Best year for the first gen XJ's?
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Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16
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Model: Cherokee
Best year for the first gen XJ's?
Sorry for creating a second thread, my reason for doing this is (incase you didn't read my last responce to the old thread), due to some unforseen bills, my budget is now $3000-$3500 instead of the original $4500. Almost all of you suggested the 99's, but try as I might, there are no good 99's in my area for $3500, so please keep this limited to the 84-96's. There are tons and tons and tons of first gen cherokees for under $2000 (some under $1000, but im leary of those). That would leave me an extra $1000-$2000 to upgrade/fix it. Since I dont plan on doing hardcore offroading (mostly light trails & camping), which of the first gen's would be my best bet? Im talking strictly mechanically, not cosmetically. I dont care if one year has a nicer interior than another, this will be a vehicle I wont mind getting banged up and such, so looks aren't important. Thanks and sorry again for the 2nd thread. Mods can close the other one.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
Model: Cherokee
I have read that 96 is the best year for 1st gen. I just got my 96 with 100k miles for $2800, and it is in great shape. Don't worry about upgrades untilyou get your Jeep, and take your time looking. I had to go to Missouri to find mine, and I am in TX.
95 are also good
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
Likes: 100
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
personally, i like the renix jeeps. so i'd have to say 89, just because they made the most that year. but any year from 87-90.
87 here is exempt from emissions, but not sure about the U.S. states...
87 here is exempt from emissions, but not sure about the U.S. states...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
What do you guys think of these 2:
or
The bumer isn't a problem, im just worried about the airbag, will I have any problems with insurrance? How expensive would a new airbag be?
Black Jeep Cherokee, Auto, 260xxx kms, High-Output 4.0L, very powerful, strong engine. 4x4 works great. Good tires. Air cared and has A/C.
$4,000 in receipts within the last 3 years. Very well maintained.
Asking $2199 obo
$4,000 in receipts within the last 3 years. Very well maintained.
Asking $2199 obo
Excellent Cherokee owned by GVRD parks until I picked it up in March 2009. Extremely well maintained, no leaks of any kind, starts, runs, stops and generally kicks *** with no complaints.
193,000KM
Automatic
Inline 6 - high output
The truck is pretty much as basic as it gets with almost no electronics to speak of. It does have a CB/loudspeaker installed. Interior is in excellent condition with some stains on the carpets.
90% Michelin LTX AT2 (all-terrain) tires (full set of 5), 4 on billet aluminum rims.
Brakes at 70% (inspected and adjusted in May)
All fluid services up to date (including transmission, both differentials, break, etc)
4x4 in excellent shape and extremely robust, no difficulties setting 4L (an apparent issue in older Jeeps)
Three issues to note:
The front bumper is damaged (hitting a rock descending a hill off-road).
The airbag went off and I have not replaced it (hitting the same rock). It hasn't bothered me as it was years past its lifespan anyway and should not have gone off in the first place.
Rolling break squeak which has been there since I got it. Breaks have been inspected and adjusted twice (once very recently). It is apparently a known issue for the vehicle, and there is a fix involving some sort of silicone, but I have not had the gumption to do it. The sound stops when the breaks are applied.
In general this Cherokee is amazing. I am selling it because I have a second car and do not feel like paying for two cars for one person.
$1800
193,000KM
Automatic
Inline 6 - high output
The truck is pretty much as basic as it gets with almost no electronics to speak of. It does have a CB/loudspeaker installed. Interior is in excellent condition with some stains on the carpets.
90% Michelin LTX AT2 (all-terrain) tires (full set of 5), 4 on billet aluminum rims.
Brakes at 70% (inspected and adjusted in May)
All fluid services up to date (including transmission, both differentials, break, etc)
4x4 in excellent shape and extremely robust, no difficulties setting 4L (an apparent issue in older Jeeps)
Three issues to note:
The front bumper is damaged (hitting a rock descending a hill off-road).
The airbag went off and I have not replaced it (hitting the same rock). It hasn't bothered me as it was years past its lifespan anyway and should not have gone off in the first place.
Rolling break squeak which has been there since I got it. Breaks have been inspected and adjusted twice (once very recently). It is apparently a known issue for the vehicle, and there is a fix involving some sort of silicone, but I have not had the gumption to do it. The sound stops when the breaks are applied.
In general this Cherokee is amazing. I am selling it because I have a second car and do not feel like paying for two cars for one person.
$1800
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CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,487
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From: Parrish
Year: 1989
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
Ok well just in my opinion Renixs are beasts and if thats what you want 90 is the best year. I am pretty sure you cant get a 90 with the old crap puegot transmissions so you dont have to worry about that and no airbags. 94 for HO is the best in my opinion because they were the last year without airbags and the first with R134a AC refrigerant.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
The 96 year came with both rear axles, ABS models have the Dana35, and nonABS have the Chrysler 8 1/4. Ive got a manual 96 4x4 and, yes, do love the easy diagnose of the OBD2. Its the last year of that body style, and Chrysler did a good job of building em that year. As for the Renix years, id say 87 because there were alot of Dana 44z that year. Actually, ive never seen Dana 44 rears any other year. 1st year 4.0 also. I think maby one of best year XJ.
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