Altosax

Hello, cherokee world
First of all I want to say thank you for all the help. I'm new to this forum thing, so it will take a while for me to get used to this. Right now I have a lifted isuzu rodeo 99, and for some reason cherokee cought my attention, especially the cherokee sport. I really want to get one, but I'm stuck because I don't know what year I should go with?

93_xjcherokee

Welcome to the forum. I have a 92. I would stay away from 2000-2001. They had problems with the heads cracking. I like 96-99 Cuz they have metal back hatches and I like the front ends better. But do your research. Look for one that's a decent price and not beat up too bad or too much rust. If you get one with the 4.0, those motors go forever. If it has 200k miles don't let it scare you as long as it doesn't knock and everything works good.

Dumajones

I would look for a 97- 99

99 was the best year for the XJ I think.

The 2000 and 2001 had the bad 0331 head that crack from a casting defect that can crack between cylinders 3-4., so try to stay away from those years. But dont let that get in the way.
If the 00 or 01 had good cooling maintenance over its years it should be ok. But it will crack in time or it wont. Its a real gamble with the 0331 head.
Mine crack on the 2000, I took great care of it and it still went.
So I won the 0331 head crack lottery.
The 00-01 also had the coil rail not cap and rotor
The 96 is a transition year which makes parts a pain in the butt to get. Some bits are from older XJs, some from newer, and some parts are actually unique just to 1996s.


Welcome To CF also..

andrewmp6

To me 91-99 4.0 auto np231 t case.

Altosax

Thank you. That's what I've been hearing 00-01 are not that reliable.

Fred/N0AZZ

Welcome to the forum!


97-99 with the best IMHO a 99 the first half of the year, it had the best of all the years offered in engine and less emissions equipment on it.

extrashaky

They're just fine IF you get one that doesn't have a cracked head and preemptively swap the head to one that isn't prone to cracking. But then you really have to factor in the cost of that when buying one, and most sellers don't want to give you that much of a discount to make it worthwhile. The '00 and '01 have several other peculiarities that make them less desirable, but nothing that can't be overcome if you find a really good deal on one.

If I were looking for another one, I would keep my eyes open for a '97-'99 with a special emphasis on the '99.

Altosax

Great thank you. 1 more question. How much should I be expecting to get one for?

DUDE454

Around here ive seen stock 99's with 150k or less go for under $4k. But im with eveyone else, the 99 is in my opinion the best year of the XJ. High pionion front axle, no aluminum head and CUP HOLDERS!

Altosax

Thank you. Just got off craigslist there is like nothing in spokane. (xj) is the sport correct?

DUDE454

XJ is the 2 letter designation for the Cherokee. All Cherokee's are XJ's (Except the pre 84's but those are another story). As far as what youre looking at, the sport, classic or SE (unlabeled) are all the same in drive train and function. A sport usually has a body color with black outer trim, a classic has matching trim and body color, and a SE usually has no power options or roof rack. The only big thing to look out for if you want a 99 is an 8.25 rear axle (you can look up pick and be able to pick it out in a heart beat) and a 231 transfer case. It is the one that does not have full time 4wd on the label inside, but is a stronger case overall and more desirable imho. Of course if you can find a good mile 99 cherokee limited then we will all be jealous of you haha. Thats the nicer trim model with leather seats and all the creature comforts

DUDE454

Oh and just an fyi, no matter what you get (if you do) replace the thermostat and maybe the radiator. Many Cherokee's overheat but with a new thermostat and radiator you can run well under the 210 average. Thermostat is easy, just youtube it, and for the radiator you can try or outsource, either way it will help you experience in the long run.

Altosax

Wow, thank you so much for the info. I apreciate all the help. I will defiantly look out for all those things.

Fred/N0AZZ

Prices depend a lot on where you live more than anything else. I might add don't let mileage a lot of it frighten you off, mine had 220,000 on the 4.0 when I bought it 3 yrs ago. It still is running strong as are a lot of others here the 4.0 (I6 engine)/AW4 (trans)/NP231 (transfer case) are all good solid pieces and well known to hold up very well.


BTW I paid $1800 for my 99 when I bought it and it was in overall good shape.

SteveMongr

1996 gets no love..