95cherokee96

Hey guys, I currently own a 1995 XJ and I'm looking to upgrade to a newer XJ (97-01) or a Subaru WRX. I love offroading so obviously the Jeep has the advantage there and I love my Jeep but it's getting old and needs some work and also doesn't have any power locks, windows, etc. Anyways, I'd like to hear some pros/cons of the newer model XJs to help me make a decision. The reason I would like a newer XJ is because I like the interior style a lot more plus most of them have power locks and windows and there also seems to be a lot more accessories/builds done on newer XJs.

Anyways please let me know some pros/cons, thanks!

howellrobby

Well cons: 0331 defective head on 00-01 models STAY FAR AWAY,imo..
Don't have those neat map lights
Really can't think of anything else.

Pros: newer less wear, typically black/brown interior.. Wish I had brown, maybe better mpg,

howellrobby

I really can't think of much difference

extrashaky

'99 is the best year. It has the updated intake manifold with none of the drawbacks of the '00 and '01.

'97 and '98 are similar to the '99, and you can bolt the later intake manifold right onto them to get essentially the same Jeep.

The '00 and '01 model years had a new head that had a casting flaw that causes them to crack for no reason. The 2001 and some of the 2000s also had a weird California emissions package that had three catalytic converters and four O2 sensors, and that setup limits your choices a little if you want to customize the exhaust or install a header. The '00 and '01 used a low pinion front axle that is slightly weaker than the '99 and earlier and can cause drive line issues if you lift it. And some people do not like the distributorless ignition system on the '00 and '01, but personally I kind of like the waste spark coil rail system. Even so, that head problem is enough to make most of them not a great deal.

As for choosing between the XJ and a WRX, if you have two XJs, will you drive them both? I like to have vehicles that are in different classes in case one of them isn't quite right for the driving I need to do. Right now I have a BRZ and kept the XJ to be able to carry stuff that won't fit in the Subaru's trunk. Later this year I expect to be in the market for a pickup, but I keep wavering between a Comanche and a J10. Once I have all those bases covered, I might look for another XJ for a special project I have in mind, but I suspect that if I have two of them, one will get driven a lot more than the other.

kgm

If you're in the same budget, the Subie is going to have a blown head gasket.

93_xjcherokee

If you already have a xj, I would probably buy the Subaru. I have a 92 xj with all power options and honestly I hate the power options except when my kids are in the back seat

Fred/N0AZZ

I have a 99 XJ Sport loaded and I like it and all the pwr items along with it being the best year but any of the 97-99 are ok just the 99 had all the newest equipment without the crap on the later ones. I would not even consider the other choice.

95cherokee96

I think I'm going to go with another XJ and probably sell my current one to get some money for the new one and throw a lift and tires on it. So from what I've heard:
97 - wiring is a mess
98-99 best years of 97-01
00-01 0331 defective head

So I should get a 1998-1999?

93_xjcherokee

Get a 92. That's what I drive

Dumajones

I would go with the 99,, best year I think.

thatXJguy

99

Rogue4x4

Makes me wanna sell my 97 and get a 92...

XJwonders

oh no! But you can't do that because 99 is the best! Buying a 92 is like going backwards!

Bustedback

Get the Subi if you like replacing rear hub bearings, timing belts, clutch master and slave cylinders, head gaskets, don't want scan tools to be able to read the data stream, love the sound of a glorified VW engine, eat kale, drive with your turn signal on all of the time, need to put rainbow stickers on something, like paying way too much for parts, transform it into a float for a pride parade, or want good gas mileage.

XJwonders

lol excellent