texaniniowa

The title sums it up. I am new to jeeps all around and have caught the bug for a Cherokee. I am looking for a 96 to 01 clasic Cherokee and was wondering what are the common problems with them. I know that all cars usually have those problems they all get and sometimes theyre fatal. I've made those mistakes before and I don't want to do it with my new to me Jeep. I have the skills to tear down and rebuild anything. I just don't want to get into a money pit. Any advice would be appreciated....

Thanks in advance...
Texaniniowa

thatXJguy

It's a Jeep, so it's probably going to end up being a money pit one way or another.

Anyway, some things to look out for are:

• 0331 head on 2000-2001 Cherokees (prone to overheating and cracking)
• 1998 and older Cherokees have older intake manifold with poorer air flow
• AC condenser can sometimes plug up and leak water all over the passenger floor
• Windshield leaks are common
• 1999 and newer Cherokees have a shorter factory roof rack
• Check for cracks in the unibody near the steering box
• Check for loose torque converter bolts that can cause a "knocking noise"
• Avoid running FRAM oil filters
• The back hatch handle mechanism can sometimes loosen up making it hard to open
• The back hatch struts can be worn out
• Worn out steering components can cause wobbles at certain speeds
• Keep the doors oiled if they start to creak
• O2 sensors are notorious for needing to be replaced
• Check for bad u-joints in the front end that can lead to vibrations
• The dashes often squeak and creak over bumps
• Tranny and engine mounts go bad after high miles
• The power window regulators are notorious for breaking because they use plastic
• Exhaust manifold leaks are common
• Leaf springs often sag
• Power locks often stop working
• Make sure engine temperature stays below 210

And more

texaniniowa

Thanks for the heads up. All the issues seem to be easy fixes. Even the head issues. Where are they prone to rust? I grew up in the deserts of West Texan/New Mexico. No rust. I live in Iowa now as my tag says so rust has been something I have had to get used to.

thatXJguy

They rust a lot in the rain gutters, on the floor boards (especially due to AC leaks as mentioned in post before), above windshield, and in fender and rear-quarter areas.

Fred/N0AZZ

A 99 will have the best of both worlds, avoid the 00/01 too many changes made that caused issues and more upkeep costs coil packs/4 o2 sensors etc.

LoneSouthXJ

Here ya go http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PDzocErhUM0

texaniniowa

Thanks to all that responded. My search has been narrowed. Hopefully I can find one in the next few weeks..

stang65

you have skills so make sure that the frame is good cancer kills xj very fast. then start looking into the drive train as stated about head and torque converter. my brothers 92 xjI bought for $250 guy said it had a oil leak rod knock exhaust leak. I wanted the axle turns out that it was fully loaded everything worked. the oil leak was a rear main seal two peice seal easy fix. rod knock loose flex plate easy fix. exhuast leak was a cracked manifold easy fix.
here is a pic of it acouple years ago

Bustedback

Don't think you're going to save a pile of money by buying a basket case and fix it up, it won't happen. The more you can spend on a clean turn key Cherokee the happier you will be, and you will be money ahead in the long run. If you see rust anyplace on the jeep you can almost guarantee there will be a LOT MORE RUST hidden where you can't see it. If you see any weird, or hacked electrical stuff, don't waste your time with it. Look at the door gaps at the front edge of the front doors. A goofy gap will tell you if the hinges are broken, or if the Jeep has been wrecked. Go with your gut when you go out and look at some Cherokees. If you see something that is not right or seams odd, there will be more hidden oddities that show up once you get the rig home. Do NOT buy a Cherokee because it has a kick a$$ stereo or fancy electronics. Look at the tires. Paying 2500 bucks for a Jeep that will need a thousand dollars worth of tires right away is not good and will make your wife or girlfriend hate the Jeep. Good luck with your search.

Fred/N0AZZ

^^ 100% correct check that very close and pull back the carpet up front if possible on the passenger side, floorboards rust bad in some areas.

Fred/N0AZZ

Don't hijack a thread start a new one for this question, BTY Welcome!

Kentucky65

Jeeps engines,especially the 4.0l last forever. The rest of the vehicle is a toss up. Just try to read up on as much as you can when you have an issue. Ensure to the best of your ability that what you think is wrong really is wrong otherwise you'll be replacing parts that don't need replacing. Reach out to the forum and add photos and video clips of your problem areas and all the wheelers will help you out.

GuyGene

I'm late to this party boys, but been wanting a Cherokee for some years. I want the 4.0 engine. I found a 2003, ad says 118,335 miles, 4WD, it looks original, which is what I want. He's asking $4,300, but I won't pay that. Cold solid lucres should talk. I'm in southeast, so not much rust issues around here, and this one looks like a mall runner.

Anyway, what say y'all boys?

andrewmp6

there is no 03 cherokee,Its a grand cherokee btw.