Good afternoon, everyone. I am a new member of the forum and am excited about being part of this group. Just a little history, We have been Jeep owners for quite some time. I have owned a 2004 Liberty, and a 2017 Cherokee. I am currently driving a 2011 Patriot, and my wife picked up a few months ago a 2008 JKU Sahara. Looking down the road, I am looking to get into a "new-to-me" vehicle again soon, but I am torn between a Wrangler and an XJ. Financially, I can't even look at a a new Wrangler, so I have been scouring the market in my area for used JK's. In my searching, I also stumbled across a 2001 XJ Sport with about 108K miles on it, and it is going for about $7,000. This has perplexed my, because, strictly from a financial standpoint, I can get into this stock XJ and fix it up for camping/overlanding and a little light to moderate off-roading for a lot less than even a decent used JK. I joined this forum to see what people are saying about the XJ for these purposes. I do not know much about these vehicles from a mechanical or capabilities standpoint ... Looking forward to the insights.

 

Welcome to Cherokee Forum!!

Your market assessment is spot on.

A word to the wise. 2000 and 2001 XJs with the 4.0 were prone to heads cracking. Not every one for sure, but be aware.

You can search "0331 head" here and get an education.

 

Welcome.

 

Thanks cruiser ... Are the older ones (pre 2000) less prone to this cracked head issue? There aren't that many that are close enough to me to take a look at. Will keep digging around.

 

Generally not prone at all.