First Time Jeep Buyer From Mass!
#1
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
First Time Jeep Buyer From Mass!
Hey everyone,
Ive always wanted a jeep cherokee to have as a beach cruiser and im finally headed down that path. I wanted to start with a 97-2001 cherokee or cherokee sport. Not Grand Cherokee or the two door one.
Before I even think about mods I'd be real curious to know everyones thoughts on what to look out for when buying one. Are there any recurring issues with these years, what fails the most over time, most likely things to be wrong with it, etc...
Im mechanically inclined and this would not really be a daily driver so Ive got some flexibility for engine or body problems as long as its not a frame issue or the rust has gone too far.
Lastly, for a jeep with 135k-200K miles on it, what do you think I should be paying?
Sorry if this is not the right place to have all these questions but I would really appreciate any insight or hints anyone could offer.
Thanks!
-Chris
Ive always wanted a jeep cherokee to have as a beach cruiser and im finally headed down that path. I wanted to start with a 97-2001 cherokee or cherokee sport. Not Grand Cherokee or the two door one.
Before I even think about mods I'd be real curious to know everyones thoughts on what to look out for when buying one. Are there any recurring issues with these years, what fails the most over time, most likely things to be wrong with it, etc...
Im mechanically inclined and this would not really be a daily driver so Ive got some flexibility for engine or body problems as long as its not a frame issue or the rust has gone too far.
Lastly, for a jeep with 135k-200K miles on it, what do you think I should be paying?
Sorry if this is not the right place to have all these questions but I would really appreciate any insight or hints anyone could offer.
Thanks!
-Chris
#4
Try to find a 97-99 as much as possible. Usually have HP d30 and no bad head issue. Took me 4 months before buying one I found. So don't jump on first Cherokee you see. I also bought mine stock so I didn't deal with other people's mods or mistakes
#7
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Any thoughts on a 96 manual? I found one in pretty good condition body wise and would like to have a manual but if the clutch/trans/engine are prone to major issue then I wouldnt want to get it.
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#8
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
96 is a solid year. I think if my memory serves me correct the 96 is the best model year of the old style XJs. If it's in nice condition and drives nice, I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up. Is stock or does it have mods?
#9
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It looks stock and also looks like it has always been stock and used as a daily driver. It looks like it could use some work but nothing major
This is the one
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/cto/5687239126.html
This is the one
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/cto/5687239126.html
#10
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Also looking at this one because ti does look to have been cared for and was in the process of being fixed up
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5689482355.html
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5689482355.html
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
It looks stock and also looks like it has always been stock and used as a daily driver. It looks like it could use some work but nothing major
This is the one
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/cto/5687239126.html
This is the one
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/cto/5687239126.html
Also looking at this one because ti does look to have been cared for and was in the process of being fixed up
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5689482355.html
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5689482355.html
Happy hunting man, let us know how things are going for you. if you need anything please PM me.
#12
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You know what? I actually am having a lot of fun hunting hahaha.
I appreciate all the feedback, definitely helps. Im looking for something cheap so they pretty much all have some kind of problem but I want to put the work into it so i can really learn the jeep. I have a bunch of experience modifying cars but this is my first jeep so I figured as long as it has a strong engine and no serious rust its worth working on.
I'll be looking at this one tonight, kinda hopeful since the body damage would be easy to fix.
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/5691209038.html
I appreciate all the feedback, definitely helps. Im looking for something cheap so they pretty much all have some kind of problem but I want to put the work into it so i can really learn the jeep. I have a bunch of experience modifying cars but this is my first jeep so I figured as long as it has a strong engine and no serious rust its worth working on.
I'll be looking at this one tonight, kinda hopeful since the body damage would be easy to fix.
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/5691209038.html
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
You will probably need to bend the lower quarter panel and then install these:
http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJQU-RR.html
There are some different options though, take a look around.
Let us know how it goes.
http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJQU-RR.html
There are some different options though, take a look around.
Let us know how it goes.
#14
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Every one Im seeing has leaks, the only one that claimed it didnt was picked up by someone else 5 minutes before I could get there....
Are there leaks I shouldnt be worried about or should I just wait until i see one that has been maintained well? I've also considered getting a perfect body and then rebuild the engine.
Are there leaks I shouldnt be worried about or should I just wait until i see one that has been maintained well? I've also considered getting a perfect body and then rebuild the engine.
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
jeeps leak man! if its not leaking i would be concerned, lol.
the 4.0 probably is most know for leaking oil. the usual places are from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal and oil filter adapter. most are pretty easy to fix. the rear main seal i here is a bit of a pain to replace, but all in all not bad.
long and short, i would not be too worried about leaks (depending if what is leaking is normal to the 4.0 or XJ). do some research on the topic and use your best judgement.
here is a couple quick videos that may help you out:
the 4.0 probably is most know for leaking oil. the usual places are from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal and oil filter adapter. most are pretty easy to fix. the rear main seal i here is a bit of a pain to replace, but all in all not bad.
long and short, i would not be too worried about leaks (depending if what is leaking is normal to the 4.0 or XJ). do some research on the topic and use your best judgement.
here is a couple quick videos that may help you out: