elchucko

a Jeep Cherokee Sport. Can you list some important items to check such as mileage, fluid leaks, etc. What years between 1991 and 2002 are the best? How long can the engines in these trucks go before an engine rebuild? I have a 1991 with 225k on it in mind? Walk away? Thank you

DUDE454

I like to buy cars with around 100k miles on them or less. With 225K your running the risk of al lot of problems arrising. If one of the previous owners wheeled it then the transmission will be the first to go. Check the axles, in 91 the Dana 30 and Chrysler 8.25 were not good axles. If its got a D44 then your set. In 1997 the Chrysler 8.25 was upgraded to 29 spline making it stronger. Its your call but id go with one with lower miles.

tannerp89

in 1997 they started the upcountry packages (no rear swaybar, more skids) and made the 29 spline 8.25 a limited slip in some cases. they also started the stronger 297x u joints in the front axle, but started using a low pinion D30 in 2000. they also started using an aluminum head in 2000 that is prone to cracking, and coil packs, and a strict emissions system so 4 O2 sensors. also in 1991 was the year they went from Renix to AMC so check on that.

and if properly maintained the 4.0 will run for 300,000 miles or more, and is fairly inexpensive to rebuild so....as far as fluid leaks check the rear main seal, the o ring at the oil filter pickup, and the timing chain cover. if you can id take a sample of all fluids (front/rear diffs, trans, transfer case) the color/smell will tell you how well its been maintained or abused, especially the tranny/transfer case fluid.

tuxfan212

94 was last year with no airbags and had R134a air conditioning refrigerant. 97-01 were remodeled.

superj

as long as its a 4.0, your good. even the 2.5 is good but the older ones are very slow and bad gas mileage.

just check the basics, like you would anytime you buy a used car

Rmart30

You dont say if you want it for a trail rig, or a DD. both of which would influence my decision on what to look at.

My base when looking for one I want to keep and not resell is....
None older than 91, prefer newer than 94 because they are already R134 and not R12 systems that could be costly to upgrade to R134.
I prefer the 97 up interiors,larger outside foldaway mirrors, and no useless non working vent windows to obscure my view to the side mirrors.
97 up's unibody was made stiffer and had more sound deadening added to it for a little quieter ride.

if your just looking for a trail beater anything 91 up would get my vote.

tuxfan212

Renix era pre 90 Cherokees are beasts just FYI. Tough as nails. As long as it is a 4.0.

elchucko

I'm looking for one that's road ready. Something I can drive 1500 miles @75mph all day w/o an issue. Looks like a 2000 with under 150k on the clock. Thanks

wheeler

keep looking for a daily driver then, a good cherokeee is not hard to come by!