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zeke1312 · 03-11-2010, 05:38 PM

Hi: I'm an ex 1993 Grand and 2005 Liberty user. I'm looking to purchase a 198x to 199x Cherokee and want to know what to look out for (negatives) such as engine and running gear. Examples, engine type, # of miles before oil burn etc, transfer case, automatic transmission problems etc. Thank you

**jfxj67** · 03-11-2010, 09:59 PM

There where never any bad years that you should be cautioned about. Personally, i prefer the +'91 XJ's with the 4.0L H.O. motor. It is common to get 300,000 miles out of these engines!

Here is a couple of good links for tons of info on XJ's...

Jeep Cherokee (XJ) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Off-Road Adventures Magazine
Off-Road Adventures Magazine
Off-Road Adventures Magazine

Here is a few good links for what to look out for...

http://www.cherokeetalk.com/forum/f64/xj-specs-everything-you-need-know-5719/

cherokee common problems - Jeep Cherokee Forum

Hope this helps!

BACKWOOD · 03-11-2010, 10:10 PM

i love my 89s but if i had to do it again i would get a 96-98 cherokee sport. They have the high output motor, the stronger 29 spline chrysler 8.25" rear axle, high pinion dana 30 front axle, air bag, nicer cluster with rpm gauges, Nice soundbar with overhead speakers, rear windshield wiper. They have an open cooling systme that is easy to work with. these models are easy to find engine bolt ons, like chips, cold air intake, throttle body spacers, and they are compatible with most aftermarket offroad supplies.

4.3L XJ · 03-11-2010, 10:40 PM

96-98 were the best years. Standard or auto works equally well

zeke1312 · 03-12-2010, 12:15 AM

Wow, lots of info! You guys know the deal! Guess my focus will be a 96-98 and what to watch out for. Thanks

**muddeprived** · 03-12-2010, 08:16 AM

Avoid 00-01's cuz they are known for misfire issues. Not all, but alot. It's really hard to solve the problem too.

zeke1312 · 03-12-2010, 08:41 AM

What are the options for towing pkgs? Wiring already setup, just add hitch?

cherokee9601 · 03-12-2010, 11:18 PM

I got a '96 and a '01. I like both of them, but I would go for the '96. I got them used after checking about 10 XJs, the two guys I bought them from, did all the maintenance and both of them checked out ok with only minor issues.

flawlesslydisturbed · 03-13-2010, 01:58 AM

I have a 93', 90,000 miles and a 97',150,000 miles and like both of them. I can't really recommend one over the other because they are both great, just some minor body and interior differences.

I would look for the right price and make sure it was maintained.

Do plan on building it up for off road or using it for a daily driver?

zeke1312 · 03-13-2010, 02:19 AM

I plan to use it as a daily driver. I want to drive from NE to AZ and do some 4x in the desert. What is a reasonable price to pay for a 96-98?

finneys98xj · 03-13-2010, 07:56 AM

$3000

flawlesslydisturbed · 03-13-2010, 10:58 AM

I traded a quad for my 93' and some cash and stole my 97' for $350.

Craigslist has xj's for descent $ now and again. A car lot might try and rape you but you can check it out and know what you're getting. People sell them left and right around here fairly cheap.

swells6367 · 03-14-2010, 11:44 AM

As for oil burning my 90 has 201.000 burns no oil.

00xj · 03-14-2010, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4.3L XJ

96-98 were the best years. Standard or auto works equally well

Is this for offroad jeeps or street jeeps?
As I am in the search for a Jeep to build since the wife don't want hers Off road.

4.3L XJ · 03-14-2010, 10:17 PM

Both. These years were the best for several reasons. One is the increased horsepower on the engine, little beefier front end and the addition of the Chrysler rear end midway through 96 which is stronger. Nicer interior too.