marine001

Hi everyone. I am getting ready to purchase a used Cherokee and need some help deciding which one is better.


1. 2001 Classic, 4d, 2wd, 38k on rebuilt engine. A lot of stuff under hood has been replaced as well. No rust, red, nice interior/exterior. All elec works except for driver side door window.


2. 1998 Sport, 2d, 4wd. Engine was replaced with another I6 (used with 116k). No rust. Everything else (transmissions, electrical work) Exterior is green with a few minor dings paint a little faded. Interior is in great condition, two tone, cork and black.


I will be using as daily driver and very seldom have a reason to use 4wd but like the fact it is there.


The 2001 is cleaner overall but it would not take much to bring the 1998 exterior to a matching standard. ( 500-700 hundred dollars.)


Suspension is stock on both and will probably need to be gone through anyway. A/C heat work well on both, maint such as oil and fluids has been done by both owners consistently.


Both can be pick up for around same price. 2800.00 for 98, 2600.00 for 2001.


Comment suggestion appreciated, will buy one today.


First time jeep owner.
Thanks,


marine001 (Lon)

southernwake

My concerns, if I were in your shoes, with both engines. Why was the one rebuilt? Just high mileage and decided to rebuild it so it was a tighter engine? Or rebuilt due to failure?

Obviously the one with the replaced engine was most likely due to engine failure. But it has been replaced with a motor that has 116k on it... does the owner know the maintenance history of that used motor? If not it could be perfectly fine, it could be waiting to let something loose.

If it were me I would go with the 2001 just cause the motor has less mileage, it was rebuilt and has mileage showing it has been used since rebuild and has held up. And as you stated it was cleaner.

In the end its up to you, you're the one who has to use it everyday to get around.

Andrew

marine001

Thanks Andrew, I believe both were replaced due to overheating issues. The replacements were done about 9 months ago on the 2001 and 11 on the 98.
Both run and drive well.

What do you think about the 2.5 engine? I also looked at a 99 sport, 2d 2wd in excellent cond.
Thanks

southernwake

I can't give you any feedback on the 2.5 as i have zero experience with it. I have limited experience with the XJ as a whole. Just picked one up for my brother since it was good deal. He is currently stationed in Korea until August. So I am learning about these. I have a Jeep Liberty Renegade as my daily, its a Jeep but a different beast than the XJ for sure.

marine001

Decisions, decisions. The 99 with the 2.5 has 142k miles and is a 5 speed manual. one owner also purchased new in 2000. been babied all its life.Am going to look at the 2001 right now will keep you posted.


Thanks

caged

if you're not in a real hurry, i would hold out for a 99 with a 4.0L and 4wd.
i prefer 4 door myself for a cherokee, but if you find a 2 door for the right price i would go for it.
a lot of 2 doors are 5 speed. i prefer the aw4.

marine001

Thanks, I have read that the 99 was a great year. There are several 98-99 around with 4wd, but they have been beat up pretty bad.

XJwonders

Welcome to the forum

marine001

Thanks

marine001

Looked at the 2001, had a few issues that the owner did not feel important enough to tell me before I drove 60 miles to look at it.


1. Suspension shot
2. Rear hatch would not open
3. Ignition had to be replaced and key did not work on doors.
4. Tires were 9 years old and dry rotted
5. No inspection not sure if it would pass...you get the picture.


Am going to look at the 2.5 at 7 pm tonight.

marine001

Just became a "paid" member. The advice I will be getting will be priceless.!

StomperMN

Welcome! Of the original 2 vehicles, I'd go for the 4WD 98. You might not want 4WD, but the next offroad junkie will want it...making it more valuable. Also, the 2 doors are rare to start with and even more so in good shape...least here in MN. I think both these would make a quicker sale for you in the future... The one problem with the 98 is the source of the 116k mile replacement engine...but they can all be a gamble.

marine001

Hi Stomp, Thanks for additional info, your right the 4wd, 2 door combo is really appealing. I passed on all the vehicles and will hold out for one that checks all the right boxes.
Search is my best friend. That's some great four wheeling country you live in.!