jyenney

Hello everyone,
I'm new to the forum, and unsure of a lot of things.
First I use to have a xj years ago and really enjoyed it.
I've just moved to an area where there is a lot of public land and miles to roam. I have been debating between a UTV or jeep and have decided to go the xj route.
My choices are between two jeeps-both are very clean, just need help deciding what one would be the best bang for the buck. I plan on a 3" lift and some bigger tires. money is kind of an issue.

1998 128,000 miles 5 speed-$3500
or
1997 205,000 miles 5 speed-$2000-could use the extra savings for the lift and tires

Demonoid369

Price is pointless if there are issues, my advice it to read up and do searching. Mileage and price wont matter if there's rust or the vehicles been neglected. Be smart and read up about the Cherokee, learn the differences, the common and uncommon issues. What to look for when searching and how capable you are. Don't even think about looking and buying till you know what your looking for.

jyenney

Thanks for the reply. As far as mechanical ability, I'm a mechanic.
I am sure I want the 5 speed and like the 4.0.
Both xj's are rust free and in good shape.
Just not sure if 70,000 miles less on the 98 is worth the $1500 dollar difference ?

DieselDaze

If the '98 is a four door my first post would have been to show it off !!!

go with the five speed and bring him down $500 minimum !!!!

awesome find, and great deal !!!!!

MrSimon

That's a big difference in miles. Assuming everything else is exactly equal, I think its almost worth the price difference.

But the "everything else equal" is the real catch.

Check for rust - I mean REALLY check for rust. Pull up the carpet in the cargo area and in the driver/pasernger footwells.

What rear axle is in each one. The 8.25 is very good, the D35 is bad.

Drive them. Drive them. Drive them.

97 was the first year of the new bodystyle, so they were a bit more prone to electrical issues than the 98.

Bocefus

The 70,000 mile difference is definitely worth the $1500 premium on the 98. The 4.0 is robust, but 205,000 miles is getting up there in miles, and it will be more prone for breakdowns/additional maintenance. Always start with the nicest, lowest mileage Jeep you can afford.

kgm

Yeah I'd go by maintenance record if they are available. I got mine for a little bit of money but the PO had sunk ~$1800 into it about 6 months prior then got a fancy job and bought a new $25,000 commuter to "save money" haha. It was probably a pile of junk before that.

New tires, hubs, brake pads, fan shroud, belts, etc etc was nice to see.

jyenney

Thanks for the reply's.
The more I think about it, I also think the lower mileage is a better option.
Besides the engine (which is what I mostly think of concerning mileage) there are a lot of other components that can add up a lot faster than an engine.