Are 2000 - 2001 Cherokees really to be avoided like the plague? Is it just a given that they were made poorly?

 

No 00-01 Cherokees are fine. Some have their opinions on them but they arnt bad

You could buy mine! lol

 

Nothing wrong with any cherokee. 99-01 heads just had a tendency to crack. Just make sure it is getting proper cooling. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 99-01 model at all. Good luck.

 

Is this something that is extremely expensive to fix?

 

???? Like on any other vehicle.. It depends what break's, transmission blows out= expensive af.. Belt breaks= not to bad! All depends

 

I just replaced the head on my 2000. The new head was 450$ and about $500 for labor but that could be minimized if you have time to do it yourself. So now I have a 2000 with a good cylinder head, so I guess it all depeds on the deal you are getting. Also only a percentage of the 00-01 end up having the problem. It depends on the maintanenece,cooling and basically luck. Best years are 1997-1999 with the good cylinder heads and high pinion front axles. All years came with either a d35 or 8.25 rear axle. 8.25 is way better.

 

Replacing a head on an inline 6... i charge $200+fluids/parts and I can do them in about 4 hrs after the head is checked for cracks at a machine shop.

Needless to say, it's a lot easier then people think.

 

I myself would be looking for the least expensive bone stock model, with all the options (I want) in the best condition. With the least amount of miles on it. JMO!

 

Take something you want to buy to a trusted local garage and have them check it out. Under a $100 and worth every penny for peace of mind on the motor brakes and tranny. If the seller does not agree walk away.

 

I'm going to taking a look at a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport with leather interior tomorrow. Was that even option for that trim level or do I assume it's after market? Thanks

 

I have leather interior in my 2000. It was swapped in from a different xj but its still factory for 1997-2001 models. So the one you are looking at most likely came with it.

 

I just pulled the trigger on a 99 Cherokee Sport. Runs great but I really want to clean up the engine bay. Other than covering up the alternator and electrical, is there anything else I should be concerned about? Can I use the hand carwash degreaser option and then spray it down? any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

Yea. No. Depends how abrasive your product is. I use the canned stuff and wipe down all the smooth metal. Then go back over with simple green and a course brush. Plastics just wipes off with simple green and then armor all.

 

^ +1

Unless there is so much oil it's a fire hazard, pretty much just leave it alone. Very little in the way of electrical under the hood on a Jeep are weather, let alone waterproof. If you spray it down at the car wash or on the trail, very high likelyhood you'll be walking home.

 

My bad, thought you said is "there" something expensive to fix, not "this".. Makes sense now lol