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first cherokee, which years to avoid???

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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 08:49 PM
  #1  
haug's Avatar
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Default first cherokee, which years to avoid???

I am looking to purchase a Cherokee but want have some help with getting one. I have a muscle car background so I'm illiterate but don't know much about Jeep, and want to avoid the bad years. anyone that has advise, you're more then welcome to post.

so far i've looked at a 93, 94, 98, 4x4 and a 2x4x4 that vibrated very bad in reverse...only. some clank when turning sharp turns and I could go on.

I have about 3500 to spend at signing and this will be not just a grocery getter/ kiddie school bus thing, but my camping and back wood toy.

most still around 150k miles or more. I'm just nervous as it's the first "modern" truck I've bought. everything else has been either a powerwagon or can i say chevy here? '60-'73.

please help.

Haug

thnx.
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 09:08 PM
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Year: 2001
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Engine: 4.0 I6
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I have owned a 98 and a 01. If your into muscle cars then buying a hayes manual to help with the maintenance will help. As far as good or bad years well I think its what your comfortable with. More electronics or less basic engine parts.

Good luck with your first XJ.
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 09:16 PM
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From: Russellville, AR
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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the older ones 90 and back also called renix models have a few know problems. they have whats called a closed cooling system meaning fully sealed with a plastic pressure tanks which are prone to fail. they also have injector probs from time to time. you dont want a older one with a 2.8 v6. get either a 4.0 or the 4cyl. if your never goin to need awd just 4wd or 2wd get one that hasa 231 transfer case. if you see one that says full time or part time 4wd that means it has selectable 4wd which has a 242 transfer case. the later models with a crysler 8.25 rear end are stronger than the ones with the d30. also the later ones have the non disconect front axle which is better. nicer interior on the later ones. also when you test drive one make sure you put it in 4wd low and reverse and hit the gas see if it pops if it does thats the chain popping cause it may be streched
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 09:20 PM
  #4  
Cherokee 4.0's Avatar
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From: Pa
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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CHEVY!
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 09:38 PM
  #5  
TXstiGuy's Avatar
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From: Burleson, TX
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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http://www.oramagazine.com/pastissue...rticle=finesse

http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssue...rticle=finesse

http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssue...rticle=finesse

http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssue...rticle=finesse

Hope these help
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Old Oct 1, 2009 | 10:44 PM
  #6  
nw-xj-scott's Avatar
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From: NW Oregon
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Decent
87-90 4.0 liters

Good
91-96 4.0liters

best
97-99 4.0liters

worst
00-01 4.0liters
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 12:22 AM
  #7  
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From: Denver, CO
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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92+ better front axle, 1 pc vs 3 pc.
95+ bigger/stronger u-joints
97+ stronger frame, better interior, better rear axle
00+ low pinion front axle. No good

I would go either 96, or 99. Depending on what deal you can get.
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 01:30 AM
  #8  
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From: Aurora
Year: 1997 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO JASPER MOTOR
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98 xj FTW! im not bias tho
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 02:07 AM
  #9  
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O
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im happy with my 94xj!! all older vehicles need a little TLC ya know!!!
so expect to put money into it!!
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 04:10 AM
  #10  
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From: Northern Cali
Year: 1985
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.8 V6 (terrible)
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I own three XJs.. 1985, 1988, and 1996.... Trust me '96 is the way to go...

Last edited by MaddXJ85; Oct 2, 2009 at 04:22 AM.
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 04:17 AM
  #11  
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From: Long Island NY
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by Cherokee 4.0
CHEVY!
BAN!!
LOL Just Kidding....
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 06:15 AM
  #12  
haug's Avatar
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Default Thanks All!

so, the ones that have full time might be out of the picture only as she's driving m-f and i'm the saturday....but who knows.

of the '93 - the one wouldn't get into 4l. 2 just fine, 4 fine but not 4l, what's the issue there by chance?

One has bad cvd joints from what it sounds like. it's a 98 for 2300.

thnx again all!!! if you have any other advise, i'm all ears.
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 07:00 AM
  #13  
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Year: 1988 limited
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 litre
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Originally Posted by Cherokee 4.0
CHEVY!
TO THE STAKE!! infidel...
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 07:01 AM
  #14  
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From: clarkston, MI
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Originally Posted by nw-xj-scott
Decent
87-90 4.0 liters

Good
91-96 4.0liters

best
97-99 4.0liters

worst
00-01 4.0liters
i just got a 2000 what makes 00-01 the worst.
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 07:07 AM
  #15  
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Year: 91 with lots of 01' parts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 01' 4.0L
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Originally Posted by jd2311900
i just got a 2000 what makes 00-01 the worst.

low pinion d30 and coil on plug ignition i would say 86-90 are worse...mad probs with renix. damn french!!
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