My son is looking for his first car, interested in a Jeep.

He found two different ads for a 01 Jeep Cherokee Sport 6 cylinder.

The first ad says190k 6 cylinder failed due to coolant leaking in and the head gasket may be blown, "very regular maintenance". Asking 1K OBO.

The second ad says 6 cylinder 140K head gasket blown needs to be put back together. Seller has replacement and radiator. Asking $600

Is this worth it?

Is he just replacing engine or transmission as well?

How much would you offer?

The third ad he likes is a 1999 Jeep Cherokee limited, 363,510 miles. Ad says it runs good, new brakes, plugs wires. $1400 OBO

Is this worth it?

What will he have to do to it?

What would you offer?


Thank you all for the help

 

No go....the heads are probably cracked. 00-01 are notorious for it....unless its cheap. But its still a gamble because the motors might be done.

 

Thank you. I did read that in the sticky post above.

What do you think about the 99? The mileage is high but to me has been well taken care of considering the mileage.

 

When you lose a head gasket you can lose the entire engine.

I would never pay more than $500 for a vehicle with a blown head gasket because of all the machine work and the "what if" chance afterwards.

My 97 froze in December and after I had the head machined and spent a bunch of coin on the engine, the cylinders/pistons were shot and was going to need a rebuild.

 

363,000 miles for $1400?

I could never talk myself into an almost 20 year old vehicle on its way to half a million miles for that price.
That's just me though.

 

And even then if it is fairly clean with no rust rot under it. It would then be worth 500 I think, even if I had to change or rebuild the engine. Drivetrain and axles are worth that.

 

The 99 Cherokee Limited ad says it runs good. The only concern is the mileage at 356K. With such high mileage is it worth looking at? The body looks good. Will the engine/trans need to be replaced right away?

The two 01 Cherokees have blown head gaskets and am taking the advice here and not bothering.

 

I agree... That's a bit high.

 

May I suggest not getting in a hurry and keep looking. Something great will come along.

 

I'm with you on that.

He'll need to keep looking.

 

Kids are impatient. But at some point they need a lesson in the great advantages and benefits that do go with being patient. Something fantastic will drop in his lap if he is patient.

I'm in the same boat right now, I have a new engine and running gear that needs a new body to call home. For the life of me I can't find one worthy. But it will come...

 

What general area are you located in?

 

I would look for a 91-99 model, with under 250K unless it's a really good deal.

 

I agree, avoid the 00-01 XJ's if you can avoid it. Some of the 00 XJ's had the earlier head, but I would just assume the worst and try to find a 97-99 XJ with a clean body and good drivetrain.

 

Or beat down the price on a running 00-01 and swap the head yourself?
For me the biggest fear is rust, but if you can weld/fabricate then your options increase.