xj for student car?

Thinking of an XJ for my kid.

Any advise on features, model years to look for or avoid.

Any other vehicles to consider?

Also thinking VW Squareback or Volvo 240 wagon.

If your kid is a wild/inexperienced driver, get a 4 cyl XJ. They are somewhat cheaper than a six, but more rare.
The 4 liter six cyl is pretty perky, and can get some kids into a bit of trouble.

Generally, get the best condition Jeep you can afford. There are plenty of old, worn out, rusty xj's that are really cheap, but unless you are prepared to do major work on your own, generally such bad Jeeps are expensive money pits to renovate.

Also, the xj experienced extensive mostly detailed changes in its lifespan. Generally the newer ones are more reliable and function better than the older designs, all other factors being equal. Get the latest model you can afford.

Personally, I like to forgo as many power options as possible. The more basic models tend to habve less power and electronic options to go wrong.

However, an xj would make a good vehicle for a kid. Its very utilitarian and useful, has a certain 'cool' factor, and, unlike a sporty car, does not lend itself to high performance (aka dangerous) driving.

As for a Squareback.......bad idea. Most are so old, they lack much of the safety equipment we take for granted. IMO if you value your kid the way I value mine, get something newer and safer.

The 240 series is a good choice. Most are slow (aka safer) but they handle well and are roomy and practical. Most do not have airbags, though.
I might go for a Volvo 7 series wagon, with airbags............... it's as roomey as an xj, but less likely to roll over. Probably more expensive for parts and service, though.

College or High School?

Do you want he or she to become an auto mechanic? or technician?

Or are you going to do all the fix and repair?

Just a thought here....my kid drives a Jeep. She is 23 now...I told the story on this forum before, but she is on her second one...a 2001 2wd, 4door that I bought in '05. She use to drive the 2dr 4wd that you see in the avitar, but it became unreliable for her becuase she is not an auto mechanic. I am.

Don't forget that the XJ will also be very practical for hauling all their own stuff to and from school....a smaller car might not be able to haul it all.

Hey..Fred......Aloha..

Yep, my kid and I are both pack rat types....she is a dancer and hauls all her costumes and other peeps that travel with her.
I am a computer tech and hauls computers, monitors and such.....

Hey..Fred......Aloha..

Yep, my kid and I are both pack rat types....she is a dancer and hauls all her costumes and other peeps that travel with her.
I am a computer tech and hauls computers, monitors and such.....

Aloha....yeah gotta love the extra space, it comes in real handy sometimes. I'd have a Cherokee if it had enough headroom for me, had to get the GC.

The Volvo would probably be a solid vehicle, but as stated earlier doesn't have the same "cool" factor. If you wanted to keep them from offroading, you could always get a 2wd XJ.

Thanks for the replies so far. Yeah...I think the Squareback is out, I could just imagine the tin can in an accident.

I see lots of opportunities for the XJ and 240's at reasonable prices.

Niether he or I want to take on any projects. Mostly looking for something cheap that will get him through 4-5 years or local daily driving without major set backs.

Seems the older XJs have cooling problems, though I like the idea of extensive aftermarket parts and upgrades.

The 240 seems so practical, but many do have a lot of miles on them.

I guess I will just keep my eye open for the perfect deal.

I don't know where abouts you are, but here in Virginia Volvo's parts and repairs seem to be more expensive than most. At least that's the impression I got from my girl working for a Volvo specific repair shop. I dunno, just a thought...

On another note, I recently, (within a year) have gotten three cherokees, (all 4.0 I6's) I love them so much... They're very easy to work on in my opinion, and parts are very easy to get. I'm not a mechanic by any means, but have done any troubleshooting and work needed myself, (besides welding, but that's soon to be learned!) on an '89, '92, &a '98 with the fine help, skills (thanks fred and aloha-& everyone else!) , and knowledgebase at this and other great cherokee specific forums.
I'm hooked, I had a choice between this and a 5.0 mustang. I'm glad I went with http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/citizenatlarge/thjeepthig.gif