My 18yr old son is going to buy a cherokee,both vehicles are in about the same condition 1998 has commandtrac 150,000MI. the 2000 has selectrac and115,000MI. The guy selling the 2000 wants 350.00 more. My son has always driven front wheel drive cars and is NOT a handson wrencher type. I do not know anything about the Jeep 4x4 systems but was told the selectrac can be used in just slightly slick conditions and the commandtrac cannot. His offroad driving will be very very minimal. We live in Iowa so we get plenty of sleet, ice and snow. Looking for input on which system would serve him better. Thanks

 

I'd just get the 98. Keeps you away from the 0331 head, more emissions equipment and coil pack ignition.

 

x2 on the 98. cheaper to fix too.

 

So from what I'm reading the 4x4 system doesn't need to be a consideration. Is it ok to use the command trac in just slightly slippery conditions.

 

^^^^
as long as the roads are wet,snow covered or ice. then yes. do not use it on dry pavement. if you want to do that then get the 242 t-case aka...select trac.

 

For him, where you live, driving style and minimal offroad, the 2000 with the NP242 Selectrac with less miles would be the better choice.

 

I have a 2001 and have had to replace the 0331 head (not cheap) at 120k and replace all 4 O2 sensors at 140k for $200 thanks to CA emissions. So the above statement is true and something to consider for sure.
However if the build date is before 1-20-2000 (which is not likely for a 2000) then you will have the older style exhaust and emissions system (e.g. 2 O2 sensors). Just look on the door jamb of the driver's door next time you look at the vehicle.

I also agree with this too. I also have the NP242 and it is nice to have on slippery road surfaces, but not enough to justify locking it in 4WD. Just nice to have that option. But if he ever plans on lifting it in the future like most guys want to do, there is less aftermarket support for the NP242 vs. the NP231.

My vote goes to the one that looks, sounds like it was taken care of better.

 

+ & -'s.. in everything. I still would go for the 98. like i said cheaper to fix, maintain and mod as said..

there is guys on here that have the 0331 head and never had one issue. but why take the chance if your boy doesn't know how to fix it if it ever does go. As mentioned its expensive labor charges.

again...98. GL.

 

I would go with the 98 myself. With the 0331 head on the 00 I would be paranoid to let it over heat and risk cracking the head.
As far as the 98 goes, it would be a good vehicle to learn to maintain based on the fact that XJ's are generally forgiving and easy to work on. Plus, he has a forum here with members from all corners of the world to help should something come up.
Once he gets the XJ, it will be a greasy love affair full of curse words and busted knuckles..... I wouldn't trade my 98 for the world.

 

I have a 98 (207,000) with the NP231 and a 2000 (218,000) with the NP231. We've had the 2000 for 12 years and it goes to show what good maintenance will do for a vehicle, it runs better than my 98 which we've only had for about 2 years. Our 2000 has never had any problems with the head, and still makes great oil pressure. For your conditions, I would say get the 242, and in 2000 they got a little upgraded sound insulation as well. If he doesn't like turning wrenches I'm assuming he doesn't care much about customization, and if its hot going to be a heavy duty towing rig, or a hot summer stop-and-go traffic rig, I think you're good to go with the 2000 SelecTrac. Like mentioned earlier in the thread, buy which ever one seems to have been maintained the best, good maintenance is the key to longevity of any vehicle.

 

bought 2001 with 166k now its 200k most of my friends use the 2000,2001 never had 0331 head problems or hear about it
and yes my 2001 jeep over heat twice (to the full mark until stall) because of electric fan go bad


no need to worry about 0331 just take care about cooling system dont over heat it and you are fine ..
Good luck hope he enjoy his new jeep