XJ gas mileage
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 68
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From: SW Michigan
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
My first tank got me 14.3mpg with mostly city driving. 
My second tank was 19.7mpg, and was highway for all but about 60 miles.
My current tank is on pace for about 12mpg (100% city).
If I go any lighter on the throttle, I'll get run over.
I have a 1987 3/4-ton 4x4 Chevy with a warmed up carb'd 350, and it gets almost 10mpg city with no carb tuning other than setting the idle. I also can't keep myself from getting on it every once in a while. Why does an EFI 4.0L in a vehicle that weighs 40% less only get two more mpg?
Is it all the emissions garbage?

My second tank was 19.7mpg, and was highway for all but about 60 miles.
My current tank is on pace for about 12mpg (100% city).

If I go any lighter on the throttle, I'll get run over.

I have a 1987 3/4-ton 4x4 Chevy with a warmed up carb'd 350, and it gets almost 10mpg city with no carb tuning other than setting the idle. I also can't keep myself from getting on it every once in a while. Why does an EFI 4.0L in a vehicle that weighs 40% less only get two more mpg?
Is it all the emissions garbage?
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
14.3 city and 19.7 highway is absolutely right in there for what to expect with a 2000 XJ with a 4.0
The EPA estimate is 16-21, and I have found that to be quite accurate to real life numbers.
Not much for a tuneup on a 2000 except keep fresh plugs in there and air filter. Don't use Bosch; the best plug for the 00-01 is the NGK and of course, gap checked to ensure .035.
The EPA estimate is 16-21, and I have found that to be quite accurate to real life numbers.
Not much for a tuneup on a 2000 except keep fresh plugs in there and air filter. Don't use Bosch; the best plug for the 00-01 is the NGK and of course, gap checked to ensure .035.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 329
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From: atlanta
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: inline 6
Something that me personally have noticed is that.Wal-mart gas sucks. For me at least it burns up really really fast.
two different tanks from wal-mart , one ..i did 10mpg , and the second..i did 13mpg
But i do not see these same numbers when i go to like Quicktrip,or BP
two different tanks from wal-mart , one ..i did 10mpg , and the second..i did 13mpg
But i do not see these same numbers when i go to like Quicktrip,or BP
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I tuned mine up, cold air intake, new O2 sensors, cleaned the throttle body, royal purple synthetic oil, and run 93 octane gas and the best I have been able to get is 19mpg all highway, averages more like 17mpg. It's a jeep thing I guess. I have a friend with a liberty 3.7L and gets the same mileage as my 4.0.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: SW Michigan
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
The first tank was Admiral, the second was Sunoco, and third (current) is Marathon. Maybe my Jeep just doesn't like Marathon gas? That explanation is preferable to having to do a tune-up and/or replace the upstream O2 sensor. I'll keep an eye on the mileage and see what happens.
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the help.
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It's been stated that gas with the ethanol blend will give you lower MPG's. I use nothing but Shell, as I don't know of a better brand of gas to purchase around here. My last tank of 93 octane got me about 21 MPG on a trip down to southern Illinois for new years.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: SW Michigan
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I agree that Shell is probably the best gas available around here, but I don't know if it's 100% gasoline; I'm not even sure 100% gasoline is available here.
Years ago when I had a 1981 VW Rabbit, it would knock a little going up a particular hill when I used Meijer gas. Then one time I bought a tank of Shell gas, and it didn't knock or ping on that hill. That made a believer out of me.
Years ago when I had a 1981 VW Rabbit, it would knock a little going up a particular hill when I used Meijer gas. Then one time I bought a tank of Shell gas, and it didn't knock or ping on that hill. That made a believer out of me.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 358
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From: West Haven, CT
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Novaman, I also have a 2000 and I have almost the exact same MPG numbers as you. Interesting...
Higher flow air intake maybe gave it 1 MPG increase on the highway.
Higher flow air intake maybe gave it 1 MPG increase on the highway.



. Now have 31x10.5's, but I'm scared to check it.