Hey all,

I need our guys opinions.. I ran into a lady Saturday night with a nice 95' Cherokee that she wanted to sell me. 129k miles, automatic, pretty good shape from what I could see (it was night). The a/c doesn't work. She wants $1,500 for it! I was pretty sure I was going to buy it this weekend after I gave it a good "go through." I drove it also that night and it shifts pretty smooth.

Then, I'm looking through Craigslist and there's a dealer about 60 miles from that specializes in Jeeps, and he has an IMMACULATE 99' Cherokee, 4x4, cold a/c, gold in color, 5 speed, and MANUAL (which is what I was originally looking for). 142,000 miles. The downside to it? He wants $4,700 for it, which is above KBB value. KBB is at $4,177. I could probably talk him down a bit, but not much. The problem with this one is I would be stuck in payments on it for the next 3 months or so.. Which I'm no to crazy about. I plan on using the Jeep to drive 3-4 times a week. A/C is going to be very important in the next few months when it warms up since I live in south Florida and it gets HOT and HUMID down here. =(

Anyway, I'm not sure what to go with. I hear the 99's are the best year to have, but the 95 I would just pay cash for and be done with it.

What would you guys suggest?

Thanks in advance!
Adrian

 

I bought my 2WD with a heater core leak with about the same mileage for 4500. It's a 98.
I like the manual. I've owned both and miss the manual, but I like the newer style modeling. Replacing the fuel pump in that new one, when it comes time, will be more expensive and harder to do. You're also looking at a day of unpuzzling the dash for the heater core when it comes time. Removing the earlier style dashes are easier.

If I was in your boots, I would go with the 95. Check KBB for the private party value, then get it for 200 less (broken AC). Then you're looking at 1300 for one that will be a little easier and cheaper to fix when the time comes.

First I would find out the last times the oil, oil filter, coolant, ATF, and transmission filter were changed and how often they were changed before the last change. If she can't answer those questions I might be hesitant to buy it. Those are the things you have to worry about private party. Maybe she's running into problems due to owner neglect and is trying to pawn it off on you. Some women are just ignorant about standard vehicle maintenance and that's why they end up becoming lemons.

Also, the 95's have the most desirable head of all of the engines. They have larger ports. It's nothing to find a 99+ style manifold at a junkyard already pulled for you for $45.

 

I would also look at the axles near the inside of the wheel and see if there's a build up of oil. That means the axle seal went and has been leaking the fluid. You should take it for a 4WD spin and see if you hear any noises or have any problems engaging.

 

Wow! That is some amazing information. Thanks so much do the reply. Greatly appreciate it!

Any other input would be awesome!

 

If I were you I would definitely go for the 95!

 

Adrian that first one seems like a WAAAY better deal. I was looking for a Wrangler myself, to replace my DD, I'll probably end up with another Cherokee.

The Wranglers are through the roof right now.

 

Wow! Well, she called me today and she offered to sell it to me for $1,200 !!

So, with that said.. I think I'll be going with the 95' ! I'll hopefully be picking it up tomorrow if everything checks out.

Only thing I'm a little unhappy about is that its 2WD, no A/C, and no radio.. But, I'll get over it I'm sure. That's all stuff I can work on I guess.

 

Making it 4WD isn't hard. That's what I did with mine. You need the front axle and transmission (with shifter lever) from another 4WD XJ (front driveshaft as well). I'm sure there's a post on here about it, and if not there's one somewhere on the internet.

 

Few questions..

When did you buy your 2WD for $4,500? Just curious, as that sounds a bit much if it was recent?

According to her (assuming she's not pulling my leg), she said she's selling it because her wife (yes, I said HER wife) has breast cancer and she's raising money to get everything done for her.. so who knows.

I'll try and go through it tomorrow and see what happens.

But I have to ask.. when you said it would be nothing to get a 99+ style manifold, did you mean for the 95? I'm not exactly a mechanic, per say, but I do know a few things and have been constantly learning. So a lot of this has been a learning experience.

Anyway, thanks for the help man!

Cheers,
Adrian

 

I bought it in June of 2007. Everything was immaculate minus the AC system due to the heater core leak, which was very small.

The manifolds, along with everything else in a cherokee (minus electronics between 91-95's and 97-01's) , is interchangeable. Engine, transmission, axle, manifold, seats, etc. A 95 with the 99+ manifold has better intake than any other combination.

If you ever decide to build a stroker, you have the exact head unit you want. You might not be thinking about that now, but neither was I. I didn't know a thing about jeeps at all when I bought mine. I just wanted something with more space since I was driving across the country. After I got there a friend I picked up while I was in Cali told me all about jeeps. Then I bought a 93 that was lifted, 4WD and the manual transmission. I had to sell that one when I left because no one would buy a 2WD. So I kept the 2WD and began a long journey of modification.

Now I have been through two different lifts and have built a stroker. I have a supercharger in the mail and have many more toys I plan to attach to it in the future when I get the chance. It's my new hobby. I have to say it's better than any other toy I've ever had.

 

Well that's good to know about the manifolds. I'll definitely do that eventually.

I'll look more into the 4WD conversion when it comes time I suppose. I'm not really needing to do it now, so that's not a concern at the moment I guess.

But yes, I have a feeling, that with the amount of time I've spent on this forum, that this will become an ever growing hobby. I already frequent the Harley Davidson forums, and have spent TONS due those message boards. I'm sure this will just a repeat of that process with a different vechicle. LOL.

Anyway, I really apprecaite the help. I'll keep you all updated on what happens with this thing. I'm going to look at it right now. I'm stupidly excited. haha!

Cheers,
Adrian