Hey everyone,
As the title suggests, I'm new to the forums. I've wanted to purchase a Cherokee XJ for years, and I'm finally doing it. I'm not too picky, but I've been taking it slow and waiting for that perfect vehicle to pop up. I've always driven manual, so I'm looking to keep it that way. I'm planning on using it as my daily driver.

Anyway, I was hoping I could get some advice. Once I do find a potential candidate, what is the best way to ensure that I am buying something that is worth buying? For example, I've found this one (http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/cto/5028856608.html), and I was thinking of setting up a meeting and driving it over to a mechanic to have them look at it. I'm ~3 hrs away from this one, but I don't have the expertise to judge the condition myself.

I realize that most Cherokees I'm looking at will need some kind of work, I just don't want to get screwed into buying something that craps out on my way home.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Here's a good video break down.

 

Thanks!

 

I live in wenatchee, that thing is actually in cashmere and looks like crap in person.

 

Well thanks, that's good to know. I've been looking for a while now and haven't quite found anything worthwhile. I'll keep searching

 

The link you gave is over priced i see 2k max for it.

 

That video is very helpful honestly. Like he said you can hold off and try to land grandma's grocery getter for $1500 but chances are it won't happen. Cherokees are common vehicles that were used alot. If it starts and runs and the 4x4 is engaging as it should I would consider buying it granted the price is right. There's alot of idiots out there with leaky and highly used jeeps trying to get top dollar for them you will encounter them. Watch for rust under the floor boards. I bought my 91 in AZ I took a glance at the underbody and saw no rust but weeks later when removing my carpet sure enough the passenger side had 3 good size rott holes.

 

Good to know. I haven't gotten far enough along with any one vehicle to actually go check one out yet. That's why I want to be sure to cover my bases for when I do

 

If you narrow your search to a manual only you will be looking much longer for one as there were many more autos the AW4 trans made than the manuals. The AW4's are well known for being a very HD auto in a 4x4 and not uncommon to see them with a 1/4 million miles on the 4.0/AW4 combos some much more miles.


The better years for an XJ are the 97-99's and avoid the 00/01 models because of known issues with the head and a weaker LPD30 front differential. Another thing to avoid is a D35 rear differential (very weak) it will have ABS on the Jeep with this rear end.


Good Luck and Welcome to the Forum!

 

Fred! Thank you! This is some useful info. I can be flexible on the manual transmission if that's the case.

 

As far as the 00-01's go yes they are the "worst year cherokee" but are still great jeeps. There are tons of members on here that run low pinion front ends and never have a problem. And as for 0331 heads if you take care of your coolant system you shouldn't have to worry about head cracking.

 

I've got an 01 XJ with 200K on the original head and AW4 transmission. Still running an LP front 30 as well.

The key is to learn as MUCH as you can about them before you start picking out ones to look at. Use Google and search terms like "best year XJ to buy" "what to look for when buying an XJ" etc.

Basically, it is all about who owned it before you, how they treated it, what they did to it or what you are willing to do to it, and most importantly RUST.

The beauty of the XJ is you can fix virtually anything on it with enough time and money. If you don't want to spend BIG bucks, make sure the engine is solid and there is NO rust! You will NEED to get down on the ground and crawl ALL over underneath the thing to check the rockers, the front and rear quarter panels, wheel wells, frame rails, etc. ALL of IT!

Then it is a matter of determining what you are willing to pay.

Also, check out the regional forum and start lurking and making friends there. I got mine through a friend of a guy in the regional forum - his XJ wasn't even listed for sale anywhere, he had just put the word out to his buddies he was looking to sell and I picked up a GREAT XJ that was FAR superior to anything on CL or the paper for far less.

Good luck, keep using Google and keep asking questions.

 

It you have $3800 to spend- you should be able to come away with a good one. Take your time and don't rule out 2000/2001. Some real good ones out there just waiting for you!

 

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Arcticxj and never have to replace a clutch which is a pain on a 4x4,Or get clutch leg driving in traffic with it.Off road some rather have the stick and some don't like them off road like me.