Looking to buy Cherokee - Years to avoid/prefer?
 

I'm looking to buy a pre-2000 Cherokee. Are there certain years that would be best to avoid or one that stand out as better? Looking for 4x4, straight shift. I think I'd like the 4.0L straight 6, but am open to suggestions. I'm not building into a major off-roader, but want solid off road capability for camping, or whatever might come up. Also looking to haul a 5x10' utility trailer.

Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

---Bill

Get a 99 - 2000

29 spline 8.25
99+ intake manifold
non cracking heads
updated interior
etc

IMO, 1999 is what you want.

It's what I want.

Stay away from 2000 and 2001. They're prone to head issues.

I have 2 93's, a 92 and a 98.

I don't like Renix-Era Jeeps but there are people here who swear by them. (Pre-91)

So, moral of my story. 92-95 if you like the old body style and 98-99 if you like the new body style. IMO, 96 and 97 were iffy years.

All of the years that I've suggested come with the 4.0 L6 and you'll probably have to hunt for a manual transmission. 90% of them are autos.

But, hey, you like to hunt.

Cooper Discoverer AT3s in deep city water
chasing a wimpy WJ

They're pretty good in snow too, but I can't find that video.

Avoid the 84-86 model years, crappy V6 that leaks more oil than it holds and puts out less horsepower than the 12volt battery.

Ok, sounds interesting. It may be that I'm cuttng off too early with pre-2000 - that was a rather arbitrary point trying to keep the cost down. Also, auto trans is ok - I would have thought there were more straights.

Well, there weren't any XJs made post 2001 anyway, and 00s and 01s were prone to head issues... so if possible, you'd want to go with a 98 or 99.

Stick shift were more common in 80s model Cherokees. Just think how few sticks have been made in more recent years. I prefer Renix era 87-90, classic old look without OBD technology. 91-95 is HO with classic look. 96 is the transition year so some parts are weird. 97-99 are the HO with modern look. 00-02? Is the 0331 cracked head issue, same HO and modern look as 97-99. So it sounds like you want a 99. I think in 99.5 or 00 they had the NV3550 5 speed stick. Can someone clarify this?

Motor is junk, front grill n tail lights are awesome. I drive an 85. Lol

I like my 2001, and I haven't had any problems with it. It has 132,000 miles on it.

I feel that 97-98 are my favorite years. My 97 has 215k with no major engine work done to it and I've been running a 60 shot of nitrous for the past 4 months!

95 is the latest year I'll buy since they're emission exempt where I live. That's a big selling point for me since I hate going to the DMV and paying additional fees. :thumbup:

Thanks all. Guess I'm looking at 98-99. Wish I still had my 93 ZJ running...

---Bill

93 ZJ with a 5 speed is pretty rare. Good luck with your search.