'99 Jeep XJ

Hi all; So I'm seriously considering a '99 Jeep XJ, 4lt, auto, 4x4, 166,000km (appears to be in great shape but the mechanic will confirm) listed for $6000.00 Canadian - I'll offer $5000.00-$5500.00 - (that probably sounds like a lot but I live in a limited market and compared to everything else around here, that's fairly reasonable. Plus the seller isn't very motivated) so what I want to know is what will I get with towing capacity...Can I tow a rally car? And I know it's not a Toyota but what kind of reliability might I expect? Thanks a lot guys!

Engine is bulletproof but I've heard not so good things about the rest (not here). Oddly enough, the consensus here is that they are good sold trucks. I'm guessing its because the GRM community is more mechanically inclined as a whole so they don't mind fixing little problems that may drive someone else nuts.

Great vehicles (see my name), however if you're going to be towing, I'd recommend a full-size truck. The XJ is rated to tow 5,000 lbs (whatever kg that works out to), it's still a very lightweight, short wheelbase truck. Neither of those things are good for a tow rig. I don't know how heavy the rally car is, but the phrase "tail wagging the dog" comes to mind. You could do it, but something like a Silverado would be more stable at high speed, better on longer drives and have more power (assuming you get a V8)

My buddy used a xj to haul 3,000 lbs or junk or so and it worked fine, however the headlights were pointing skyward and it DRANK gas.

So.. yes you could do 5000lbs with it. I think the engine and trans would work great, slow up hills but good. I would suggest a load distributing(sway control) hitch, a good brake controller, upgraded brakes, upgraded trans cooler, maybe an oil cooler, and one of those add on air bag rear suspensions...

I have a 99 XJ with 150k. It's the 4x4, auto, 4.0L. It's been a great DD/light trail rig. I've replaced the front power window regulators, water pump, cam angle sensor, and front hubs. My wife and I have really enjoyed it. It's off the road right now getting a 5.5" lift, winch, roof rack, etc. I should be finished with it this weekend and it will only be a part time DD and mostly used for camping trips and getting to the good dirtbike trails. As far as towing.....I've towed a 5x8 trailer with a dirt bike and atv on it, but I wouldn't want to tow a whole lot more. That being said, I tow my car trailers with a one ton dually and a lot of guys on here seem to tow heavier loads with lighter tow vehicles. If you do tow with it I would suggest the same mods Ignorant recommended....especially the transmission cooler and trailer brakes.

From the towing standpoint, I have towed thousands of miles with my Liberty. Dual axle trailer with car etc.about 4000 lbs. No transmiision cooler and do have trailer brakes. It now has a little over 61K miles. It tows with no problems. Could use a little more power on hills. I put air lifts in the rear, mainly to level the head lights. Towed fine before.

I really appreciate the input!

I talked to the owners again today and they seem pretty firm on the $6000cdn...does that sound reasonable?

Thanks very much.