OP. You are doing the right thing by asking these questions. When I was looking for an inexpensive 4x4 to tow my toys around I researched all kinds of rigs. The XJ wasn't on my radar until I saw dozens of testimonials about how stout the engine and drive systems are. Plus, they are much less cash than a 4Runner or a similar quality ride. For a cheap and reliable 4x4, the XJ is at the top of the list.

 

I have a 99 XJ with 240,000 miles and it's still going strong. You will need to do some basic maintenance, and with anything old some things will need to be replaced(radiator, hoses, brakes, batteries) as they wear out, but the engine itself is tough as nails.

 

OP,

Where are you? Rust is an issue if you live where rust is an issue, but thats true of any used car.

If you ever drive on bad road conditions, snow, ice, wet, you will want a 4x4 for just those days, even on pavement. Rear wheel drive gives us great towing, but its not ideal in snow.

Do you park in a driveway that you own or rent? XJs drip, so be aware of that.

 

I've had my '96 2WD 4.0L/manual (haters gonna hate) for over two years now and there is not a new SUV out there I would trade it for. The only major issue I've had with it (resulting in a near-stranding) has been the starter going out, but at almost 200k you expect and plan for things like that.

Even the newest XJ is now 15 years old, so none of them will be 100% problem-free; but good planning and maintenance will take you far and make ownership much more enjoyable. This forum is an outstanding resource as well, lots of good knowledge and experience here.

I'll echo previous posts with my .02 regarding the '00-'01 models and their problematic cylinder heads, I'd avoid those because you can never really know how well a car has been treated (or not) in 15+ years of life. '96 and '97 can be problematic because chrysler was making changes to the electrical systems in those years, my jeep has fuses it isn't supposed to and is missing others that the owner's and repair manuals swear are there... As bad as mine is, I hear that the '97 is even worse. Of course this isn't a huge deal, just makes troubleshooting more challenging at times.

Bottom line: find one you like, drive the poo out of it to find its weaknesses, fix it when it breaks, rinse, repeat.

Good luck!

 

 

That thing was beyond mad... Almost shed a tear when he crashed it.

 

Is there any difference between the '98 and '99 aside from the latter being one year newer? I thought the '97 was basically the same except that the wiring harness was a bit of a mess, and they cleaned it up for '98 and '99.

 

99 had the better intake mani, better harness, nicer and more durable interior

 

Straight 6 = bulletproof

 

Longevity?


The Cherokee was rusting when came off the assembly line.


The 4.0 will bight you on the **** with piston slap - and a connecting rod coming through the side of the cylinder block. 2K and 2K1 4.0 motor cylinder heads died years ago.


The front axle spring perches will eventually melt away from rust, as well as rusting away from inside the frame rails-out.


Not long from now there will be no parts available for them.


Let's see...did I forget anything....


LOL

 

Is the engine/trans differentials, etc. any good in the 1988 year?

 

Yes, but that's almost a 30 year old Jeep.