I am shopping for a pre-owned (1996-2001) Cherokee for my daughter. It is going to be for her 18th birthday/first car. I thought it would be wise to join this forum as well as JeepForum.com to learn more about the ins and outs of the vehicle. I have definitely learned a lot and I've found several for sale. I belong to a few other forums relating to my hobbies so I know to stay in my lane and read more/post less. Hopefully I can learn a lot more, find my daughter the perfect Cherokee and customize it to make it her own. Because, SHE NEEDS a 3" lift, bigger wheels and tires and rock-bumpers. Thanks for having me, Paul

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I would suggest 1997-1999 because of the known 0331 head issue in 2000-2001.

 

Thanks for the heads-up, I'm ready to pull the trigger on a "99 Classic. Super clean, low miles and rust-free but needs a neutral safety switch and the pass/side axle is humming. The price is right so I don't think I'll pass on it. Suggestions and advice are always welcome...

 

NSS cost like 200 new but u are able to take it off and clean it and it ll be good as new.

 

Welcome! She'll be a lucky girl!!

As for the axle, front or rear? If front, could be a bad U-joint.

 

Thanks guys, present owner states:front right hub bearing makes a humming noise. Also, would the NSS cause the "check engine light" to come on? Should I pull the trigger or no?

 

Well, depends. What is he asking for it? Any other issues like rust? Try to check out all you can, especially rocker panels and door jambs for any signs of rust. I'm not sure about the CEL from a bad NSS, but you should have the guy get the code checked, or even check it yourself if you can get a code scanner. That could be a different issue altogether.

It also depends on how much of a project you're willing to get into. Mine has snowballed into a total restoration. That wasn't the original plan for me

 

asking $2200, 180K miles, super-clean in and out, no rust anywhere. I am very confident I can remove, clean and replace the NSS. I will take it to Evans 4X4 in Bayshore to address the hub/axle issue and pull the code. Thanks again guys, you are the reason why I love the these forums.

 

Yes a bad nss can possibly throw a code but doesn't often happen. My girlfriend's xj have a bad nss but doesn't throw a code. But other xj I was working on, it threw a code

 

UPDATE: I passed on the '99 Classic and put a down-payment on an immaculate "99 Limited w/ 150K miles and needs nothing but a bow. Can't wait to see my daughters face when I take her outside and hand her the keys. Thanks again to everyone for the advice

*the canoe didn't come with the truck.