Can't seem to find a Jeep XJ

ZerozxCJ · 07-12-2009, 04:09 PM

This is starting to drive me crazy, I want to buy a Jeep Cherokee XJ [sport or classic, doesn't really matter..right?] for my first vehicle. I'll be getting my license very soon and I've been searching for one....I just CANNOT seem to find one that is 1) a decent price with a mileage that isn't TOO high and 2) the Jeep isn't too far away...if I do find a seemingly good deal, the Jeep is always over 200+ miles away. Guess I can't find one locally.

I think the reason I want a lower mileage is because I'm afraid if it's too high, then the Jeep may not last as long. I suppose it really depends how well the previous owner maintained it..

This is the thread I posted months ago: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f177/decisions-decisions-decisions-723132/

Anyway, is this uncommon that it seems hard to find a vehicle? any other ideas? I've been using autotrader.com, been looking around at the Jeeps for sale on this forum, and even another Jeep forum specifically for North Carolina.

GAAH! Any help would be appreciated...

G-MANtj · 07-12-2009, 04:17 PM

try craigslist. and whats your price range/mileage if you dont mind my asking?

ZerozxCJ · 07-12-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-MANxj

try craigslist. and whats your price range/mileage if you dont mind my asking?

Thanks, I forgot about cragislist. I remember using it in the past but nothing would ever come up, but I'll check it.

On all of these sites that make me enter a price range I type in 100 for the minimum (not sure what else to put here) but for the maximum I'll put 5,000/6,000. Obviously my dad will be the one paying, I'll have to pay him back eventually, but this would be the price range, I guess. Up to 5/6k.

As for the mileage, what do you think is "too much" ? I sort of back away from vehicles that have around 150-200k...but like I mentioned, I guess it all comes down to how well they maintained their vehicle.

theducksguts · 07-12-2009, 04:23 PM

How long have you been looking? You are totally right about the mileage. It is all about the PO. In most cases you have to go with the thought that they haven't done anything to it in terms of maintenance. That may be true, it may be false. I have purchased two XJ's and both are great. A 99 with 65K miles currently, and an 00 with 109K. Both purchased for under 5K. They are out there. I figure there has to be some advantage living in NC. No winters and road salt. They can be found. Don't let getting your License be the deadline for finding a vehicle. If it is you will likely settle and then see 3 XJ's for sale after you bought whatever you settled for. Be patient. I looked for 4 months before getting the 99, and 3 months before the 00.

One of the reasons you might be having a hard time finding one is that people really seem to like them and hold on to them longer than they would some throwaway car. Certainly continue looking at Autotrader, try Car Soup. Even try dealerships, friends, friend's parents family, let them know what you are looking for. Also, don't be afraid to drive a bit to find the right one. I drove 4.5 hours to pick up the 99. Just keep looking and don't settle. You will regret it if you do.

Side note. Remember this is your first vehicle and many people start out with something over 200k for their first ride. Don't sweat it.

ZerozxCJ · 07-12-2009, 04:26 PM

Great post gilandj, but, a quick question, what do you think I should do if I come across a deal that seems good? Should I take an opportunity if I find it, or wait and search more? Knowing my luck I would buy some seemingly good deal and then two weeks later I would notice an even better deal for sale.

oh well.

G-MANtj · 07-12-2009, 04:28 PM

for that price you should easily be able to find a xj with 100k miles or less. you could probably even find one with a lift or some other extras if your patient enough

ZerozxCJ · 07-12-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-MANxj

for that price you should easily be able to find a xj with 100k miles or less. you could probably even find one with a lift or some other extras if your patient enough

Yeah, it's sort of hard to be patient...but I'm trying. :P

G-MANtj · 07-12-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZerozxCJ

Yeah, it's sort of hard to be patient...but I'm trying. :P

haha i know what you mean. i was in your same spot a few months ago looking for my tj. it took me a looong time to find the right one. but its worth the wait in the end

**dav5942** · 07-12-2009, 04:39 PM

You might try having a local dealer look for one for you-auctions, etc.

**jeepkid03** · 07-12-2009, 06:02 PM

I know exactly what you mean man

Around here it seems everyone wants a cherokee. I've had to buy an XJ three times because people hit and totaled my last two. I wouldnt be so concerned with mileage as I would be how it was taken care of. My '90 was my first jeep. It was a limited with the leather seats, gold wheels, etc and only had 89K on it. However it was never taken care of and I dont think it had ever been washed. I got it for 1000 bucks but basically had to semi-restore it back to great condition. Hope you find one soon. This is a pic of my first XJ after I finished fixing it up nice. I wish I still had it.

theducksguts · 07-12-2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZerozxCJ

Great post gilandj, but, a quick question, what do you think I should do if I come across a deal that seems good? Should I take an opportunity if I find it, or wait and search more? Knowing my luck I would buy some seemingly good deal and then two weeks later I would notice an even better deal for sale.

oh well.

If it is a good deal to you and you like it, I say go for it. If you feel you need to have a mechanic check it out, then have that setup. Make sure to check for major rust especially underneath. Living in NC I wouldn't figure it would be as much as up here in WI but check still. Get a Carfax report I made sure to get one on both when I bought them. Sometimes Dealers will provide that for free, other wise it is $14 if I remember correctly and well worth it. Just be smart about things. Don't get pressured into buying something you aren't comfortable with, and make sure you have your pop along too. Having an adult around can help cut the BS real quick. Good luck and keep us posted.

01ClassicXJ · 07-12-2009, 08:27 PM

I bought mine with 173,000 but when i did a carfax it had been serviced every 3000 religiously at a dealer. Under my hood i have like 10 stickers for past services its had flushes and all.

ZerozxCJ · 07-13-2009, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the continued replies

G-MANtj · 07-13-2009, 03:35 PM

idk where in north carolina you are but i found this

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1253474851.html

G-MANtj · 07-13-2009, 03:38 PM

one more and you could have some money left over for the important stuff like lifts and tires

http://fayetteville.craigslist.org/cto/1252527897.html