tz779

xj fans,

i am looking a a 97 sport tomorrow. has a good CARFAX history with regular service at local jeep dealer, locally owned, now at used car lot. has 103K.

most cherokees in my price range are between 97-99. anything particular to these year cherokees that make one better than the other? that is, any major changes in those model years that are better or worse for it? i have heard that rear axel was changed from Dana 40 to ? any problems i should know about?
thanks in advance...

-rob
former owner 52 3A, 72 CJ-5, 73 CJ-6

Abovetimberline

97-99 were almost identical except a head change in 99 and intake change,but not a power increase had to do with emmisions. the 97 was the first year for airbags on the passenger side and body changes to the front and an all metal liftgate from the old fiberglass,the next real changes were in 2000 when the engine went from a dist control to coil on plug control system.
I cannot think of anything that stands out that is a major issue. I have heard that the heads on 99s are prone to cracking but I will let others exspand on that.

trapper

Im not too sure what to say other than the usual:

look for tool marks on the fender bolts = evidence of a front end collision

BTW~ car history does not reflect any damage before the first sale.. a company car/lease will not always reflect an accident AND especially if the car was damaged in transport to the original dealer.. the thing could flip off the top of a transport trailer and nothing would say anything about anything... but tool marks on nuts and bolts never lie..

good luck

tz779

xj people:

well it looked good in the picture...

maybe i expect too much but NONE of the tires matched and were worn to the point where they may or may not pass state inspection, so right away $700 - $800 for tires. paint was fading/discoloring on hood (it was a black one), rest of paiint was dull and scratched. tie rod was rusted like somethiing had been dripping on it all it's life, flaking rust on the top of the rod. did not bother with a test ride, there are lots more out there.....
thanks for the advice, i will be up-to-speed on cherokees shortly..

-rob