Good evening. I'm new to Jeep, should say I had never had any before, and I'm looking to buy a Jeep Cherokee 1997-2001. I've been told that I should buy certain year and model. May you suggest me what year and model is better? My budget is up to $4K. I like mountains and I currently have Cadillac SRX, which is a pretty good car, but it's not by any means SUV to drive in mountains. Please help me make a right choice. Thank you in advance.

 

$4k, you should easily be able to find a good one! Not much change in the 97-01s though. 00-01 have a head that has known to crack if overheated, but not really a huge concern. It also has coil packs over the pre 00's distributors. Also 99+ has the newer setup steering wheel, keyless entry fob and heat/AC controls!

 

2000-2001 have the low pinion front axle too. 96-99 are really good years to look for. 97 and newer have the newer style grill and rear liftgate, along with the updated interior.

 

1996 is the best year because the wiring is the same from 90-96.

They also have the classic angled front end and interior, but with the most badass seats ever.


Just make sure you get power windows and locks if you like locking your car w/o an alarm. it sucks leaning all over your car to open and close windows.

 

The wiring in the 96 is a little different because it is OBDII, but I do like the 96 XJ more than the 97-01 XJs, the more classic look with the all of the updates.

 

96 is a good year. 97s have there own unique problems, mostly electrical weirdness (not uncommon with a "first" year vehicle.) I would have to say 98 and 99 are the best year newer style XJs you can buy.

I have not had any issues with my 00 yet. Rear main is starting to leak but its a 4.0 what do you expect

 

its better to hav manual windows for wheelin in mud,or just wheelin in general. cause it sucks to hav power windows go out.

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/helpful-links-10052/
Follow that link. It gives a lot of info on the differences between the model years.

 

Pull the doors off!

 

i think '99 is by far the best.
-no head cracking issues
-new style intake

'97 - old style intake
'98 - old style intake
=============
'00 - head cracking issues, low pinion front axle
'01 - head cracking issues, low pinion front axle

that's why i like '99

 

Ya, 99 is the best year in my opinion. The Chrysler 8.25 axle of that year was 29 spline, the front dana 30 was high pinion, good intake as mentioned. Big one for on the trails is that the mirrors fold in on the side for the tough trails. Another for the 97-01 is that they had cup holders!
But all cherokees are good, so good luck.