1999 MJ Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 So, as I collect parts for my 1988 2wd Laredo Longbed, with a non-original engine I’ve been having second guesses. I’ve got a 1999 2dr XJ 4x4 5spd that will be going into this MJ. My question, with comments is: - I plan to drive it daily. Make it a “useful" vehicle as opposed to a car show queen. I do plan to restore it, to a point. I don’t plan on rebuilding an engine or transmission, just replace wear & tear parts. I know I enjoy seeing originally restored MJ’s. I also enjoy seeing "updated" MJ’s. Does an updated MJ significantly hurt the resale value? Does it help it? What’s everyone’s opinion if an updated MJ was available for the 1097-2001 years? What if there was a fully restored 1988 MJ, just as it rolled off the assembly line (top of the line trim model), and a 1988 MJ that was restored / updated using 1999 parts (top of the line, trim model)? No crazy engine. No crazy lift. Everything created equal. Just "updated"? ZERO miles on both. What would you value both at? What would you prefer to drive? Comments, based on what you’ve seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pizzaman09 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 I'm of the strong belief of never do something for resale value as it is something for you, do what you want. That said, I like the look of the 96 and older front end and interior. However I've seen a few very well done facelifted MJs and they look fantastic, particularly if they have a shiny coat of paint on them. I'm not so much a fan of the facelifted interior, it just doesn't flow with the shape of the exterior, the later Cherokees got melted by the late 90s bubble car phase on the interior. Then again, full length windows are worth the price of entry for how much better they are for wind noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Build it the way you want it. I did a hybrid on my latest build and wouldn’t change a thing. 97+ front end, full size windows but no bubbly 97+ door mirrors or dash. I will say though, the 97+ center console is much more useful and durable than the stock MJ version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 I like the old style better. I think it looks a lot nicer and more premium. To me, the newer front end and interior looks almost cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ωhm Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 For myself I’m a purist, but I also believe your jeep your call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeding_infraction Posted August 11 Share Posted August 11 Build it how you want, when I am looking at vehicles, I tend to focus on price and body condition. Everything else I am comfortable working on. And if I can't afford it then I don't need to worry about it anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZLAJeep Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 We tend to the purist end of the spectrum. When looking to buy a Jeep (which happens too often ) we look for the least altered we can find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 I hesitate using the word "updated" when swapping in 25+ year old parts. they are all old now. very, very old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 If you're going to daily drive the truck, I wouldn't worry too much about the resale value unless its something you think you will sell down the road. If you have no plans to sell it, build it the way you want to. Personally, I wouldn't buy a 97+ swapped truck, but I also wouldn't buy a fully correctly restored truck either because I don't trust other people's work. A very well done 97 swap will probably be worth as much as a correctly restored truck. A mediocre swap will probably hurt the value. Having been in an 97 XJ with a 5 speed, my 89 MJ with a 5 speed and a bench, and my 89 MJ with a 5 speed and buckets, I can tell you that I think the best looking and most comfortable interior is the 89 with buckets. It looks the best and I think everything was better ergonomically plus the early style buckets are maybe the most comfortable seats I've sat in ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 1 hour ago, Pete M said: I hesitate using the word "updated" when swapping in 25+ year old parts. they are all old now. very, very old. And is it "updated" to swap 1970s axles into a 1980s MJ? Asking for a friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 I rock a 1992 Jeep radio (bluetooth added) in my 06 Liberty. is that "updated"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1999 MJ Posted August 13 Author Share Posted August 13 Lots of excellent points. Especially, if I’m going to daily drive it, I want to enjoy it. As for seats, I sure do miss my 1987 XJ rocking seats. I’ve wondered if I could find that style of sliders and mount some 1997-2001 Classic seats to the rails, then swap in the seat hinge mechanism, to access behind the seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted August 13 Share Posted August 13 For some reason, I want to do a 97+ swap. Yet, I want to keep the front grill or header panel. I need to cut out some areas to have the headlight adjusters fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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