First off thanks for having me. I'm the least mechanically inclined person you'll ever meet Though this site has taught me A LOT and for that I say thanks! Looking to buy an XJ this week. Most everything I read said get a 1997 and up. Even though I read 1996 was one of the best years. 96,98,and 1999, seem to be everyone's ideal years.Though everyone SAYS 97+, here in lies my dilemma.

97 being included as a good one/go to Jeep, I've also read STAY AWAY FROM 1997. Due to numerous wiring issues/changes, therefore making the problems they have harder to diagnose/fix. Well the one I'm looking at is freshly inspected, runs great, has 88,000 miles and is a 97SE for 3,000. Good condition. No leaks or rust. A golf sized dent on passenger door and 2 other smaller different color paint marks from the jeeps original color. Also has towards the top of the hoo a quarter of the paint slightly faded. Engine bay looks good except mud in some areas. Not recent as its an orangeish color and is flat.Almost looks like paint, but definitely dried up mud, but like I said flat, not caked or clumps. Certain areas and some spots of it. He claims he's never been mudding or offroading as it must have been the person he got it from. Underneath looked clean. Interior pretty damn clean. Needs cd player but no biggie. Not lifted.

Looking for a dd for now. Says it runs great and it sounded and did for the little amount of time I was there. A. Is the mud an issue or something I could just wash off and use some degreaser? B. Would you stay away from the 97 for the electrical reasons? He did have one already, forget now, but was a 20 dollar fix. Love the low miles and the price but don't wanna end up getting a money pit. Half of what I read said run, the other half LOVED their 97's. Please, any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of a great, friendly, knowledgeable forum. This will be my 3rd Cherokee possibly. I'm hooked. Just wanna make the right decision. Thanks again, everyone.Nice to meet you guys.

 

Welcome to the forum. Stay away from 96. 97-99 is ideal

 

Thanks, man! Much appreciated.

 

Welcome to the site.

Tony

 

Thanks, Tony!

 

I herd 98-99 is the best never owned one tho, I have a 1996 that i just can't seem to kill haha My wife also has a 1996 that came from the city with a brand new 80,000 motor (very clean XJ) never had a problem with either one of them. I owned a 84 and 85 both were **** due to previous owners and currently building a 91 for the drag strip\honda eater. Either way bro you will not go wrong with owning a XJ they are beasts. Good luck and happy trails

 

The only ones I've ever recommended people stay away from is 2000-2001 because of the extra missions crap, lp d30 (I think), coil pack and the 0331 head.


Whatever you look at just check for major rust and rot. That's the only thing that really would worry me about an XJ. Everything else can be fixed/replaced. (Hell even rusty metal to an extent but you know what I mean)

 

This!

 

Whats wrong with 96? I've had mine for 7 years

 

I searched a little longer as I wanted an early "99" model but found one.

Again 97-99's

 

I've got one too.
What's wrong with it?
200000 miles.
Doesn't use oil. Or trans fl. Runs great

 

I have had two 1996's and one 1991. Never had an electrical issue. Or any other issues that was not maintenance related.
The newer XJ's seem to have numerous electrical issues. There is always someone posting about it.
My 96 has the 29 spline 8.25, HP D30, better interior, and is 100% rust free.

 

Thanks a mill everyone for your replies, and feedback. Can't say thanks enough. Extremely helpful.