powerkmac

Hey Jeep people!

I have been a fan of Jeeps for a long time, but never actually owned one. I am now in the market! I found one that looks really nice... red 2000 Cherokee Sport 4.0 4x4. It is owned be a Jeep guy that has 4 other Jeeps, so I am trusting that it's a solid find from a owner that takes care of his stuff.

However, I need to make sure! Can you guys offer any input as to what I should look for specifically that could be problem areas? It has 158k miles on it. Should I be worried about this? What are some common expenses I should consider saving up for considering the mileage?

Lastly, based on this info, what do you think this thing is worth? $5k? $4k?

Any input you have would be great. Really excited! But I want to be cautious as well.

Jeepin'Hubb's

Do you have any pics? One of the main things I would make sure of is that it doesn't have a cracked head. Inspect the oil, coolant and transmission fluid for any abnormality. If its pretty clean I would say its probably worth around what you mentioned. I know a guy who has a 60th anniversary with 6.5" lift, 140k miles and he's getting $7500 on a dealer trade in.

black label

I've got 258k on mine and I'm far from the high mileage leader around here.

I wouldn't worry about the mileage by itself. If it was reasonably maintained that engine should have quite a lot of life in it.

k4ylr

Ask him if he's had issues with the 0331 casting head. Specifically if it's every been overheated. Pop the oil cap on the cylinder head and look for coolant in the oil or a crack between the 3/4 cylinders.

I'd save up to potentially replace the bushings/dust boots on the front end. Potentially the rear leaf bushings/brakes depending on how it was driven and how well it was cared for. 158k isn't a whole helluva lot of miles for the trust 4.0L so just your regular maintenance schedule should be more than enough. Oil change, rad/heater flush and fill never hurts.

Bustedback

Look for rust. If there is anyplace that is visibly rotted through chances are very high there is a bunch of hidden cancer. Rust is a deal breaker.

powerkmac

Thanks for the feedback guys! I'm going to take a look at it tonight and cover all these points with him. Appreciate it!

powerkmac

Do these XJ's have any common issues with cold starts? The guy mentioned it sometimes requires a little TLC to get it to start up cold... but after it's warmed up, it's good to go. Starts and stops no problem there on out. Injectors? Electrical?

powerkmac

I think I answered my own question with a little searching. Looks like it could be a number of things however. Guess I'll just have to have it check out.

black label

Mine starts fine when cold, in the cold, buried in snow. Something's definitely wrong, the question is what. Hopefully you can have some ideas of what you're looking for.

Bustedback

Could be a bad fuel pump check valve causing a long crank time in the morning. Cycling the key a few times before starting helps if the check valve is not holding pressure.

Tate

Make sure to check for rust behind/under the rear bumper end caps. They seam to hold dirt and road grime and rot away the fastest.

powerkmac

Turned out to be a total rust bucket! Thanks for the tips guys! You saved me!

Now on to look for the next one. If you guys know of any for sale in the SoCal area, forward them my way!

Thanks again.

PurpleToxin505

5k is alot for a jeep with that much miles and covered in rust. The kbb on mine is 4700 with 123k 99 SPORT

powerkmac

I think it depends on the area. KBB out here in SoCal is about $5600.

DieselDaze

check the recycler if its still happening out there.. dime a dozen in cali, as well as vw's.... sure miss the profit margin out there for sure......

early '99 appears to be the shiznits...