My $37,000 XJ

06lj

TJ Addict
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Jul 14, 2018
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I was going through some drawers and found the window sticker for my 98 XJ. The price new was $24,200. It got me thinking how much that would be today. Adjusted for inflation it would be $37,125. Does this mean new Jeeps aren't as overpriced I want to complain they are? :)
 
I don't know... a fully loaded JL Rubicon is 55k, and I think 57k now for 2019.

Seems like quite a bit of money to me, but I guess everything is relative!

37k for an XJ does seem absurd, but I guess maybe prices are rising but wages aren't.
 
Just curious, what factor for inflation did you use?
And I think jeeps are a bit overpriced because the market lets it happen. IE... even Soccer moms and office women are buying them. And they don't see dirt.
 
It's interesting when you start factoring inflation into the equation. My TJ sold new for 40,000 (aus dollars) in 2001, which when accounted for inflation is about 62,000. According to Jeep Australia's website, a JK 2 door starts at 42,000 and a JL 2 door starts at 53,000. So I think it's safe to say that new Jeeps aren't as overpriced as they seem, at least when you look at it this way.
 
I used the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics consumer price index calculator.
I guess this means the 2038 Wrangler will be pushing $100k. Ha ha
and so, is this a good reason why we still need to keep China at bay?
China Bureau of Labour consumer stats projected to be 30% lower than that in 2038.
 
I came here hoping to see a $5,000 XJ with $32,000 work put into it.

Funny story about value though, my friend who regrettably sold his TJ remarked how he bought it new for $15,000. A few years ago when he was talking about it he noted finding ones with low mileage on them still for $15,000. He would have more than had his paid off at that point and not counting for inflation it wouldn't have changed in value (probably would have gone up with what he would have done to it).
 
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