I'm considering getting a used stick shift 4.0 - 4WD Cherokee to use as a daily driver. One of my previous daily drivers was a Chevy swapped Samurai with 14"'s of lift, so I am not a afraid to turn some wrenches.

Are there any year models to avoid, or any known problems to look for? Any other items to look for when looking at a used model? Any particular models that are sought after? There's a few for sale near me with around 100k miles.

Thanks!

 

I would look for a 97- 99

99 was the best year for the XJ I think.

The 2000 and 2001 had the bad 0331 head that had a casting defect that can cause a crack between cylinders 3-4., so try to stay away from those years. But dont let that get in the way.
If the 00 or 01 had good cooling maintenance over its years it should be ok. But it will crack in time or it wont. Its a real gamble with the 0331 head.
The 00-01 also had the coil rail not cap and rotor
00-01 also had the low pinion Dana 30 not as good as the High pinion D30

The 96 is a transition year which makes parts a pain in the butt to get. Some bits are from older XJs, some from newer, and some parts are actually unique just to 1996s.

 

I agree. If u like newer body style, stick to 97-99. But finding one with manual is hard but not impossible though.

91-95 is good if u prefer the older body style.

87-90 Renix years are good too. To be honest. It's all about personal preference.

 

I still prefer 97-99's. I'm going to pick this 97 up within the next day or so to DD.

 

Welcome from over in England,

xj wonders, and dumajones gave good answers.


Mine is a 97 but diesel and manual.

Enjoy the beast.

 

Thank you all for the helpful responses. I very much appreciate it. That's exactly the kind of answers I was looking for. I'm sure I will have more questions in the future. Thank you again.

 

welcome to the site

Tony

 

Great, I just bought a 2000 I hope it doesn't become a money pit >.<

 

Any jeeps a money pit. The 2000-2001 just are more expensive of a money pit haha.