Hey everyone,

I am in need of a cheap vehicle and I have always dreamed of owning a Jeep. I came across the following ad on Craigslist. However, I know almost next to nothing about cars or how to buy one. I hope someone can tell me if this would be a worthy buy and also any advice about any complications to watch out for. My main concerns are not paying so much for repairs that I may as well buy a perfectly functioning car, and that there aren't any major recurring problems with the vehicle that will give me a headache for months to come. I really appreciate your help.



I am moving to the west coast and I am selling my 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 automatic. I had this car for almost 8 years and it at has been a reliable car for all this time. I've been in two fender benders but nothing major. The car has 245xxx miles on it and I drive it on a daily basis. I have the title on my name and I am ready to do the transfer (DMV fees, title, etc, are paid by the buyer).

Now, about the car:
The good:

*It was the top of the line at the time, so it has power everything (steering/mirrors/seats/windows), nice alloy wheels, KC fog lamps, etc.
*AC
*It also has a towing package I understand is the of the highest grade. I towed the largest U-haul trailer from Miami to here a few years back without a problem.
*All leather seats.
*The car *passed inspection* in June, so it is good to go until 06/09.
*Great cargo capacity
*The car runs, engine and transmission are OK as far as I can tell.
*Has four good tires and the replacement one is brand new never used.
*There are no significant dents or body damage, but it has some cosmetic scratches and the paint is starting to come off at some points.

The bad:
*A couple of months ago, the electric system went crazy. The door chime wouldn't stop, the AC would stay on even after I turn the engine off, the computer did not make any sense, etc. I had to remove a fuse because otherwise the battery would get drained. I don't know what the cause of the problem is but I suspect the computer is damaged.
*The ABS light in the dashboard is on
*The screen of the on-board computer is broken (this is why I think the problem has to do with the computer)
*There is a crack on a corner of the windshield.
*Speedometer doesn't work properly.
The car is being sold *as is*. I am no mechanic and I cannot tell if there any other problem other than the ones I mentioned above.You are more than welcome to bring your mechanic if you wish.
I MUST sell this car by this coming weekend so I am asking only $950 OBO. The Kelly blue book value for fair condition is $2660 (check it here (http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingReport.aspx?YearId=1993&Mileage=245000&VehicleClass=UsedCar&ManufacturerId=24&ModelId=162&PriceType=Private+Party&VehicleId=10701&SelectionHistory=10701%7C29012%7C27514%7C0%7C0%7C3 85248%7Ctrue%7C385247%7Cfalse&Condition=Fair))!!!!!!

PS: I've been asked this a number of times so please read this: You do not have to bring all the money with you when you come to see the car. If you like it and want to buy it, all I will ask you is a deposit ($100 will do) and then the transaction will be completed at the DMV.

My advice is to try & find one with fewer, less complex bells & whistles. This Jeep will not be cheap if you have to repair anything that involves the elecronics.
By all means, try to avoid buying a brake problem without knowing what the exposure is. If you have to replace the ABS plus other likely components it can run half the initial price.
JMO, FWIW

unless you are very well mechanically buy a chevy but the jeeps with the 4.0 are pretty good the v8 had some issues and are harder to work on and fewer of them in bone yards to rob parts off of