Knox

Hey, I just registered to ask your community a question on a possible purchase I may make soon. I have two cherokees I'm looking at and can't decide which one to go with. I know absolutely nothing about them so be my guide. Thank you!

Here are the ads:

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/6165555848.html

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/6154480818.html

The 89 was priced to me at 3500 and the 2001 was for 2750, possibly 2500.

On one hand, I love the look the 89 has got going on and all the mods, but the 01 is just newer and very clean. What do you all think I should do?

tacklebox

The 01 is pretty clean for the money, BUT does have the notorious head crap head that is known for failure. Not a deal breaker by any means but something to consider. Fairly low miles as well.


Personally I find the 89 to be ugly... just my .02...

moparado

Don't know if you're into weird paint jobs, but i'd count the '89 out based just on that.
Looks like it might of had rusted out floor boards at one time.
And i'll bet the PO beat the crap out of it.

The '01 from the pics looks clean. Just make sure it has good oil pressure.
Far as the cyl. head, yeah it either 'is' cracked or could potentially crack in the future.
There are other 'no crack' cyl. head options out there if its a big concern.

Are you going to buy sight unseen or get a chance to check it out in person?
If you get to see it in person let us know, we'll have some tips on what to look for.

Knox

Thanks for the responses. About how much should it cost me in total to replace the head with a suitable one? Anything else about the 2001 that was undesirable?

I admire all cherokee bodies, but I liked the 89 cause it has more of a rugged hard look to it. I was planning on painting whichever jeep I end up a bright lime green
with black accents. Thought it might look pretty sick where the white is and on the hood. However, I do personally favor the bodies on what I think is the 95-01 the most.

I will be checking whatever I might go for out in person before buying.

EZEARL

It would be nice if it was just a matter of replacing the head to solve the problem. In some cases that's all it takes. But if the vehicle has been/is being run with the head cracked for very long or for very long before it was replaced you end up ruining the bottom of the engine because of coolant contaminating the oil and ruining the bearings. Trouble is your at the mercy of the seller as to what the condition of the motor is. There are tests (for exhaust gases in the coolant and oil sample contents). But even if they show everything okay was the repair done in time to keep from damaging the bearings thereby shortening the life of the motor. Even with the oil gauge showing good pressure they're known for not being very reliable.

IMHO and speaking only for myself unless I knew the original owner personally and could trust him/her I'd pass on the '00-01's.

Cherokoolguy

They both have pretty good mileages. They both have their perks and downsides.
Personally, I like the 89. The only thing with that one is the closed cooling system. If you know anything about the 4.0, they get hot at times. The open cooling system is just a better way to go, but there are many people who will say that the closed system is fine. It's also an older xj in general so just keep that in mind. Personally, the paint looksmok to me, but it could become an eyesore. Just my .02

5-Speed

My vote is for the newer one. Take the gamble with the head if everything else seems fine.

Knox

What does it usually run to replace the head? Just curious. Isn't it around $1k?

Now I may just continue to wait. I've been looking every day for the last month or so. Become set on wanting a cherokee 4x4. Trying to find a 95-99 now I suppose after what I've researched.

What do you guys think about this at 3500? Probably not worth the headache in repairs, huh?

https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/6165322786.html

I just can't wait til I get one of these man...

CurrySoSpicy

Are you turning the wrenchs for the head replacement or paying a mechanic to do so? Doing it yourself will save a considerable amount of shekels.

Knox

I'd be paying

investinwaffles

I would be afraid of bearing damage if the head gasket is blown. Who knows how long he drove it before he realized it was blown, or if he continued to drive it knowing it was drinking coolant. The Jeep 4.0 is pretty strong, but still

I would recommend looking on youtube at some Jeep maintenance videos. Extremely simple to work on, if you are trying to get into a lifted Jeep but need to pay a mechanic for every little thing, it is going to get expensive fast.

There is like a shortage of Jeep XJ's in Florida for whatever reason - like no good ones on Craigslist that aren't priced like they are made of gold.

GreaseMonkey17

My suggestion is SLOW down ! There are so many cherokees out there it isn't even funny . You don't have to it these there will be more pop up and if you're patient you'll find the right Jeep instead of the "right now" Jeep .

Cherokoolguy

x2 I made that mistake.... my 92 was a quick decision and now with the issues that i'm having, i'm wishing I waited.

Knox

Thank you all for the responses. I have decided to keep waiting.

EZEARL

Good luck. Keep in touch.