Just doing some research on Cherokees getting ready to buy a used one. Other then the obvious signs of abuse etc.. are there any chronic issues with XJ's that I should watch for.

 

Head gaskets! Lol water leaks on floorboards (simple fixes). Cracks in the upper corners of the rear hatch (mainly in window moulding). 88-90 models have older RENIX computer systems that, unless you know what your doing with an ohm meter, can be a big a pain to troubleshoot driveability issues. Also, the aforementioned years don't have CHECK ENGINE lights due to this early system. The early years (up to 90) also us a "closed" coolant system which is a booger to bleed, very touchy about bubbles in thier systems, and plagued by their coolant recovery bottles breaking, springing leaks, blowing up. Other than that, from everything I've read, the 4.0 is a good long lasting motor, I know from
much experience that the 4wd's are extremely capable. I can't attest to the auto trans longevity tho. As a new owner of a used 90....get somthing newer than mine...lol I would if I had it to do over, but I'll make lemonade from a lemon yet damnit! Good luck.

 

I have a 98 Sport & only problem I've had was the previous owner not doin any maintnence & window lock button on power windows is broken so all windows have to be moved by driverside controls. Seems to be common thing for 98's. My 98 Classic had same problem with power windows. Both were automatics with over 100000 miles & no probs. Sport has 180000 miles original tranny & no slipping or any problems their strong well built & simple machines. That's why they look more popular now than ever cause there's still an insane amount of old Jeeps still roming the street refusing to give in & die while lookin for the next mud puddle to blast threw that's why they're forums like this 1 & 200000 mile clubs for them they don't know when to quit.