Bad Craigslist Luck- My (Jeep) XJ Search Continues

"hedbutter" (hedbutter)
11/20/2013 at 08:12 • Filed to: None

Does anyone else just have terrible craigslist luck? As you know, I'm currently looking for a 4wd winter beater so I can buy a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Over the past week, I have reached out to around 6 people about a Jeep Cherokee, and only received responses from 1 (which, but the time i could drive the 1.5 hours to see it, was already sold). I'm not sure if its the questions I'm asking or old ads (even though they were less than 2-3 days old at the time), but getting a reply seems to be difficult. Below is a group of questions i typically ask if they are not stated in the ad. Am I asking too much? I just want to make sure i'm not wasting anyone's time, especially when i have to drive 3 hours round trip.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

1. Does the jeep use/leak any oil or antifreeze?

2. Does the jeep have a hitch (if there is not a picture of it)?

3. Do the heat and AC work as expected?

4. Any rust issues (I looked at a jeep on a carlot over the weekend that was "rust free" and literally poked my finger through the quarter panel)?

5. Any major maintenance that has recently been completed?

DISCUSSION (12)

Mattbob > hedbutter
11/20/2013 at 08:18

wanna buy mine? 180,000 miles, AC stopped working this summer, some rust on the doors and roof, no hitch, seeps oil (not major), needs various other minor things. I'll let it go for $3,500.

CalzoneGolem > hedbutter
11/20/2013 at 08:20

Usually no response means, "I already sold it but I'm too lazy to take it down or tell you."

highmodulus > hedbutter
11/20/2013 at 08:32

How much snow are you taking about? Would a set of winter tires/wheels work instead? Although I have a 4wd 4runner for snow days, rather than my BRZ.

Another option is to post to whatever social networks you are on and see what your contacts have that they are willing to sell- Facebook is good for this I find.

Mathias Rios > hedbutter
11/20/2013 at 08:49

Have you tried searchtempest.com? It's a much more efficient way of browsing craigslist and it sort of filters out all the ads. I find that I have pretty good craigslist luck in buying, but not selling.

BarryDanger > hedbutter
11/20/2013 at 09:56

I think you can omit the hitch question. Most XJs I see on Colorado CL don't have a hitch. It's something you can get done yourself easily and most times you can tell from the pictures. All other questions seem legitimate. Where are you searching if you don't mind me asking?

hedbutter > highmodulus
11/20/2013 at 10:47

Pittsburgh winters have been completely different since I've been here. While a set of winter tires would work for the most part, it'd be nice to have a vehicle to take offloading as well (i miss that with my old XJ) and that could actually carry me and more than 1 other friend somewhere. Also, anytime i have to move something that's a decent size, the XJ could be sued for that as well.

hedbutter > BarryDanger
11/20/2013 at 10:52

Well, the reason i ask the hitch questions is that I want to know if its stock (has the nut strips in the back, installed correctly) or if it doesnt and that's something i need to check when i look into it).

hedbutter > CalzoneGolem
11/20/2013 at 10:53

Yeah, its just irritating that I'll catch a post within hours of it being posted, and I'll contact them via email (only way to) and wont get an answer.

highmodulus > hedbutter
11/20/2013 at 11:02

An older 3rd Gen 4runner is a great option if you can find one then.

hedbutter > Mattbob
11/21/2013 at 07:19

Hey- where exactly are you located/how firm are you on the price? Year? Cruise Control?

I'm looking at one this Saturday and if everything checks out, I'll most likely be buying it, but wanted to comment on this in case it falls through.

hedbutter > Mattbob
11/21/2013 at 07:20

Kinja'd

hedbutter > hedbutter
11/21/2013 at 07:25

And the first person i contact after posting this replies within minutes, and i'm going to look at it on Saturday.. Funny how that works.