Im not exactly sure of the year, but steel was used for a few years at least.