cherokee001

Hello All,

I've been on the market looking for 98-01 Cherokees and came across a real nice 2000 model.

The only minor issue is the engine light is on which the owner claims is due to carbon build up on a sensor in the throttle body and that it does not affect how the car runs. He says that he gets it cleaned every year by his mechanic and the light goes off.

I did some research and read up that the throttle body does get dirty on these vehicles and that it does need to be cleaned. However I'm thinking it should probably still get looked at by a mechanic. Time is just of the essence since these are hard to come by in good shape!



Any other tips on buying a Cherokee you can provide it would be greatly appreciated!!!



Thanks

89Laredo

hope you dont plan on wheeling it...

bmrrwolfe

why?

Looks like a pretty nice classic.
What other details do you know about it?

89Laredo

LP front axle, COP ignition, 0331 head just to name a few.

and I believe it is my personal duty to tell everyone not to buy 00-01, theyre more work than theyre worth.

tjwalker

I agree that everyone considering an 00-01 needs to completely understand the cylinder head issue. The 00-01 came with the "infamous" 0331 head, which has a known casting defect between cylinders 3-4 which make the head prone to cracking.

Here is a thread with some light reading.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=391831

bmrrwolfe

Not sure why you would make it "your personal duty" to stop someone from buying a Jeep they are intersted in?
A 97-99 may be a better choice, but with both of my old 00s I never had an issue.
Also not sure why people thinks every 00-01 head cracks, just maintain it and don't let it over heat.
LP front axle, can't say anything there, other then you can still wheel with it.
Coil packs well not sure why you are so against them?

XJ Stryker

If it is just a lil carbon on the sensor then bring ya some rags, carb cleaner, and some emery cloth over. Clean up the sensor and see if the code goes. If not then Lowball him on price.

He He. that is the way I would do it.

TrekkerJmm

X2 on what Stryker said...Tj
P.S. it could also be the O2 sensor in the exhaust.

cherokee001

Awesome feedback. I didn't know the H/O 4.0L had cylinder head issues. When I pop the hood i'll be looking for a leaky gasket.

I haven't driven a 98-99 yet, but I did like some of the small updates including the added HP of the 00-01's.

Other details are:

134,000 miles
newer tires
recently updated brakes
(still need to check for ABS forgot to ask)
No Rust
CD player
Gunmetal wheels
2 owners


What's the big difference between a 98 and a 2000?

There is a 98 that I'm interested in... you may laugh at the color though, however there's something cool/different about it. But from the pictures it looks super clean. Might be fun to hit up the beach with (because of the color). Not to happy with the asking price for a 98 though.

http://www.evolutionmotorsportsnj.co...-NJ-08620.aspx


I'm really only looking for a 4x4 to get me through the NJ winters. Something reliable, some modern features. etc.

89Laredo

HOLLLYYYY FOOKING SHEEIITT! 7000?
wow...
4500 is what most people would pay MAX for that 98.

Also, Its not the gasket on the 00, its the head itself. Only years to worry about are 00-01 and some late 99.

I would get the 98 if you can get the price WAY down, It looks nice and you keep the HP d30, Distributor Ignition, and a head that doesnt crack.

cherokee001

I live in NJ... so I'm looking on craigslist.com... it's unreal what dealers are asking for these things. It's winter so they are being extra stingy.

I actually called the dealer and told them they are crazy and what are they realistically looking to get and I threw out the the number $4500ish... and they said they would entertain that offer. Why they have it listed as $7000 i have no idea and some idiot would pay that.

I've been looking at 01 Pathfinders too...good luck getting one in good shape for less than $6500...


Any tips you can give me for looking at a 98 would be appreciated! From one's i've looked at in the past the engines look "aged" obviously and the exhaust it pretty rotten. I drove a 2000 that felt like I was on a boat, I assume these things should ride "firm" and not rock back and forth much at all. If so I'd say the struts were toast.

Are new struts or exhaust pricey to replace on these?

Thx

EUGENE the JEEP

keep looking you will find one. Took me awhile, but they are out there.

cherokee001

Yeah... such a pain shopping though.

Here's another that i'll probably look at this weekend:



Asking $6k
120,000 miles
New tires
new valve gaskets
new "wiring"
new timing belt
Supposedly a lot more new items and is being sold at an autobody shop.

EUGENE the JEEP

WOW check to see what ,if any work was done on it there to.

cherokee001

all the work was done at the shop. So obviously i'll want to see records.

Dunno how... but i'm starting to fall in love with the Miami Vice Teal Jeep