Hi guys. I don't currently own a Cherokee but just doing some research on a possible purchase. These trucks always appealed to me but I never did pull a trigger on one.

I am actually a Ford guy and currently own 3 Panther platform vehicles. I have a 96' Crown Vic that I drive in the winter which gets me around just fine but I just want something different.

Perhaps you can guide me in the right direction. Are there any common problems with these trucks that I should look for when shopping around?

I would prefer to get a 1999-2001 model year as I like newer styling. I would also like one with a 4 liter. Should I look for one with a stick or an auto? Are auto trannies in these things as crappy as they were in other Chrysler products from the 90's?

I live in the rust belt. Do these things rust out in any particular places? Should I avoid higher mileage trucks?

Makes me feel like an idiot asking all this. If it was a Crown Vic I would usually be the one answering all those.

 

Alright start with a welcome!

Second the "newer" body style started in 97 so start there
The 99-01 are famous for the 0331 head that will crack causing coolant to mix with the oil usually ending the life of your XJ
The trans are good to go if kept up to date on flushes.
Mine has 415+k on the entire jeep all original.
So your best bet would be a 97-98 XJ 4.0 either auto or 5 speed.
And final... Rust belt.... Ouch.... Make sure to bring a flat head screwdriver with you. Check the entire unibody by poking at it. Floor boards too.
Good luck buddy! I love my XJ and will never gt rid of it. But I'm also on the west coast and have 0% rust.
Also to help your decision out you can buy a 96 down and put the 97+ front end on it.




Pretty much bolt on with a hours worth of work.

 

Welcome to the site

 

Hi and welcome to the jeep community, you know it makes sense.
Think odgreen must of sold the idea of an xj.

 

"od" said it pretty clear.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin.

 

Found someone locally selling a 2001 2 door with 4 liter and automatic. Has 140000 miles on it. He is asking 2k. Going to look at it tomorrow. The head issue mentioned earlier, was there ever a recall or anything that addressed that issue? Did all 2001s have that problem? If not, is there any way to identify that is has the effected head?

Also, are the back seats in these things same on both 2 and 4 door models? For some reason this one doesn't have a back seat.

 

Went and looked at the 01' today. It had no coolant in the reservoir tank so I didn't bother looking further.