I'll keep it short and simple,

I've been in the market for a new (well new to me) car ever since I moved to college. My '96 Ram 1500 is too much vehicle for me, and a Jeep would give me more of what I want (like interior storage, smaller car, roof rack).

I've already read allot about it, and it seems an XJ (late 90's) is just about the most reliable, solid vehicle out there (if you want 4WD, cause those civics just keep giving otherwise).

I want a manual, and I want 4WD (I live in Minnesota and it gets exciting in the winter).

but I still have some questions:

The cracking issue with '00-'01 XJ's heads, is it so big that I should avoid them even if they are everything else I want?

The manual transmissions are hard to find, were they not as popular for any reason other than automatics are easier?

Simplicity is beautiful, so a Sport is what I want, right?

Thanks, looking forward to getting something that I will really love and drive for years.

 

I don't know the EXACT answers to your questions, but what I can say is that I DD a 99 XJ which I had to put some work into. What that being said, I always think it's a great idea to first find a Jeep that has been properly maintained. The 00-01's heads crack easier from overheating, but if precaution is taken if you had a heating problem you should be ok.

Manuals do seem to be more rare. I THINK Jeep just didn't make as many.

For simplicity purposes a Sport would be want you want, but since the "newest" XJ is still 13 years old I wouldn't only for sports but classics and limiteds as well, because, again at this age it all depends on how they have been maintained throughout the years.

The biggest things I looked for before finding my rig was minimal rust, clean body and already lifted, and a good personality match with the owner so I know I'm not getting bull****ted.

You should also check for a working heater core because they are a pain in the butt to fix and the header as they are prone to crack via worn motor mounts. Other than that they are solid rigs IMO.

Goodluck dude.

 

There was no manual option in 00-01 xj unless u did the swap yourself.


If u decide to get a 00-01. And when it cracks. U can just put a tupy head on it. That's what I did.

97-99 would be a good choice if u want a late model xj with a manual without the worry of 0331 heads

 

Thanks, gives me a few more things to consider

 

Oh, also I've been looking on Carsoup.

Is there a better place to look?

 

In Minnesota and the northeast, many jeeps have rot, rust and corrosion. It is important to find one that has minimal or no rust. Especially if you want to wrench on it. With a rusty heap, you often end up fighting every nut and bolt.
Ideally, find one that spent most of its life elsewhere. My 96 came from Washington state and was very clean.

 

Welcome to the site.

Tony