hey i just joined this site cause i am planing on buying a jeep cherokee and need some advice on what year to buy and ya know general advice

input would be very apreciated

 

92 and newer, 4.0 engine, low mileage, check for rust under it, check to see if all of the electrical stuff is working, and don't fool yourself with a cheap deal that just needs a few things. Spend more to get more to enjoy more.

 

and by low miles. for a 4.0 would be 150,000 i would consider low haha

 

First thing I would ask is How much you wanting to spend. There are tonz of jeeps out there. Knowing what you want ahead of time is critical or you might end up with a regret or two.

I would always suggest that if you are planning on modding that you buy somebody elses project. It is always cheaper to fix a few little things than starting from scratch.

A seller NEVER gets back what they put into it. I have bought and sold several jeeps on eBay. It is exciting and not anywhere as risky as people think...

 

thanks for the input and i dont want to spend any more than 2500 for it and ive found some decent ones in my area

 

What in particular about years prior to 92 is less desirable than later years? (aside from the obvious, potentially higher mileage and worse body condition)

As an aside, I bought a 1991 with 4.0L engine and 134k miles. The underside is in great shape for its age, and the body still looks stunning. I was able to negotiate well below NADA and KBB value for a Jeep in its condition and mileage = got a good deal and haven't had to put much money into it yet. However, I did have to search for literally the last 3 years to find it

Mostly curious about the cutoff of 1992 model years...

 

x10. Mine looked perfect topside, and I assumed it was rust-free. Boy, was I wrong. I doubt you'll find an XJ that's completely rust-free, but make sure that you're getting one that the floor isn't completely toast on, like a lot of them I see.

Not sure what years, but I know the earlier ones didn't have the high output version of the 4.0. After 1991, supposedly all of the I6 engines were the 190HP HO version, whereas before 91, a lot were the weaker 173HP Renix I6. The earlier ones also had the somewhat problematic closed cooling system, and the vacuum actuated 4wd system. A lot of them had the Dana 35 rear rather than the stouter Chrysler 8.25. Again, I'm not sure of the years and trim levels, but I believe that all of those potential issues were fixed by 92.

I'd also look for one with the 8.25 rear end, judging from a lot of posts that seem to say the D35 is somewhat weak. I've never had a D35 myself, but I've seen enough posts about them to want to steer clear.

 

The only knock against the 91 XJ is the stupid ABS system that was used. 90 and older used the Renix electronics and tend to have a temper at times.

 

My 91 does have the HO 4.0L engine. God forbid I have problems w the 4WD system...I bought it in large part to deal with midwestern winters after having driven a Chevy Malibu for years in the snow. I'll do some poking around to get some info on troubles with the 4WD though...thanks for the input.

 

1992 and newer have the non disconnect D30 in the front, i.e. no vaccuum lines, IIRC.

 

What I've noticed is you can buy a '99 for the same money as a '92, sometimes even an '01.

I've got a '94...but all things equal, I'd trade for an '01. Problem is...all things are never equal.

In the end, buy one with the more modern 4.0 HO engine. Just MHO...later is better but ANY is better than none. They are good vehicles.

 

thanks guys for the advice

 

1999 is the best year in my opinion. 2000-2001 have heads that are more prone to cracking. '99 is the last year the high pinion Dana 30 was offered.