Hey fellas!

I found this forum on google and was wondering if you could share your knowledge. I would like to buy my wife a Jeep Cherokee (the boxy style). I know nothing about them but twenty years ago I owned a CJ-7 with a 258 inline and it was the best engine I ever owned.

Are there any years that are better than others? Is the inline 6 pretty much the same from year to year? Good parts availablity for the most part? Any pitfalls on certain years we should be aware of?

As you can see i'm pretty green at the jeep knowledge but we both really like the design and looks. We are looking to buy one now and want to spend $4,000 or less. We have found a couple to go look at next week and I just wanted to ask the experts here about any good advice you may have when we are out shopping that could keep us out of trouble. LOL

Thanks for your time!

Mike

 

Hey Mike!

XJ's have the quirks typical to any other Jeep.

The main thing to look for on Cherokee's is rust. Rust is common on the Roof, around the back Hatch and down the sides of the Quarter Panels, bottom of Front Fenders, and sometimes, the Bottom of the Doors at the Rocker Panels.

Door Hinges are another well known failure point with XJ's and Factory Exhaust Manifolds tend to develop cracks when the Motor Mounts start to wear.


Other than that, Cherokee's are VERY solid vehicles!

Personally, i would consider '91- and later models, as they where the first 4.0L "H.O.'s".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_%28XJ%29


Good Luck with your search!!!

 

Asking what year is the best with crowd is like starting a Ford vs Chevy vs Mopar arguement at the dragstrip. Each year has it's pros and cons. This link will give you some info to help you make a decision.

http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html

The main things to stay away from are the 84-86 models with the 2.8 V6 engines. They are underpowered and not as reliable as the as the 4.0 inline 6. Also try to avoid the vacuum disconnect front axle on the 91 and older models that are prone to vacuum leaks resulting in the front axle not engaging. Not all of the 91 and older models have the vac disco front axle so don't rule those years out.

 

Sorry to thread jack but that really isn't an argument is it

 

98 or 99 classic.....00 and 01 they started to make changes and have probs....I would bet you can find a really nice one for way under 4 grand.

 

OOOOHHHHHH......I thought you were gonna trade the jeep for the wife!!!!

Keep the Jeep!!!!

 

What are your thoughts on miles? It seems a lot of them have around 120,000 - 140,000 miles. Inlines have a reputation for dependability and it should be good for 200,000 plus before a rebuild. Guess I'm not sure.

Living in Wisconsin it seems many are pretty rusted out. I have a brother in Orlando Florida that could help me look at a couple that are rust free. A one way ticket is $85, pretty cheap really. I could just drive it back to Wisconsin I suppose.

To spend $85 on a ticket and some gas might be a good value to get a rust free Cherokee. I just looked on craigslist in Orlando and they have a few worth checking out I think.

Anyhow, thanks for the replies, your all a big help for us. Even in Florida they seem to be all 100,000 miles plus so maybe that"s the norm hey?

Mike

 

120 to 140k is like new ...I bought a really nice 99 with 130k for 3 grand a couple months ago...everything was new needed nothing...Unfortunately it was destroyed in an accident....I replaced it with another 99 with 180k that I paid a grand for. I was concerned about the miles but there is nothing wrong with it after doing a few maintenance items to it ...it serves as the family vehicle and drive like new. I jsut drove it thru several snow storms and on a 800 mile trip with no prbs at all.

 

Thanks Skreed, i'm think your right. They don't make them anymore so the mileage just keeps adding up.

The inlines should also be easier to work on than the typical V engines if need be.

The search continues

Mike

 

Welcome, from Wisconsin also. Take your time, Look around. (Unless you need it right away.) Might be able to pick one up cheaper, come spring. (Check Milwaukee area, possible Chicago area, Vehicles seem to be cheaper around big cities and more selection.) Mine's 1991, and still under 70,000 miles. 19 years old, but still a puppy yet. Good luck to ya!

 

Thanks guys!

I found a 97 sport ( red ) that I can get for 2,300 but it has 170,000 miles. A bit nervous because of miles but it's in perfect shape. I'm gonna look at it this week.

Mike

 

I'd say offer 2k for it.

 

$2000 would seem a bit of the high end for the ones in this area. But if it is clean and rust free then it may be worth that figure.

 

ah that ain't nuttin. If its rust free its worth 2300. Still lowball him tho

I had a 97 with 170k and it ran like it was brand new still. i had that o wow 4 years ago. bought for 3500 with 137k. sister totalled it.

For a DD i would look for a 95? or newer- something with airbags. Thats what i know i would buy for the female in my life.

 

id stay away from the 97's iv heard alot of bad things about that year. if i remember correctly even jp magizine said to stay away from 97 if possible