I know this has probably been asked over and over again but what should I look for when buying a cherokee...I had previously owned one before totaling it and now I am looking to get another. I am just looking for some buying guides and things to look out for when choosing a jeep to build... Also am curious at what mileage I should be turned off of purchasing..looking at 97-01

 

You're going to want to look at the floors and rockers for rust. Try to find a 97-98 to avoid a possible head crack. check the oil, These motors last forever if taken care of. Try to buy as stock as possible so you know it hasn't been beaten on.

 

2000 and 2001 both have head cracking issues. i feel like 96 is the best year because its the last year with the AMC interior but has obdII and more modern features.

basically if it runs decent and is rust free then you should be set. the key point is doing proper maintenance after purchase.

i paid 1300 for a pretty haggard '96 with 225,000 miles. it has power locks and cruise but i had to get new wheels and tires and fix a lot of small issues like sticky door locks and nonfunctioning windows. the body is pretty beat up but it's mostly rust free. i did all maintenance right after purchase and am now at 229,000 with no problems other than a misfire that comes and goes. maintenance is key man.

 

Yea I have heard to stay away from 97 I had a 98 with 140k ran like a champ miss that thing can't wait to get back in one since it will be a second car I won't be putting many miles on it so I guess high mileage won't be too much of an issuer

 

Depends where you live how bad rust is,The floors and rockers are common but anything under it look for rust.

 

I live on Long Island

 

I've got a 2001 and I have no problems with it. I'm not worried about the head cracking. It's got 131,500 on it right now.

 

If it's taken care of the head will be fine. Problem is most people don't take care of them.

Any year is a good choice. Look out for rust/overheating. Also be on the lookout Oil leaks at the valve cover gasket/oil filter adapter/oil pan/rear main seal which are common issues and simple fixes. Check the exhaust manifold for cracks.

Look for new cooling components. If it has a new thermostat/water pump etc. Stay away. They might be trying to hide bigger issues with a Bandaid. They also might just be normal parts replaced due to wear and tear but I learned the hard way and got ripped off. Don't let it happen to you.
Let the jeep idle for a good 20 mins while you look it over. This is a good overheating test. they love to overheat at a stand still.

Take it for a ride around the block. Oil pressure good? Temp still good? Play in steering? Trans shifting smooth? Nice even idle?

Don't let a high mileage xj scare you away. The power train in the xj is an almost unstoppable combo. l6/aw4(or ax15) /np231 with lpd30 and chrysler 8.25 rears are preferred.

In summary: the two biggest issues I see with xjs are rust and overheating. Be aware of this, and be sure to check the cooling system and unibody extensively before buying one!

 

Going to be interesting trying to distract the seller for 20 minutes to let it idle haha

 

99 is the best year (.) Newer more powefull intake manifold and still a distributor ignition.

Except for late 99s with the 0331 head. But as mentioned above 2k-01 are fine as long as the cooling system has been takin care of. Check for milky oil.

 

Why? I can easily be kept busy checking out a new vehicle for 20 mins. I'll take all day checking it out really. I'm not getting ripped off. Can't trust anyone these days.

That's why I said let it idle while your inspecting the overall vehicle... While your talking price etc.

 

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x2

 

Well here are the results

 

Details?

 

2000 Picked it up for 4500..Cherokees prices are crazy on Long Island ...bodys in good shape 140k auto np231 8.25 rear