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

 

found roninofako's post, definitely informative

 

Welcome to the forum You want to avoid 00-01 because of the known issues with the heads being prone to cracking.

 

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

 

Thanks guys! I found a 97 and a 99 that I'm looking into at the moment and will keep these points in mind.

 

I still wouldn't pass up a nice one.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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

 

Wonder what the "needs engine work means". That could be anything really. Best to check it out. you wont know until you see it.


another open ended "needs work". lol. Check it out! may be nothing big! If your going for this model year make sure you look checkout the coolant system and make sure it has been maintained. The 00-01 have a defective head casting. If you overheat them, they have a potential to crack between cylinder 3 and 4. I have an 2001 and watching the temp gauge is just as important as watching the gas gauge. Also, anytime im ****ing around in with the XJ i will check the coolant level. Look around the forums, there are a plethora of threads on this topic.

Happy hunting man, let us know how things are going for you. if you need anything please PM me.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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: