I'm new, just registered and I do NOT own a Jeep but I really really like the Jeep Cherokee... I have about $2,500 to spend, must have 4x4 but I don't care if it's auto or standard (I prefer standard but not opposed to auto). No lift kits!!

My question is... will that get me a decent model and what year? Should I save up for more or does anyone have any general tips on what to look for? Any particular year model to avoid?

Also, I'm 5'9" and I've read somewhere that you can sleep comfortably (with an air mattress) in the back as long as you are under 5'10". If that's the case, is that for the 4 door as well as the 2 door? or is there a size difference there?

Thanks!

 

That should get you a mid 90s XJ maybe a little newer. A 97-99 and the 2 & 4 doors are the same size inside with the rear seat folded or removed.

 

Not even 2"? c'mon. Even I want a lil boost.

 

I was able to score my 98 for exactly $2500. Shop around though don't buy the first one that's in your price range. I probably looked/test drove 20 or 30 jeeps before I settled on mine and could not be happier with it so far.

 

<~ a hair over 6'0". I sleep fine in the XJ. And I'd say anything from the body redesign to the end of production is fair game for $2500. I'd say shoot for $2K, and keep $500 for tune-up, fluid changes, and other "incidentals"

 

With the way things are right now go on craiglist. you can score one on there for about 1000 dollars. Put a little work into it and they'll run for ever. That would keep you under 2000 with 500 to spare. If I could go back and do it again that's what I would do.

 

Biggest thing to look out for is rust and leaks. The best thing to do is get a sense of how the previous owner maintained the vehicle. Just chat with them about what they replaced if they did it themselves or took it to a shop, get a general sense of how knowledgeable they are when it comes to vehicles in general. If it's clear they know nothing about the vehicle it would be a bad idea to overlook some minor issues that will probably turn out to be the by-products of neglect and wind up costing you lots of money to fix. On the other hand if you get the sense that the owner knows their stuff than minor issues are probably just that, problems that will be easy quick fixes.

 

Awesome... thanks for the information.

I was told the 99-01 4.0l I6 w/ fuel injection is the best engine ever made for the cherokee... this true?

Also, BowtieGuy3, is that sleeping laying flat or fetal position? Because I'm sure a 7ft guy could sleep inside a Smart car if they hunched over...

 

the 4.0 is bulletproof. properly maintained you should easily hit 250k or 300k or more.
my grandpa lives in PA in a small town and use to be a mechanic and saw 4.0s in the 300's (with the original motor) often

 

X2 It took 8 months for me to find my Cherokee, but I got the deal I wanted.
With the market the way it is don't be afraid of the dealership, you have the power so even if its 2 or even 3 grand above what you can spend you may be able to score a deal. If it were me I would try to get one with the least miles on stock motor and the newest model for the price. Together those two things aside from looking for problems, should net you a good Jeep. Good luck with the search!

 

http://tinyurl.com/c4kr6j

How's this? Just from specs alone... bleh/decent/awesome deal?

Also, does anyone have an unlimited Car Fax account? 1J4FJ68S5SL601822

 

Meh...high price for such high mileage. Is that at a dealership? I'll bet you anything they got that for $300-$400 if that. Unless the engine was replaced or rebuilt (doubtful or else they would say it) I'd keep looking unless you can find another lower mileage engine elsewhere and swap it in when that one goes in another 50K if you're lucky. I guess engine swaps on these aren't "hard" but I sure as hell know my skill level would find it difficult on a car at least. These things are certainly not motorcycles.

-Nate

 

I started looking for a jeep for the same reasons as you and although I had more of a budget, I ended up spending $1200 for a 96. the deal was good, but the bigger issue for me was what I intended to use the jeep for. If it is just a daily driver to take camping here and there, you may like the 97s and up as they have a reworked interior. They will cost you a bit more than the earlier models though. I wanted something I could take in the mountains for fishing that I wouldn't mind rubbing against a tree, so I trimmed my budget down to fit.

So my questions to you are: why do you want an XJ and where do you live?

s

 

whats this xj gonna be used for?

 

Good questions
I live in Little Rock, Arkansas.

I don't own a car... period. I did have a Honda Civic but got rid of it now I ride my bicycle everywhere. This is gonna be more of a toy so I can carry my bike around and to go get groceries (tired of transporting food in my backpack!)

I want to get out in the woods more and ride some good trails, maybe go fishing/hunting. I live in the city and hardly leave. Plus, carrying a rifle on a bicycle looks weird I'd also like to be able to camp in it without having to put up a tent.

I'm not into mudding / rock crawling but if I ever get in that situation I'd like to be able to get out.

To address the "no lift" situation.. I've read horror stories on how people do bad lifts and it messes up the drivetrain/steering things like that.. I'd love to just have it bone stock as possible.

I could care less about looks.. it would get out of the garage maybe on weekends, I just want something that's not gonna strand me out in the big-bad woods