I am in the market for a jeep Cherokee and my parents are giving me the family minivan and they don't mind if I sell. Im confident I can get 3000 for it. I have about 2500 of my own money. So
5500. It will be my daily driver I'll be going to college in south jersey I'll be around the pine barrens. I plan to lift it about 3 inches and have about 31-32 inch tires. Would i be best off getting a 99-01 with about 85000 miles from a dealer or saving my money buying an older one on craigslist with more miles. I'll need something to
Last me thru at least college. I'm not really a mechanic either I can do some basics and I have a mechanic buddy by home but I'll be an hour away

 

Go with something with low miles and try to stay between 92 and 99. If you plan on wheeling in the pines I would look into getting a snorkel and raising vent tubes. It can deep out there. Also check for rust!

 

Whats the difference between 92-99 then 00-01

 

Well 00 to 01 engines are known for the head cracking and 91 and older have the renix engine which can be headache at times

 

00-01 has the 0331 head which is prone to cracking. If it cracks and you don't notice it your motor is effed. Coolant gets into the motor oil.
I also believe 00-01 was distributorless.

After 1996, the cherokee was updated with smoother body lines and the interior was changed.

If you can, get a 97-99.

 

I would go with a 97-99. They have the 8.25 with the 29 spline shafts as to pre 97 27 spline 8.25.

 

oh thanks, I want to try to get the 97-99 I like the look a little bit better even though it's just minor changes

 

Don't go all "I have 5500 to spend so That's what I'll do" either. Shop around, don't be afraid of a higher mileage vehicle (4.0's are reliable SOBs for a long time) and don't take anybody's word for anything, especially dealers. They're the worst.

I don't know what they go for in your area, but my 97 with 181k and zero rust, minimal leaks, new transfer case and speakers was 2400. If I had spent closer to 4000, in a lot of cases I literally would have bought the exact same thing, so do a lot of research and look at a lot of vehicles before settling if you can. Also, be aware that not all came with C8.25 rear ends. Many, if not most, came with Dana 35's which are not well loved by any means. Don't let them scare you off, but definitely know a) if it's been replaced and b) drive it to see if it does anything stupid. Look out for things like engine misses (a ticking noise, if not too loud, is almost standard and likely nothing to be concerned about), loose drivers or passenger seats. Check the 4 wheel drive by finding a parking lot to pull into, engaging 4hi, and turning in a tight arc. If it clicks and pops, everything works and you are good to go. Don't be scared of a little leak here or there but know what you're getting into.

Good Luck! Don't be afraid to post pics/details on the forum and ask for feedback.

 

Craigslist is your friend found my daily in one night 95k for 3800 2000 sport

 

What he said. And if any Jeep that you look at has ABS, then its for sure going to have the Dana 35. Check for rust on the bottom. And dont just buy the first xj you see. Look around, something will pop up at a really good price. And dont be scared of the high mileage, these engines can last over 300,000 miles if taken care of.

 

1996 cherokee
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2336609909.html
1999 Cherokee
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2335523366.html
1991 limited for 800
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2332435833.html
jeep cherokee 2 door
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2331711192.html
1991 cherokee laredo
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2329955509.html
1990 laredo
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2328811762.html

take a look if you want more let me know...

 

Appreciate it rooster but I won't have the money until July. And my dad most likely is going to want me to get one with under 100,00 because he thinks it wi "nickel and dime me to death" I know it matters on about the maintenance and not the miles. But I have to listen to him as 3,000 of my money is coming from him

 

If you find an under 100k Jeep for less than 6 grand, it's because it has had the holy living ***** beat out of it. THAT's the one that will nickel and dime you to death. Good luck!

 

good luck trying to find one with under 100,000 on it

 

Thru dealers and autotrader/cars.com I've been able of course it's alot more money though