I believe it!

Down south, easy going. Up here.... well, there aren't too many 92-96XJs with serviceable floors/rockers left. NY salt is highly concentrated. VT, CT, PA, MA and NH you would probably have better luck finding the least amount of rust.

 

99 all the way 8.25 29 spline in the rear, hp dana 30, tough head, updated interior best year if you ask me plus I own one

 

X2!

 

How is this Advanced Cherokee Tech? Are there no moderators left to move posts to the right place?

I don't think there is a best year, better years yes. As long as its got a high pinion up front and a 8.25 or 44 rear it really cant be beat.

 

Mine is too. Bought her from Missouri when she had 66k on her

 

96 cause I can read engine codes with an OBD 1 and 2.
Better looking body
more common for used parts

and I own one... therefore its the best.

 

Well, I'm definitely not biased or anything because I've been around plenty of XJs of different "vintages" lol. I own a 96 XJ SE 4x4 and a 92 XJ Laredo 4x4 and My dad has owned a 98 XJ Sport 2 door, a 98 XJ Sport 4 door, and an 01 XJ Sport. They're all good for different things, but I think the best year goes to 1996.

Here's some pros and cons from the different XJ's I've been in and owned.


1992
PROS
- Last Year for the Laredo Package, Rare paint colors
-First and ONLY year for the 4.0L High Output I6 to be with the Laredo Package
-Most XJs of this year that are still on the road are probably going to be loaded
-Basically I love my Laredo for the reason that it's fairly rare and hard to find

CONS
-OBDI
-Dana 35 Rear, Dana 30 Front
-Saggy Headliners are a common issue
-Seems more sluggish than my 96, even with stock tires.



1996
PROS
-2.5 inch exhaust all the way through
-Unibody reinforcements especially on the B pillars
-Highest stock power output IMO
-Chrysler 8.25 rear
-Feels extremely solid
-First year for OBDII, you can use programmers
-Last year for GEN 1 XJs, tons of new equipment without the new look
CONS
-Dana 30 Front
-Sagging headliner issue, again.
-Front door hinge welds can separate easily (this was recalled by the way)
-Common issue with Catalytic Converters failing (this was a recall aswell)
-I've dumped the most money in repairs on this XJ, but I still love it
- Chrysler attempted to throw all their own parts in a Jeep that was not designed for them, this caused tons of issues including steering column not being able to clear the dash bezel to remove it

1998-2001
PROS
-Timeless design with the new facelift
-Interior received a much needed update
-Higher fuel economy
-More creature comforts
-Seems to be pretty solid
-Good resale value
CONS
-Less power output in an attempt to boost fuel economy
-99-01 had a common issue with the head cracking. Which is a little scary..
-Dana 30 front, yet again
-Smaller Exhaust and Exhaust manifold

 

85


(edit, im clearly joking)


imo, 99 is the best year.

 

You cant go wrong with any Cherokee, but stay away from the early model ones. (85-87 crap engines) IMO body styling looks better on the pre 97 but I may be a little biased lol because I own a 96. The newer body style doesnt look as aggresive to me. Whatever you get just inspect it for rust, leaks etc ,as you would on any other vehicle. Good luck to you!

 

Some common mistakes in this thread.

Power output: 96-99 identical. Although 00-01 have a higher HP rating, I believe the engines torque curve was sacrificed to meet emission standards. Also, 00-01 have cast iron exahaust manifolds, 2 pre cats, and 4? O2 sensors... no headers for you!

Only a few VERY late 99s have the 0331 head, 96% of them have the 0630 head. All have the HP D30.

87 was the first year of the 4.0- and it wasn't really a bad year although it can be hard to find some of the renix ignition parts now, although not impossible.

 

If you like 99, there's no reason to dislike the 98. I've "heard" there are some funky wiring changes with the 97, not sure why that matters, unless you like swapping wiring harnesses for giggles.
I've had old and new styles, with no problems, but I'm not a fan of the LP30 or the 0331 head. Other than that they're all good.