Hi all I'm new here, but I must say that while browsing through the previous topics, I can see a good number of you know your stuff. I'm considering buying a 91 Cherokee Laredo (from what I can tell it's an XJ, but please feel free to correct me). I've tried best I can to find out the things to look for, but a direct or at least specific response is usually much more reassuring.
OK, here's the details. 91 Cherokee Laredo, 152k miles, 4L In-line 6 (I've read good things about this one, which is why I'm cosidering one with that many miles). Body is in pretty decend condition (a little fading, but no rust- par for a teenager). It's got power windows, locks etc (only reason I mention is because I understand that the wiring in these things can be... "fussy"). No leaks, standard wear in the engine compartment (appropriate wear for older car, no powerwashes, hehe). The front diff. doesn't show any signs of leaks, and the transmission it pulls strong. I did notice that it took a second to switch from nuetral to reverse, and it seemed to shift hard, not a lerch, but you can tell it's harder than a car would feel. I've not driven a 4wd or variable drive vehicle before, so this might very well be normal in these, again, imput is highly appreciated. Here's the tricky part, I can't drive it. It doesn't have tags on it at the moment so a test drive would be illegal. I drove it around the fellow's yard a little and the power steering seems to do just fine. I could tell it hadn't been started in a while because it took a turn or two before it caught. I'm going to look at it again tomorrow and will take notice of how it starts up when I get there. White smoke from the exhaust the exhaust, but not thick like a coolant leak, and it was mid 30's, so I expect a little is ok. That went away after it warmed up. It's has not been lifted, or altered in any way that I is apparent. It has a brand new inspection. All fluids were in the proper ranges and the oil, although needing to be changed wasn't thick like the 20w50 that I understand is not so good for these engines (or more commonly used when the engine starts to drink it). I'm not a certified mechanic, but I learned how to work on my cars since day one owning one (couldn't afford mechanics, but I could afford the Chilton/Hayes manuals, hehe).
I can get a destination pass from the DMV that will let me drive it around, so that might releive a number of my hang-ups about this one...
The fellow is selling it because he is a mechanic and he has too many cars already. Story made short: One of his customers had work done on a Dodge Truck, couldn't afford the bill so he signed his Jeep to the mechanic for compensation. The title is clear and signed over, he hasn't transferred it to himself, hence the lack of tags and the cause of this little dillemna. He's said that he's looked over it and all is well, he just wants to reclaim his losses from work done. He's asking $1500, I've got him down to $1200.
Here's where you folks come into play. I'm looking for any advice you might have on it, things to look for, quirks, and things that ususally fail at around this mile range. From what I can tell, the inline 6 on these things have a reputation of being bullet proof, and the trannies (assuming they aren't run in 4wd while on solid asphault) are pretty tough too.
I want to be a little reassured that I can depend on this vehicle. I don't really mind having to replace things like a starter, alternator, etc, etc; Engine and Transmission problems have caused me headaches like nothing else, though (GM's grrrr!!) I walk to work, but I occasionally do side work and need something I can haul tools, materials etc around in but still be comfortable driving. I don't expect Hybrid gas milage with this engine, but do they do ok, considering the size/power?
OK, I think that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to look over this and again, any opinions, advice or the like are very welcome and greatly appreciated. Have a good one!
~J