Long story short, my friend got hooked into Cherokees after I took him to Jeeptoberfest in Ocala in my 99' Limited, so now he wants to buy one.

Here's the advice that is needed. We are going to look at a 2001 Sport in a few minutes. I know about the head issues in 2000, and a few in 2001. Now, what should we look out for while checking the engine, making sure he is not buying a ticking time bomb? Under the oil cap, etc..

This is the Cherokee in question:

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/2161108612.html

Translated from Spanish to English, here is what it says:

The Jeep is in perfect condition, new tires, new spark plugs, new air filter. I change the oil every 3000 miles, it is automatic and 4x4, low miles, only 105,000, interested please call me.

 

huh?

 

My bad I remember they have coil packs. Got confused there. Disregard lol.

 

Check the underbody for rust. See if you're able to get it up and give it a good shakedown.


Btw, I was at jeeptober fest this year also

 

The 2000 might have a low pinion ftont to that you dont want

 

Corrected.

2000-2001 XJ's biggest issues are the 0331 head and the low pinion Dana 30. Big things to look for are 1) body/uni-body rust (moist, salty air in Miami), 2) any indication of it previously overheating (rust colored stains in the engine bay), and obviously, 3) maintenance records. Carfax's are cheap, so ask for one. If the seller won't do it, walk away. There's a reason they aren't willing to get one. Get someone to look at it. Most used car dealers will do a one over on a car for little/no money. Also, look up the KBB. If they're asking for more than it, there'd better have some good modifications, but even then, the most to ever expect to get back is maybe 1/2 the total mods' values.

 

Thanks guys, turns out that the A/C did not blow cold, the electric windows were intermittent, and apparently it had a rebuilt tittle. No rust from what I saw, but my friend thought $3500 was too much for those little issues. Maybe for $3k, maybe.

 

I wouldnt pay more that 2k for a rebuilt title. Thats just me though.