Hi everyone. IF my Land Rover forum knew that I was thinking of defecting, i'd be banished.... For real, here's the situation and I need advise. I live in a rural area now where mechanics that have the equipment and expertise to work on Land Rover Discos are few if not very far to reach. Everyone here drives Jeep! Its the only other 4x4 i'd consider - i'm looking at a 1999 Jeep Cherokee manual - another possible late 90s automatic or a year 2000 Cherokee sport 2dr 5 speed. the availability around here for sale all have about 140,000-167,000 milage - can you tell me anything? what should I expect buying a Cherokee in this milage range? What other normal problems are an occurring theme with these models? If you asked me the same question about a Land Rover Discovery i could give you the list...i'm hoping with Jeep there are not too many issues that i should shy away from. thanks in advance for your help. mary

 

The only thing to be careful of is on the 2000, the heads are well known to crack. Mine did. Other than that, that's just barely breaking in the 4.0. Do not get the 2.5 4 cylinder. 4.0 or no. The automatic in the xjs is the aw4, the best auto tranny ever made. Common problems are mainly electrical.

 

Thanks for that advise so you are saying 4.0 engine is best? or not - sorry wasn't clear on that sentence...and is it best to stay clear of the 2000? look for a 99'? I value your opinion...I appreciate free and brave!

 

Yes. 4.0 is arguable the best engine ever made by anyone. Personally I'd go 99, but I love my 00. If you find an 00 for a good price and it was maintained very well, I'd go for it. Wish I'd have know that before buying mine

 

I appreciate the advise....happy easter!

 

The 99 manual is at the top of the list IMO. The AX15 is an awesome trans. Not saying the auto isn't. I have a 97 manual with over 310k. Really the main thing to check engine wise is the cooling system. Good news is it is only a couple hundred to replace it all. As for mileage there are plenty that go 300k plus with basic maintenance and the occasional inexpensive replacement sensor or part.

Welcome to the Jeep family.

 

The 99 is the best yr of them all the 00/01 had the head issues and the low pinion D30 front differential weaker and less clearance. Also look to make sure it has the Chy 8.25 and not the D35 (Junk but easy to swap) in the rear the 8.25 in the 97's and up all had 29 spline axles and very strong compare to a D44.


The 99 also had an improved intake manifold and less emissions BS than newer ones and only one CAT. No coil packs still a dist on it.

 

ditto on the 4.0.basic design was put together early 1950's and was in production until 2004.266k on a stock 97.

 

Thanks. I found a low milage 2001 cherokee classic (2 owners) excellent condition - after searching for a 1999, all are too high in milage for my comfort, i'd really like to get in a clean Cherokee getting as many years and milage as i can. i'm test driving it tomorrow. i appreciate everyone's feedback and advise.

 

Good luck. Check the coolant and make sure it's not brown. Welcome to the sickness

 

Now thats a headline! thanks for all the support and advise.

 

Don't forget to check for rust. Rocker panels and floor boards. Don't be afraid to crawl underneath with a flashlight. Salty roads are not our friends. Good Luck!!

 

Ok just educated myself on that brown coolant happening over 100mi...will check for that and underneath. thanks so much.

 

^This, electrical issues are far more common on XJs than mechanical issues, the 4.0L I6 and AW4/AX15/NV3550 are all pretty bullet-proof, unfortunately the same can't be said for the electrical system (though it is better in later years, and is still far better than what you'll find in a Land-Rover).


^This, major rust is far worse than any mechanical issue, XJs are pretty easy to work on (assuming all the bolts aren't rusted solid) so even a "major" repair like an engine or transmission replacement is far easier than significant rust repair. As a rule if there is severe rust you can see there is likely more that you can't, so rotted out floors, rockers, etc. are major "red flags".


As stated the 00-01s have a known casting defect in the head that can lead to a crack, especially if overheated (this affects all 00-01 4.0L I6s not just XJs), but as long as you catch it before coolant contamination of the oil damages the bearings, replacing the head isn't particularly difficult or expensive (about $500 for a new head, another $400-$500 or so for labor if you pay someone to do the job, which isn't all that difficult, but is a bit time consuming).

 

Look for 91-99 as virgin as you can find and rust free.The mileage wouldn't bother me much.If the 4.0 is taken care of it can run 300k and we have many members well in the 200k range.And dmill the wj got the cracking head 99-02 and the tj was 00-02 if i remember right.