bray

I've been in love with my brother's Jeep since '92 and I'm to the point I need my own. I'm leaning toward the Cherokee for it's extra cargo space. The '92-'96(ish) 4.0 HO is what I think I want. Ive seen lots of automatics and a couple stick.

Is there anything that a newbie should know when looking? I'd prefer to start with stock and do my own mods as time goes on. Any year, model, option to stay away from?

What would you get?

Thanks guys,

bray

ZachsXJ

what is your budget? If I were to buy another cherokee(and I probably will sometime in the next year or two) I'd get something from 97-up with a 5spd(because I'm biased) preferably the Laredo package or better(having power accessories would be nice) Look for a Chrysler 8.25 rear end though.

Cherokee

x2 on the crys rear end.

probably stay away from any before 91 at this point, but after that its for the most part personal preference.

bueno suerte.

bray

Budget isn't the issue really.....I've seen 'em from $1750 up to $5000 within 500 miles of here (SoCal). I was thinking a more bare bone version would be better than complicated electronics all over that may develop issues in wet weather.

Long term I want to build a rig capable of living in Saint Lucia, where my current truck is now headed. Think rain forest environment with mud bogs on the way to the beach. I need a 4x4 that is reliable, not a rock crawler or something with 18 inches of lift.....

What is the maximum life for the 4.0L HO engine? At 100,000 my brother's is as if it were new.

bray

...Ya the 4.0L HO is really what I'm after. That, and white paint...

xjbones

the 4.0 typically can see 300k if its well taken care of.

ZachsXJ

Then definitely get something with a manual transmission(no transmission electronics to crap out at the worst possible time) and manual locks/windows etc. Also, Di-electric grease goes miles towards waterproofing an electrical system. I'd still recommend something 97-up the OBD2 can go a long way towards helping diagnose engine issues.

Ritter4.0

The 1999 is arguablly one of the best years, so shoot for that.

Even if abused, the 4.0 can easily reach 200,000, I'm at 187,XXX right now in my 1990.

bray

That is much newer that I was thinking....off to autotrader for another look.

barkers2000xj

I have a 2000 xj that I drive back in forth to college every day ..love it wouldn't trade it for any rice burner. .it has 150000 on it and the only thing that went bad was the crank shaft positioning sensor and that was a cheap easy fix

bray

Thanks guys. I got one step closer today. I'll keep on the lookout for the right one.

i-07

i got mine for $400 wasnot to bad either lol i've fixed it up a lil bit lol

bray

Zac I think that one is a keeper.

I'll take your advice any time.

caged

stay away from 00 and 01 if at all possible.
they have low pinion front dana 30 axle and the distributor was replaced with a coil pack.

99 is the best year of the chryco cherokees.

i-07

i like my 95 lol