About to buy an XJ...Any advice?
 

Hi all,

I'm about to buy a Cherokee, preferably one made after 2000. I've always wanted one of these, but where I come from (europe) they're not really popular, so I don't have any experience with them. Is there any known issue I should be aware of?
Anything advice is appreciated.

Re: About to buy an XJ...Any advice?
 

:biggrin:Greg- Hope you find your Jeep Cherokee. The xj series was only built to year 2001. While there is nothing drastically wrong with the more recent models, I,m given to understand that the best model years were from 1987 to 1996. I have a 1989 which I bought used in 2005, it had 179,000klms on it at the time, now has near 240,000klms, it has the 4.0 litre engine (better than 2.5 4cyl). It has been a low maiintenance and dependable unit, and still looks good.
If you buy one in North America, likely only good source, look for one that spent its life on the western(pacific) states, or high desrt country. THe Jeep\s major enemy has always been rust. Don't be afraid of higher mileage,within reason, avoid any "lifted" units, and examine pictures very closely looking for good panel alignments.If not abused , the alignments will be near perfect, there is alot of "flex" in a Cherokee.
Since you'll be having to ship it to the fair isle, significant cost, take time to look for one that suits you. Best o' luck. Ralph

Don't know if you follow or search EBay Motors at all. I spotted two units that would be of interest to me: 1) 2000 -ebay # 230881410863 and 2) 1996 ebay # 170940965850-
The 2000 is a very nice unit and obviously the second owner had it for about 10 yrs so it had to be pretty good . It may however be at the stage where significant maintenance is now called for,.i.e. complete brake job,rotors,calipers,etc-likewise for exhaust system.
the '96 has some usage scars, but the undercarriage in the pictures looks great for a 17 yr unit- its trim is basic- roll up windows,etc
the headliner has several tears from loading /unloading- seats & door panels are fine save perhaps for a thorough cleaning.Under the bonnet shows that it has been maintained. It does have more miles,at 127kmiles, but on the 4.0 ,that's only about 1/3 of its life used up. Looksd like a good every day older SUV.