Zende

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum and thought I should ask a few questions from the pros before purchasing a cherokee sport..

I need 4x4, interested in a 2" or 2.5" lift, will be used as a daily driver in the midwest where there is snow and potholes, moderate off roading during camping trips (but nothing too serious)

I heard the 99's were good, but was thinking of purchasing a 2001 the last year they were made.. I like the black with tan interior!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

E-Rok

IIRC the 2001's have head cracking issues and have a low pinion front axle

TheJerm

They are all good, get whatever is a good price and has the options you like. I would lean to 91-95 because they are easier to mod, or 97-99 if I wanted a newer style that would see alot of trail abuse. 2000 and 2001 have the low pinion d30 is sucks when your serious about wheeling

lostbuckaroo

I was going to ask the same question. There's an 87 available with lower mileage than most that are 7-10 years new out here. I've been looking now for about 2 months.

I would be using it mostly as a daily driver but would also like 4x4 for going skiing camping ect. So what do you guys think of the 87? I know it was the first year it came with the I6.

tjwalker

Personally, I'd pass on the 00-01. The 0331 cylinder head which is what all 00-01 xjs have is a dog. It has a casting defect between cylinders 3-4, which make it susceptible to cracking. Will all of them crack? Absolutely not. But I answer about a half a dozen threads every WEEK about ones that do. And if you are an unlucky one and you don't catch it quickly, the engine bearings are toasted. Not worth the risk in my opinion; I have had a lot of first hand experience with owner agony with these.......

Buying an 01 because it is the last year they were made doesn't give you any advantage. There is no collector value with these; too much volume.

99 is the sweet spot for the XJ. Ask me how I know! My 99 has been probably the best vehicle I have ever owned and I've been wrenching for 38 years.

spazzyfry123

With that said, I've owned two Cherokees... A 2001 and my current, a 2000. No hiccups with either. It all comes down to how well the cooling system was looked after with the odd-ball head castings.

I think '99 is THE best year, however.

vashxj

99= the best thats my opinion, if you like obd2 otherwise 96

johnydoe

i got a 98 2 door (no triangle window but little window in the back of each door than you can open) and have had no issues other than suspestion/alignment/DW....but that has to do with used components (track bar, ball joints, ect)

dogger15

97-99

Evilpopcorn

00-01 have electronic ignition- no need to mess with a distributor or ignition wires.

E-Rok

lol its not like a distributor and wires is some huge burden, especially when on a 4.0 they are all right there in the open

xjchris

id rather have a dizzy for sure. I HATE coil on plugs

BadThad

I'm a Cheokee noob but after posting I bought a 99 lots of people told me it's the best year. Guess I got lucky because I bought it without doing much reading up. All I read was the motor and trans were rock solid. That was very important to me since it's a high milage vehicle (143000).....so....another vote for 99.

xjchop

96 2 door convertible. Because they just look cool.

sam24th

Pre 90s
-Possibly a D44 if you find the right one
-Wagoneer option(if you like them)
-Limited engine mods
-vacuum front disconnect (depends if you like it or not, I personally do)
-Renix engine (non HO)

91-95
-OBD1
-older body style
-parts easy to get for
-Non disconnect front axle
-HO engine
-older style interior

96 (TRANSITION YEAR)
-OBD2
-Older style body (again if you like it)
-old interior style
-HO engine
-Non disconnect front axle

97-99
-OBD2
-Newer body style
-HO engine
-non disconnect front axle
-new interior
-metal hatch

00-01
-OBD2
-electronic ignition (pack non Dizzy)
-0331 cylinder head (prone to cracking)
-Newer style body
-newer interior
-non disconnect front axle
-HO engine