gonna take a look at cherokee tomorrow need advice

[kzpl14]

ok so im gonna take a look at a 98 jeep cherokee. It has 112000 miles and the guy is asking 2250.

He said it has a few dents, he put in new U joints, shocks, new brakes and brake lines, newer tires and new radio

the problems so far from what he said is the passenger window needs new track but stays up and air only works on high. he also said theres a little coolant leak from cap. Is the leak something i should be worried about?

the jeep is automatic and its 4x4

and it has a clear title

He also said theres barley any rust but tomorrow im gonna go check it out.

So what do you all think of this deal is it worth it? i think it is but i dont know if theres any more problems with the car those are just the things he said but i will keep you updated and let u know tomorrow when i take a look.

Is there any thing particular i should look at when i go tomorrow what are some things u guys would recommend looking at.

i printed out a used car checklist thing which pretty much covers everything but i wanna here some stuff u guys suggest checking out.

thanks

[CL8]

Originally Posted by kzpl14

ok so im gonna take a look at a 98 jeep cherokee. It has 112000 miles and the guy is asking 2250.

He said it has a few dents, he put in new U joints, shocks, new brakes and brake lines, newer tires and new radio

the problems so far from what he said is the passenger window needs new track but stays up and air only works on high. he also said theres a little coolant leak from cap. Is the leak something i should be worried about?

That would be enough for me to look for something else. I had a Jeep Cherokee that had the engine destroyed from less than five minutes of driving when the over heat warning light came on. A leak in the radiator is a pain!

the jeep is automatic and its 4x4

and it has a clear title

He also said theres barley any rust but tomorrow im gonna go check it out.

So what do you all think of this deal is it worth it? i think it is but i dont know if theres any more problems with the car those are just the things he said but i will keep you updated and let u know tomorrow when i take a look.

Is there any thing particular i should look at when i go tomorrow what are some things u guys would recommend looking at.

i printed out a used car checklist thing which pretty much covers everything but i wanna here some stuff u guys suggest checking out.

thanks

[kzpl14]

so is a leak in the coolant hard to fix ? because if it is then theres really no point for me to go and take a look at the car i thought it wouldint be to bad but i dont know much it would save me an hour drive.

[gtmud]

A 98 XJ for 2250. Not too bad of a price, but you will have to look over the vehicle VERY well. Now these are ready from factory for a little mild toying in the mud and such ( with proper tires) so first and look everything over under neath it, look for bent or twisted brackets, leaks from tranny, engine, diffs. At 100K the 4.0 engines rear main seal had a tendency to begin to leak, not a major job, but a slight seepage from the seal is ok . Next listen to the engine, does it sound solid, or is there a rapping noise. THis model should run fairly quiet, if it is niosy thats a good indication that it was run hot, and may have other issues. Next, check the fluids, does the engine oil look clean, or black as tar, the tranny fliud red, or burnt (amber color), smell it does it smell burnt? The best way to really check this out well ,is take a buddy that is well versed in Jeeps, or basic mechanics that would know what to look for. Next test drive!! Does the tranny shift well, does it make any weird noises. Basically you need to scrutinize the car, listen for whining from the diffs( or growling) this would indicate a bearing failure in the diffs.
Now for the $$ this is not going to be a perfect vehicle, you will find things wrong with it, it comes down to what your able to do yourself (how mechanically inclined are you?) My opinion is, if the running gear ( engine, tranny, t-case) are in good working order and it would pass your state inspection, than it would be worth about 18- 2000. Thats due to the fact I can do just about anything to the jeep, and have a donor vehicle too.
Just one more thing, that coolant leak, look it over well, if its justa leaky cap then it should show a track of fluid from the cap down, but look at the lower rad hose close to the w/pump, it you see coolant there, hen it may need a w/pump. I think he is hiding something with his explanation, a cap is cheap to replace, why hasn't he to sell it.
Hope this helps some.

[kzpl14]

yea thats what im thinking that he might be hiding something because for that year and millage im sure it would be more than 2250. But thanks for all the info and im not gonna bother looking at it. Its to suspicious.

[thinmints]

If it was me i would make sure to take it out on the hwy and check to see if you have any death wobble issues find a few pot holes and hit them about 65 MPH to see if the front end starts to shake, be sure to engage the 4WD and make sure all is working fine, look at the oil dipstick see if its discolored or smells like antifreeze. My 96 has over 220k and it runs like a horse only major repair was the water pump

[fredjacksonsan]

I've had a couple of 4.0's, and both radiator caps went bad...$5 for a new one and the leak was gone. Check for coolant or a deposit around the cap.

[pahtnah]

Take the cap off. Look for rust. If you see rust, don't buy it. I just bought a 2000 Cherokee 4.0L and there is rust in the radiator. Now I may need to replace the radiator and or water pump.

Good luck.

[CL8]

So kzpl, did you buy that Cherokee?
If so, how is it running for you?

[ufdan25]

I agree with what most people are saying. If there is any reason to suspect a bad radiator, move on. I bought a used 2000 4.0L in 2003 and have replaced the radiator twice... not more than a few months ago and it's giving me problems again.