They don't test all that well, but in the real world they're tanks. I'm certain had I been in a smaller vehicle I would not have walked out. The other driver didn't.
Here's a study done on fatality risk to the driver, partway down is sorted by make/model. No truck or SUV except for the behemoth Suburban beats the Cherokee for driver safety:
http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/...SUV-report.pdf

 

Wow that is an unfortunate accident, but good to know how the XJ handles a collision. I feel a little safer now.

 

I know there is a problem with cracking in the cylinder head especially casting 0331. Where is it most common for the crack to occur?

 

Most 99 dont have the "defective" head. 2000-01

 

My 99 does have the 0331casting and it is getting coolant in the oil. Where is the most common place this head exhibits the crack you all say is so common?

 

I think the 0331 motor was introduced in the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in 1999, not the Cherokee XJ.

 

Two important questions:

What's the manufacturing date on your XJ? And do you have plug wires or coil-on-plug?


Thanks.

 

The xjs in the late part of the 99 model year do contain the bad heads, but its not many. IMO the 99 is my favorite year.

 

Hate hearing that all the 00-01 XJ all have bad heads. Mine along with countless others don't have any issues at all (deff. A potential issue). Good maintenance and you shouldn't have issues. I think when buying an XJ it's better to buy one that has a solid body. If your head does crack, for $600 +/- you can install a new head. If it's just a "don't buy a 00-01 XJ", there are better reasons like ABS, crappy D35 rear axles, and LP D30 front axles.

With all our XJ having Unibodies, a solid unibody should be the #1 factor to look for. Just my $.02

97-99 is the best years to buy if you're looking for the HP30 & Chry8.25/29 spline.

Good luck on your search.