I want to buy one!
06-18-2009, 02:24 AM
#1
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Model: Cherokee
I want to buy one!
Hi,
My name is Amanda and I live in Northern California. I am looking to purchase a 2000 or 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD, 4 Door. I will be using it for a commuter car for about 3years of less and then turn it into an off roader. I have been doing a ton of research and my price range is $5k to $6K. I noticed that there are a tons Cherokees with high miles over 100K. Normally that would be high, but with my research a lot of you have 180K, 120K, 150K going strong. What is a good mileage, things to look out for, and overall transmission problems that are common.
I would great appreciate any advice on this as I am a chick trying to learn Jeep
Thanks,
Amanda
My name is Amanda and I live in Northern California. I am looking to purchase a 2000 or 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD, 4 Door. I will be using it for a commuter car for about 3years of less and then turn it into an off roader. I have been doing a ton of research and my price range is $5k to $6K. I noticed that there are a tons Cherokees with high miles over 100K. Normally that would be high, but with my research a lot of you have 180K, 120K, 150K going strong. What is a good mileage, things to look out for, and overall transmission problems that are common.
I would great appreciate any advice on this as I am a chick trying to learn Jeep
Thanks,
Amanda
06-18-2009, 03:23 AM
#2
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Year: 1988 limited
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 litre
Hi Amanda, welcome to the forum.
The price range is correct for that year. The inline 4 liter amc/chrysler modified engine is one of the last well build, long lasting american products. 120k miles is the middle age for it. Actually the lasting is due to appropiate displacement/configuration with very little vibration and low rpm.
Check at a cold start if u hear clicking noise and how long does it take to the oil pressure indicator to go over 3. if it takes more than 2-3 seconds, it might be a reason not to buy it.
I have rarely heard of the aw4 tranny breaking down, until u have fluid in it and u don't abuse of it, it will last forever.
Check the fluid level in park after about 15-20 minutes of driving, check the color and smell it, it should have a reddish/brownish transparency and should not smell burnt.
Check the play in the transmission line by shifting slowly from D to R and back and notice the time it takes to engage the gears, listen for clunking noise.
Feel free to ask what you want and hopefully you'll be soon on the trails!
The price range is correct for that year. The inline 4 liter amc/chrysler modified engine is one of the last well build, long lasting american products. 120k miles is the middle age for it. Actually the lasting is due to appropiate displacement/configuration with very little vibration and low rpm.
Check at a cold start if u hear clicking noise and how long does it take to the oil pressure indicator to go over 3. if it takes more than 2-3 seconds, it might be a reason not to buy it.
I have rarely heard of the aw4 tranny breaking down, until u have fluid in it and u don't abuse of it, it will last forever.
Check the fluid level in park after about 15-20 minutes of driving, check the color and smell it, it should have a reddish/brownish transparency and should not smell burnt.
Check the play in the transmission line by shifting slowly from D to R and back and notice the time it takes to engage the gears, listen for clunking noise.
Feel free to ask what you want and hopefully you'll be soon on the trails!
06-18-2009, 10:41 AM
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
Welcome to CF from Buck in western Washington state.
You'll want to get an XJ with the 4.0. As said before, as long as it has around 120-180K, good oil pressure and it isn't sounding like a singer ssewing machine, it still has TONS of life left. I bought my 91 4 years ago with 185K on the 4.0. I have done everything from pretty hardcore 4wheeling to regular trips to California. My Jeep now has 248K and still starts with a turn of the key, has great power for on and off road and gets 20mpg on the highway. I went for the AW4 automatic tranny but, AX-15 5-speed is a very stout tranny, too. Keep the fluid level full and don't let it get overheated and the thing will last forever. As i've said, I have flogged mine for 60K miles and I haven't even done a fluid and filter change yet. It has never given me a second of grief. Long story short as long as you start out with an XJ that has a tight engine and tranny, everything else is nickle and dime to change, fix or upgrade. Transfercase and axles can be spendy but just keep them filled with the proper fluid and listen for noises and feel for vibrations and fix them before they get really bad and it's usually just a bearing or U-joint. So, cheap to fix as long as you don't wait until it grenades, to fix it.
You'll want to get an XJ with the 4.0. As said before, as long as it has around 120-180K, good oil pressure and it isn't sounding like a singer ssewing machine, it still has TONS of life left. I bought my 91 4 years ago with 185K on the 4.0. I have done everything from pretty hardcore 4wheeling to regular trips to California. My Jeep now has 248K and still starts with a turn of the key, has great power for on and off road and gets 20mpg on the highway. I went for the AW4 automatic tranny but, AX-15 5-speed is a very stout tranny, too. Keep the fluid level full and don't let it get overheated and the thing will last forever. As i've said, I have flogged mine for 60K miles and I haven't even done a fluid and filter change yet. It has never given me a second of grief. Long story short as long as you start out with an XJ that has a tight engine and tranny, everything else is nickle and dime to change, fix or upgrade. Transfercase and axles can be spendy but just keep them filled with the proper fluid and listen for noises and feel for vibrations and fix them before they get really bad and it's usually just a bearing or U-joint. So, cheap to fix as long as you don't wait until it grenades, to fix it.
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06-18-2009, 05:57 PM
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4 banger....my ***
Welcome to the Forum Amanda! I'd personally go with a 99 since it has the HP axle as opposed to the Low pinion in the 00-01. When you lift it the HP is a better axle. You could also buy a 00-01 and swap out the front axle for a HP axle. I'd say look for the lowest mileage on you can find and go with that. The 4.0l engine is bulletproof and the AW4 transmission has been known to out live the 4.0!
Also, I'm glad to hear that you are a Jeep Girl looking for an XJ instead of a Barbie Jeep!
Also, I'm glad to hear that you are a Jeep Girl looking for an XJ instead of a Barbie Jeep!
06-18-2009, 06:09 PM
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
Welcome...
I just bought my XJ in January for $3500, its a 2000 sport inline 6 4.0 liter, it only has 140k on it and the body is in mint condition. The only problems I have had with it were created by me and a hidden tree in a large puddle. i would look around and try to find one for cheaper than 5 and have extra cash for any mods, and my friend has one with 280k on it and it still runs great!!
good luck,
ryan
I just bought my XJ in January for $3500, its a 2000 sport inline 6 4.0 liter, it only has 140k on it and the body is in mint condition. The only problems I have had with it were created by me and a hidden tree in a large puddle. i would look around and try to find one for cheaper than 5 and have extra cash for any mods, and my friend has one with 280k on it and it still runs great!!
good luck,
ryan
06-18-2009, 07:25 PM
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
06-18-2009, 10:11 PM
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im getting a 99 4.0 with a stick if interested.Runs and drives great.It was my wifes dd for 4 yrs now.If interested im in jersey and asking 2500.For a little more i can deliver it.