1995 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport

[ffbuch90]

i am looking at buying a 1995 jeep cherokee xj sport. the owner told me i would have to replace the starter, along with the brakes, brake lines the serpintine belt. There is quite a bit of rust on the under carriage im just worried if i do buy this vehicle i will put more money into it then i can.
ANY ADVICE????
PLEASE HELP!!!!!

[Brasscatz]

First place to start is: How much is he asking? How much rust? Rusted through? What is your budget?

It can still be a great Jeep, but there are several factors to consider when planning a budget for the vehicle

[NW99XJ]

Rust is always a red flag for me.....
I personally would pass on something like this, unless you're prepared for a lot of work and expense.
Keep an eye out for something that isn't so rusty, but keep in mind, most jeeps are going to need a little bit of work here and there.

[XJ Wheeler]

Its all about the rust for me. If its not a great price and the rust is going through in multiple places i would pass. Rust is a lot of work and if there's enough of it the body can get weak and then become "tweaked". Mechanical problems like brakes just don't bother me that much, if it is a cheaper vehicle. Pictures would definitely be helpful.

[4.3LXJ]

Are you located in an area where they use salt on the roads?

[nickyg]

Any auto that's 18 years old is gonna take a little elbow grease and cash. When my daughter was looking for a car i told her to be prepared to spend about 6 grand for a reliable car. You can spend that all up front or buy an older car and drop money in it as you go along. I perfer the latter. This is just my opinon. Good luck and let us know what u do. And alot of rust is a big set back

[ffbuch90]

yes the area i ive in uses salt but from what i understand the vehicle hasnt been run in several years. also the owner is asking 500 im looking at talking the guy down to 400 due to the work im looking at putting into it. from what i saw while looking at the vehicle and actually talking to the guy the rust is more or less surface rust the rocker panels will need to be replaced. but the frame seem s decent like i said its just surface rust on the under carraige.

[4.3LXJ]

Should be OK then.

[Brasscatz]

500 bucks is a fair price for an XJ that needs a little work. I would love to find an XJ in "needs minor work" condition and build it to be my wheeler so I can keep my current Jeep lookin' purty :D Is this going to be a daily driver or offroad only?

[XJ Wheeler]

If you can get it for that, probably. a good deal. But don't take his word on the rust, get under there yourself and look. Poke a few places that look ominous to see how sturdy they are. You don't wanna go poking holes in his floor but see if it moves. Sometimes rust can be tricky. Btw, i'm only assuming your skills, if you're an accomplished fabricator or something you can handle rust and it may not be as big of a deal.