So, I'm going to buy a Cherokee, and by (new) I meant new to me. I'd prefer mid 90's, earliest, considering most of what I've seen has been lower mileage than older models. I'm checking out a '96 and have already seen but not tested a '97. Both seem to be in good shape but the 97 has a little over 30k more miles on it. I need some suggestions on what to look for, what to be wary of, and any tell signs that something is starting to go that I may need to replace soon. I appreciate all help!!

 

The biggest thing to check for is Rust. Check rockers, inside door bottoms, floor pans, sub frame and brake lines. These Cherokees are also prone to vibrations or death wobble that can be very difficult to resolve, so make sure you take it up to highway speeds. Personally, I would avoid extensively modified/lifted vehicles. Otherwise, just inspect like any other used car for sale.

 

The 97 was in pristine condition underneath, but I'll be sure to check the doors, floors, and brakes very well. And this death wobble I've seen mentioned multiple times...highway speeds would be around 65 and up? I'm in NJ, so my definition of that may be different than yours. And I'm assuming death wobble is a slight to severe shaking from side to side at high speeds, correct?

 

Vibrations typically come in around 60-65. Death wobble is severe side to side shaking after hitting a bump at highway speeds.

 

If you plan on lifting it, I would go with the 96. That's what I currently have. 97 and up are a little more difficult to lift I think because they get death wobble easier or something. I'll have to find that thread that talked about it. Don't take my word for it hahah. But definitely check for rusty floorboards.. My jeep is a nightmare. Let us know how it goes

 

technically speaking they all have exactly the same suspension so there shouldn't be any reason one would get death wobble over another. I have a friend with a 92 and his death wobbles stock height and my 99 lifted ~3" hasn't had a single wobble. 00-01 have lp front axles and 0331 heads, but other than body style change they're all about the same. If you plan to take it offroad and put on bigger tires look for a 97+ with an 8.25 rear axle. 99 being the best year with the most updated engine before the head cracking, newer than the others, has a hp 30, and could come with a 8.25 in the rear.

 

Any year jeep xj can get death wobble it comes from wore out parts or not lifting it right.Look at 91-99 and as virgin as you can find and afford,Look for rust in the rocker panel the metal under the doors and crawl under it and look for rust at the floor pans.The things that hurt the jeeps the most are lack of maintenance or people doing ghetto repairs.If you don't know anything about cars ask the owner if its ok if you take the jeep to a mechanic for a looking over.If the owner says no walk away,And a trip to a mechanic might cost you a little but worth a lot in the long run so you don't buy a pile of junk.

 

The 97-99's were more desirable years than older and newer ones, lots of changes made in 97. The 96's were a mismatch of parts used on them the single most desirable yr. is a 99 best of all the old none of the new problems that started in 2000.

 

I Think You mean driveline vibrations because I think the later models are more prone to vibes when lifted

 

I'm not the one saying the wobble was in the later years. That is what I was trying to prove wrong.

 

I was just reading a thread a while ago that talked about newer models issues but like I said, don't take my word for it haha. I can't find the thread anyways. Just trying to help :]

 

Awesome! Thanks for all your help guys! The 96 turned out to be a heaping rusty mess, so it looks like I'm goin for the 97. It should be ready to go next week, after the dealer finishes up some final things (I think I got to it the second day it was on the lot). I'll have some pictures and extra notes to get some more feedback. I'm only moderately acquainted with all the workings of cars, so you can call me a noob, haha. Thanks again!

 

Haha it was a reply fail. I meant to reply to the op