hey everyone, I've been looking to get a 5 speed XJ for a while. came across two options and I wanted to get some advice from the peanut gallery. If the 95 was a 6cy I would have pulled the trigger already. I like it's back to basics character, however I've never driven a 4cylinder. can someone chime in on their experience with them as a DD? I'm no lead foot, but are they really that underpowered and miserable to drive? I live in the mountains. neither jeep is local, I plan on flying out to see one of them and probably buying to drive home unless it's a total turd circus. $2k difference in price, 2000 being more expensive. thanks for your input!

1) 1995 4 door SE, 4 cylinder. all stock. 145k miles. black. one accident on carfax. dent in the driverside door, no rust, clean inside with roll windows. no roof rack. dealership.

2) 2000 4 door, 4 cylinder, all stock. 160k miles. green. clean carfax. roll windows. clean in and out w/o rust. roof rack. dealership

whichever one I buy, my plan would be 2" lift and 30 or 31s for DD.

 

Most if not all 2.5 liter 5sp XJs have factory 4.10 gears, which should definitely help in terms of around-town acceleration. Probably would be a bit buzzy on long distance trips. I wish I could give you more. Check out this guy's thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...danger-229698/

I would get the 95 unless you want OBDII capabilities. Or, just keep looking for a 4.0 5sp. They're not as "rare" as people make them out to be - I currently own two! You get worse factory gearing (3.07) but a better transmission (ax15 or nv3550 vs ax5) and a better engine. I've heard the 2.5 liters aren't as efficient as they probably should be.

 

thank you! that's a great thread

 

Are you looking to buy a 4x4? If so make sure they are 4x4 before flying to look at one.

I say that because I have seen all kinds of tricks from dealers and private sellers alike. Price seems good and you are interested... but 4x4 or four wheel drive isnt anywhere in the add or on the website. Pictures can be taken from angles that dont show the blank space where the transfer case lever would be. "2x4" will be hidden somewhere at the very bottom of the description. Sometimes it is accidental and they are listed as 4x4 when they arent. Trail Rated badge on a two wheel drive Grand Cherokee. Seen it all. A bit of rambling but something to keep in mind