I'm looking for an XJ between the years of 93-99. The 2000 and 2001 went to a low pinion front axle. I like the older style dash from the 84-96 better than the 97-01, seems to give you more knee room. The 84-86 2.8 V6 models should be avoided, crappiest engine ever put in a Jeep. The 99 models have a better designed intake manifold, but the exhaust is a cast iron manifold, not a tube style header.

 

i hear you on that one! i love my limited 91! best jeep i've owned and i've gone threw 3 of em lol.

 

Personally... I love my 94! I never considered it being Retro... love the lines, pretty straight forward and easy to work on and was able to purchase it fairly cheap. It took awhile to find it though... it took over a year to get a cherokee in decent shape.

 

i dont have a XJ yet but eventually will buy one..91-96 look tougher to me.97+ look to soccer momish lol.imo

 

I guess the pre 97's are kinda retro my 85 is 25 years old. lol. I could register it as a CLASSIC.

 

and better working guages

 

How much can you spend? My trail rig is a 95 and dd is a 99 witch my gf wheels. Neither one is stock but for me I like the cost of my 95 and the more modern feel of my 99. For a cheep starter I would say a 91-96 country. Both of mine are sports but the country sits an inch taller from the factory! I would also prefer a 2dr and manual. Manual for the dd just case I like it and no trans lines. What ever you buy as long as its a jeep you'll be happy.

 

woah woah, are you telling me I can take a '97 center console and put it in my '91? I could actually have 2 NORMAL cupholders??

 

dont see why you couldnt put a newer console in. the one in my 99 looks very simalar to my 85.

 

but it seems that there are way more manual pre-97's than there are manual 97+'s. so if you have a manual pre-97 that needs a console with cup holders happy hunting. BTW, sorry for the hijack.

 

I've had an 87, 89, and 93. I think the same about the newer ones, though they're not that bad. I like the look of the early 90's sport models the best myself.

 

2-DOOR easier to get in and out of if you a tall person i hate getting into and of my buddies 4-door. and i don't feel so cramped in my 2-door. and if your looking for a cheapjeep older is always cheaper around here at lease. just my $0.02.

 

My '91 has an automatic trans. So I could prob go to a JY and get a '97 console and put it in with relative ease?

 

I don't see why not. Have you found one yet?? lol