I have a 1991 Cherokee Sport with a straight 6. It's a 2 wheel and I want a 4 x 4. I like the body style of it. I like the "Box" look. I get a lot of positive comments on it's look.


What is the last year for that Sport body style? I want to trade up keeping with the body style. What was the last year for the 4x4 Box? Is there a "better" year for the 4x4? And what would I be looking at as far as cost. I live in LA, CA and would fly out and drive it home. I would like everything to work (acssy) and no rips on the inside.


Jeeps aren't resold, their kept. How realistic are my plans? Which year would be the best to shop for? I don't think that I want one from the North East. Snow and road salt on a older raised truck, sounds like a short life span.


My 1992 just turned 237,000 and is gonna start asking for more time and money.


My other idea is to get a Wagoneer. It has the "Box" goingfor it but it a lot bigger. Worth a look?


Sam
Sam@RSamG.com

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_%28XJ%29

You live in LA? Plenty of rigs for sale all over SoCal. No need to travel too far. Read the wiki, lots of good info there. As far as best years, it's a matter of preference, but most will agree the best years are 97-99. The 2000/01 models had the 0331 head which is more prone to cracking if overheated, and the emissions is more involved (2 pre and 2 post cats). Finding one with an immaculate interior will be a chore. Not that there aren't any out there, just harder to find. Cost will be subjective to where you buy and the condition it's in. Shop around, see what's out there. Take your time. Don't feel rushed into anything. How are your mechanical skills? If you don't have any, take it to a local shop and have them check it out.

 

Sport isn't a body style, it's a trim level. The body of my sport is the same as that of a limited or a Laredo.

Cherokees and Grand Cherokees are different body styles.

The boxy cherokee (known in these parts as an "XJ") was discontinued in the US after the 2001 model year.

 

84-96 xjs were identical minus some cosmetic details. Grills, flares, maybe a couple small bolted on changes. 97-01 got rounded off and bigger mirrors. 1 piece glass on the front doors new interior and probably a couple new grill designs along the way. 97-99 is probably best. Stay far away from 96.

 

... Just what I needed, Sam

 

I have a 2001 sport and love it .

 

"Sport" is just a trim level. The lowest. Which can be a good thing:-)

 

Actually BASE (84-92) and SE (93-01) are the lowest.

As far as best year, I would actually say 98-99. 96 had a lot of one-off parts and many 97's had a lot of crossover stuff (parts from the original design still used on the smoothed over design). Most sports will have power everything, so if you want simplicity, go with a SE. Classics and Limiteds will have all power options, as well as a few exterior pieces that are either body color or chromed, and different rim styles (if they're still stock that is). Personally, find a SE 4x4. Less electrical pieces that can go wrong. They're harder to find, but worth it IMO. I gave up after 6 months and got a Sport, but have since swapped the doors for ones from an SE. No matter which way you go though it's still an XJ which means you'll love it.

 

If you have a choice either the 98/99 would be the way to go with the 99 having a few extra "improvements" on it.