Looking for my first Jeep
 

Ive been driving German cars since I was 16. Im currently driving a Porsche 944 and looking to sell it and get something newer and just as fun. Ive driven my stepmom's 09 Wrangler Rubicon in western Mass. and quite frankly it's addicting, even more so then the idea of driving a 944. And now that my parents here in Florida have become interested in trading in a BMW convertible for a Commander, ive been even more curious in a Jeep. I was definitely interested in the Cherokee XJ, preferably a 97 and later model because the look to me just screams classic Jeep, way more than the Liberty which replaced it. Gas mileage is not even a concern to me, seeing that the 4-cyl Porsche is getting 16-18 mpg, even with me tuning the car up on a regular basis. Now i know from my uncle (who owned a 94 4.0 4x4 Cherokee) that the 4.0 is a great engine, but other than that, im in the dark as far as what to look out for in a used Cherokee. Being down in Florida, ive stumbled across a few 97-01 models with between 100-125k miles for around my price range, which is $3500. My only big thing is good A/C and no major problems. But if you guys have any ideas of what little things i should look for when i go see these cars, that would be greatly appreciated.

rust on floor boards... above muffler... drivers side under the peddles....rear seals like to leak on these... A/C look for rusty lines by the condencer... Lot of other things to.. im sure more will chime in soon...

I've never owned an XJ, so the only thing I can add to the above is look for the electrical gremlins that plague lots of Jeeps.
And Welcome to CF!
Dan

welcome to cf
Look at the rockers for rust.

Lets see as far as rust goes a few places to look would be Rockers and Floorboards especially the back right by the hatch. When you check press on the areas with your fingers, if you hear a cracking noise stop pushing and you know that the piece is rusted through. As far as Florida vehicles go the paint is probably going to have flaws or will develop them eventually so I personally am not worried about it. As far as the 4.0 its a great engine. we have one with 240k that hasnt had any major problems.

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