1991 xj

[KMW-NWXJ]

Hey all. I have a quick question. I have been lurking around here for awhile now gleaning wisdom and soaking up ideas. Still don't have an XJ yet, but getting closer. My plan was to pick up a '99, but we're not there yet on money. However, my neighbor has just inherited and is going to sell a really nice '91.

So, for the question: Should I consider it, or hold out for a '99?

This '91 is very clean, no rust, everything works. It is a 5-speed and has 211,000 miles. It runs great, and isn't leaking or smoking.

It has a small lift, not sure yet how much, and has 31x10.50 tires on it. My biggest thing is it has the D35. :mad: However, I have read a lot of people running the D35 with -33" tires for years with no problems, especially open.

This vehicle will mostly be a DD for my wife, with occasional trail trips a few times a year. I am a pretty "easy" driver, and am more into being technical and using finesse rather than mashing the pedal and just bouncing through stuff. I don't really like beating the snot out of my stuff.

Are there any major red flags I should look for besides it having the D35? I think he is going to ask $2500.

Thanks for any opinions!

[4.3LXJ]

A 91 will serve nicely. The D35 is much maligned, but is serviceable if wheeled responsibly

[KMW-NWXJ]

Thanks! Barring finding any mechanical issues, does $2500 sound like a decent price? I looked around on craigslist, and didn't find any similar to compare to, and it seems KBB and NADA don't go back that far.

[bigjim350]

$2500 seems high to me. Unless its VERY clean with low miles. I bought my 92 with 100k miles for $1200. And it was pretty clean.

[XJ Wheeler]

A tad high to me too, but they may be going for more up where you live. Don't worry too much about that 35, worst comes to worst and you swap an 8.25 in it for a couple hundred. Easy swap and 8.25 axles are common and cheap.



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[Brasscatz]

Agreed, go for it. And not knowing what they go for in your area.... it's high to me too. I got my 97 for $2k here in Houston

[KMW-NWXJ]

Well, in my area clean '99s are going for $4000+. I did some more looking around today and found some '91 and '92s. I'm not seeing anything that looks this clean. Found a '92 with 250,000 miles, has bent bumpers, a few dents, serious paint peeling, part of the grill broken off, rear hatch wont stay open, and stained interior, and they are asking $2300. Another '92 with lift and 33"s and fenders hacked out, and rattle can paint job, no pics of interior but it says, "need some interior work" :eek:, asking $3000.

I think I am going to really look it over good this weekend and see if I can talk my wife into the 5-speed. That might be the one hurdle!

By the way, how low is low range on one with the 5? Is it low enough for crawling around without having to really abuse the clutch?

[Rocco83]

High to me compared to those in my area. I picked up a 98 with a brand new 4.0L (granted I had to install it) and was able to get it in and a ton of new parts, if I charge myself $500 for the labor I'm coming in at the price of your '91.

Unless you need a car ASAP I'd shop around more.

[KMW-NWXJ]

Yeah, clean '98s here start at $4000 private, and on car lots are up as high as $6-7000. Anything less is usually hammered looking.

[Rocco83]

Guess if I ever plan on selling I need to haul mine out there.

[XJ Wheeler]

Yeah, I've heard the NW is a by higher on these. Definitely look it over anyways. And see if he'll come down any... worth a shot right! Good luck.

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[KMW-NWXJ]

Well, my neighbor wasn't home but I was just over there crawling around the outside of it.

This thing has ZERO rust on the under body. I did not see any leaks. Some very minor seeping in couple spots, only to where dust stuck. I'm not sure how to tell what kind of lift it has, but it has newer looking Pro Comp shocks, and the lower arms are very stout and adjustable. It also has front sway bar disconnects.

There are no scars or marks underneath at all to indicate it has ever been off road.

The front driveline is double cardan, and it looks like all the u joints were recently replaced. It does not have a SYE.

It also has brand new MT tires. Forget what kind.

I'll be talking to him tomorrow.

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[Brasscatz]

getting me excited now lol

[XJ Wheeler]

Sounds sweet!

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