Hello All:

I'm strongly considering buying a high mileage Cherokee. It's a '99. It has 170K. It has a Inline 6(but I think they all do?). It seems to run strong. No smoke. Steering is tight. Tracking seemed good. Overall, seemed like a good buy. Asking price is $3500 from a dealer. I did not get a chance to test the 4WD but I plan on taking it for an extended test drive over the weekend(does anyone have any suggestions on how to test the 4WD)? Also, I did not check for leaks.(but I will) Also, is there anything I should be checking on that could be a sign of trouble in the near future?

Also, what kind of mileage(real life) should I expect? I am a bit of a spirited driver so consider this.

I haven't even considered buying a car with this many miles in years. But I need a new ride and have a limited budget. Also, I haven't owned a truck in years. I fell in love with SAAB a long time ago(pre GM) and have been a loyal SAAB driver for years. I still have a convert that I want to preserve so I want to buy a winter ride. Plus I work for a utility and snow days are not an option so I like the idea of 4WD(i live in PA). SO that is why I am thinking of this truck. But I am bit apprehensive about the milage. If it were any other suv I don't think I would buy it but these seem to be solid and reliable. Am I asking for trouble or is this a sure thing(I know buying any used car/truck has risks)? I am a semi DIYer but my time is limited so taking a car to a shop for some projects in the only option. So with that in mind are they a low maintenance ride?

Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Alex.

PS. I've heard the they had a different engine from 92-97 that were better? Is this a myth? Is there any major problems that are consistent with 99 models?

 

99s are great! Check for rust. Get underneath it and look all over. I would seriously look at buying that even with the mileage. Check the fluids make sure they look alright and all the lines line up so you can tell if its been in an accident.

 

The mileage is not an issue, you can expect to get 300k miles or more out of the engine it you take care of it. Rust is the biggest concern when it comes to an XJ in the snow belt. You could also expect about 15mpg on average, but you won't care once you start driving a Jeep. You'll have a stupid grin on you face everytime you drive it.

 

and that grin only gets bigger with every upgrade/mod you do to it, no matter how big or small the upgrade

 

High mileage at 170k? Nahhhh!

Take care of it and you can triple its current life.

 

Heavy maintenance? Oh yeah! But fixing little quirks becomes like a hobby. If you're planning on doing off roading you'll want to get a good real axle. If not, it won't matter.
$3500 isn't bad for a dealership. You can always find a better deal with a little patience.

 

This may be incorrect but I think some of the late 99's came with the 0331 head which is prone to cracking. Now please correct me if I'm wrong thinking that guys.

 

From what I know, the 99 was not affected. There have been rumors that go back and forth saying 1999 models may have been a part of the 0331 head manufacturing, but remember that the 2000 model was starting to be made in 1999. I guess I can't flat out say "no;" it's possible I guess. I don't believe it though.

 

After I posted that I went and did a little research and no where did I get a definitive yes. It was all speculation and theory's. On this site they mention ways to spot if it has the 0331 but also say nobody has confirmed it.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1076299

 

Hahahaha, so true I had to throw it in my sig.

 

i love my 99. sorry. saw it as an oportunity to post a pic. hahaha.

 

The good ol' jeep grin. I never understood it till I bought mine. Every time I get in the XJ I can't help but smile, when it is broke I am depressed. It sounds stupid but you WILL become one with your jeep! It is a decision you will never regret!

 

So true about the Jeep grin. I instantly regretted selling my '93, so I had to buy a '97 to replace the hole it left. One good thing about Cherokees - there are a lot of good ones still out there - get one that isn't beat to death and you can't go wrong. Hell, get one that IS beat to death if that's your thing!

 

Haha..sooo tru.