Sota

Hello all!

Recently moved to MN and looking for a reliable and capable daily driver that can also handle various andventures (camping,fishing etc) and the winters. I've owned one grand Cherokee and it was a piece. But I'm really interested in and wanting to buy a 2001ish sport or classic. Would this fit my needs? Where's the best place to find one and what kind of price can I expect for one that isn't a bucket of rust? Also, other than clearance are there many differences in the sport and classic?

Rogue4x4

Firstly, welcome. As far as fitting your needs, yes...an XJ (not a grand) will suit your needs just fine. Some things to know, however... The 00-01 models have the 0331 heads. Those heads have a well known casting flaw. They can crack at any time. Just be aware.

As far as where to find one, rust free, well that's on you, man...YOU need to look for the ride you want...it is gonna take a LOT of due diligence on your part. Especially living in a rust prone area. Price is also subjective, you need to look at what they're going for in your area and make an educated decision.

Sport and Classic models are just trim packages, the only trim package that had more clearance were the Upcountry ones. And the difference is minimal.

Here is a link for you to read, for looking to buy a Cherokee...

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/loo...osting-224555/

I wish we could tell you where to buy a pristine XJ for little money...but if we knew that, we'd already have bought them, haha

Good luck.

EZEARL

What he said ^.

You could start a post here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f37/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f12/

Here's what I'd consider. If you could locate a good one through CF members and with airline prices being cheap if you schedule far enough ahead I'd not limit myself to local vehicles. Fly out then drive home.

Sota

Thank you for the replies! Have a feeling I'll be around here quite a bit from now on haha.

I've read a little about the heads issue but not too in depth. I'm supposed to go look at one tomorrow I may post a link and get some feedback beforehand.

EZEARL

GOOD idea.

Rogue4x4

Agreed.

Also, if you don't know what to look for, take it to a mechanic for a once over. If the seller denies that request prior to sale, RUN, don't walk, away.

Sota

Very good point!

Here is the one I'm looking at. It's a at a dealer he told me cash talks and it has 140k on it. So we'll see
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/r...321600796.html

Martlor13

I mean, that's not really a bad thing. I won't take the time to take a vehicle I'm selling to a mechanic for you. Bring one if you want when you see it though, doesn't bother me haha

EZEARL

Very clean looking for sure. It's just that 3031 head issue that concerns me. Be nice to have a test run for exhaust gases in the cooling system and an oil analysis for coolant in the oil. Maybe I'm being over cautious but replacing a head is not cheap. Maybe some members with more experience with the 00-01 XJ's will reply.

Sota

Yeah I hope some of them chime in for sure

Rogue4x4

I'm not sure what you're getting at, but if you're the one buying, and want a mechanic to inspect it on your dime, if the seller tells you no, that's a huge red flag.
This is why you do your due diligence, know what to look for, and take it to someone to test for these things in advance.

It is very clean, the price is pretty fair, but to be honest, no pics of the engine bay or undercarriage...nothing about any flaws. All the pics are fluff pics, meaning they look good at that distance...and pics are deceiving...you can't always see the flaws.

When you go look at it, check the rockers and quarters for rust, as well as frame rails and pans, if it looks freshly coated with undercoating, be suspicious. Makes it look good, but might be hiding issues. I hate to say this, but inspect it as if you already know the seller is looking to rip you off.

Sota

I definitely try to have the mindset when looking at a vehicle that they're trying to rip me off (especially with dealers) the head issue is my biggest concern. Don't want to be buying a jeep that's been driven 1k miles on a cracked head then turned in on a trade. Almost tempted to wait for a '99 to pop up

Martlor13

Im implying that as a seller I'm not taking the vehicle im selling to a mechanic shop or to a mechanic. Doesn't matter if the buyer is paying. I have to make time for it and most shops won't let you stand and watch what they are doing, which is what I would want since I don't want them screwing up anything. Plus most shops are closed when I can show a vehicle. Now if you want to bring a mechanic with you to my place to come see it, be my guest. That's all I'm saying. Most people I know don't or won't take their car they are selling to a mechanic for a buyer, again even if they are paying. But my friends and family are honest people, nothing to hide. Bring a mechanic TO us and we have no problem answering or showing any issues.

so I guess all I'm saying is that it's not a red flag if a seller doesn't want to meet you somewhere where someone can look at the vehicle. But if they don't want you to even bring a mechanic, then yeah there's probably something being held by tape somewhere haha!

Martlor13

i would still go look at it to get a feel of its condition to compare to others you may look at.

Sota

I probably will but man I sure would hate to miss a sign of a crack and buy it with plans of swapping the heads right away