Need info about a late 80s Cherokee
Hi all,
I'm in the market for a Cherokee. I read the "read before posting" sticky thread, but I still have some questions I'm hoping you can help with.
I'm seeing lots of inconsistencies where price, mileage, wear-and-tear, etc. meet. I want a stock XJ, and though there are plenty out there, they've all given me pause for one reason or another thus far. Then, tonight, I came across something that looks interesting.
It's an '88 Cherokee Wagoneer Limited. I like the miles and the condition, and I think the price is good, but here's where I'm a little clueless: are the XJs in the Wagoneer Limited package actually more collectable (and therefore worth the extra $$$), or is this package just a little extra glossy and not worth any extra money? FWIW, it's the only one I've ever seen, and based on the pics, I like it a lot. But that's the thing: I'm still learning about these, and I don't want to make a dumb purchase just because I like the way it looks in pictures.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
I'm in the market for a Cherokee. I read the "read before posting" sticky thread, but I still have some questions I'm hoping you can help with.
I'm seeing lots of inconsistencies where price, mileage, wear-and-tear, etc. meet. I want a stock XJ, and though there are plenty out there, they've all given me pause for one reason or another thus far. Then, tonight, I came across something that looks interesting.
It's an '88 Cherokee Wagoneer Limited. I like the miles and the condition, and I think the price is good, but here's where I'm a little clueless: are the XJs in the Wagoneer Limited package actually more collectable (and therefore worth the extra $$$), or is this package just a little extra glossy and not worth any extra money? FWIW, it's the only one I've ever seen, and based on the pics, I like it a lot. But that's the thing: I'm still learning about these, and I don't want to make a dumb purchase just because I like the way it looks in pictures.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Last edited by Tony the Liger; Jul 20, 2017 at 07:14 PM.
Forget collectibilty. Buy it because you like it. Thats what matters. Also, what a vehicle is, or may be worth is relative. If its something you like, and the condition and the price are right for you, go for it.
Another question: this one has the 4.0, but it being an '88, I'm guessing it's the first run with the closed-loop cooling system (to my knowledge, this one's never had a motor swap). I've heard that these can be problematic, and I'm not looking to swap for a newer motor right out of the gate (or ever, if I can avoid it).
Anyone have experience with this motor, and if so, can you describe any potential problems?
Anyone have experience with this motor, and if so, can you describe any potential problems?
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 935
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From: Nationwide, USA
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Renix 4.0
Another question: this one has the 4.0, but it being an '88, I'm guessing it's the first run with the closed-loop cooling system (to my knowledge, this one's never had a motor swap). I've heard that these can be problematic, and I'm not looking to swap for a newer motor right out of the gate (or ever, if I can avoid it).
Anyone have experience with this motor, and if so, can you describe any potential problems?
Anyone have experience with this motor, and if so, can you describe any potential problems?
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hose-kits-221251/
Durabilty of the motor is the same, but a few parts are different, mostly electrical. You can still get any parts for it you need.
I have an '89 4.0 auto. I changed the cooling system rather easily from closed to open. See the process here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hose-kits-221251/
Durabilty of the motor is the same, but a few parts are different, mostly electrical. You can still get any parts for it you need.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hose-kits-221251/
Durabilty of the motor is the same, but a few parts are different, mostly electrical. You can still get any parts for it you need.
Thanks for the info, everyone.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0


