I'm going to look at this Jeep Thursday, it will be my first Cherokee so just looking for some opinions from the experts. Any tips about possible hidden issues would be appreciated too.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3632929166.html

Looks clean from the exterior pics. Look under the hood and notice it actually has an inline 6 cyl not V6. Check under body for rust/ corrosion, check steering components and suspension components. Check all electrical to include power windows, locks and all lights. Check fluid levels and ask for maintenance history. It only has 130k so should be in good shape but I believe the 99 has the infamous head that cracks with the 0331 (?) casting # so check that too. Check to ensure the 4x4 operates like it should in both hi/ low.

Price is a lil steep.

HAHA, I was surprised at how many people do that, One guy called it a flat six.

I'll try to talk them down a little but this is the cheapest I've seen with this kind of mile and no rot.

99 is one of the best years. 2000/2001 are one with 0331 head and lp Dana 30.1999 has HP Dana 30 29 spline 8.25 unless it has abs, then it has turdy five. Price is a little high but your area may be different than mine. Offer $800 less than askin then barter from there. Like the Rims on it.

I'm a little confused by you explanation of the axles, could you break that down for me again, please.

99 has a high pinion front axle, meaning better ground clearance and driveshaft angle when lifted. The rear axle will be a stronger 8.25 unless the Jeep is equipped with abs brakes which have the weaker Dana 35 rear axle. 2001/2000 have a low pinion front axle.

OK I see now, I thought they all had dana 35s in the rear. Other than the ABS is there a good way to tell the difference between the two?

The 8.25 axle will have a flat bottom as where the 35 will be round.

That makes it easy, thanks Gunny.

Just an update in case anyone was wondering, we went and looked at the jeep and there were no rockers left on the it. Rust had completely taken over so we passed on it. I was really surprised the pictures made it look very clean. We'll find one eventually.

You need to get one from the south. No real rust issues down here. Good luck finding a solid one though.

i got mine in nj and i have zero rust! i was very very lucky however i did buy it off a 90 year old man

I was in Southern California last week, looking at all the clean trucks, if only I could have got my company pay my drive time back to Michigan.