Hi,

What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
miles?

The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
just road dirt).
It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
It starts easily and runs strong.
The A/C and heat are strong.
4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
first 4x4!).

There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
on a full lock turn.

The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)

The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
markings)
..
He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
on or replaced ...?

All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
Think it'll make it?

TIA

....

 

I like ten year old vehicles. As a rule they have the right
combination of price, taxes, and anticipated repairs, to make them
worthwhile. I like to buy them with about 100k-150k on the odometer
though. With that mileage and age you are probably going to have to
make a few repairs yourself, sometime in the future.

It is also nice to get something that doesn't have modifications or
heavy duty use, and oversize tires, helper springs and towing certainly
qualify. I'll bet you could find a 1995 with half that mileage, for
about the same price. It is possible that the factory block was
rebuilt locally, and that the white letter markings don't mean
anything. You won't know that unless the owner has a receipt or
warranty for the rebuilt engine.

Earle

 

I like ten year old vehicles. As a rule they have the right
combination of price, taxes, and anticipated repairs, to make them
worthwhile. I like to buy them with about 100k-150k on the odometer
though. With that mileage and age you are probably going to have to
make a few repairs yourself, sometime in the future.

It is also nice to get something that doesn't have modifications or
heavy duty use, and oversize tires, helper springs and towing certainly
qualify. I'll bet you could find a 1995 with half that mileage, for
about the same price. It is possible that the factory block was
rebuilt locally, and that the white letter markings don't mean
anything. You won't know that unless the owner has a receipt or
warranty for the rebuilt engine.

Earle

 

I like ten year old vehicles. As a rule they have the right
combination of price, taxes, and anticipated repairs, to make them
worthwhile. I like to buy them with about 100k-150k on the odometer
though. With that mileage and age you are probably going to have to
make a few repairs yourself, sometime in the future.

It is also nice to get something that doesn't have modifications or
heavy duty use, and oversize tires, helper springs and towing certainly
qualify. I'll bet you could find a 1995 with half that mileage, for
about the same price. It is possible that the factory block was
rebuilt locally, and that the white letter markings don't mean
anything. You won't know that unless the owner has a receipt or
warranty for the rebuilt engine.

Earle

 

The paint dabs on the outside of the block indicate what combination of
crank journal sizes you have. Inside on the crank counter weights by each
rod journal there's another dab showing what SIZES (plural) or rod bearings
you have on that rod!! For indications of wear look for oil in the air
cleaner indicating any blow by. And listen for noises but be aware these
engines are noisy normally. At 300k I would tend to believe him unless it's
ready to blow. Big tires, springs and a 2 inch receiver may just indicate a
previous owner with little ***** syndrome. You've already looked for mud on
the bottom but look for signs of usage on the receiver. Noise in the front
end on a 89 I owned was the bushings in the 4 arms holding the axel to the
frame rails. Also look for and expect rust holes in the floors. 300k is a
lot of miles. I would not pay more then 2k for it. A year ago I got a very
clean 96 4dr auto with power windows, new paint, mag rims, 2" receiver and
with half the miles (142K) for $3000 at a dealer.

JoBo

"noneyabusiness" <me@you.com> wrote in message
news:9f23m1tp5o9d3fpi9lenciehkgit9k4igb@4ax.com...
>
> Hi,
>
> What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
> miles?
>
> The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
> just road dirt).
> It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
> It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
> It starts easily and runs strong.
> The A/C and heat are strong.
> 4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
> first 4x4!).
>
> There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
> There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
> in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
> The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
> on a full lock turn.
>
> The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
> is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)
>
> The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
> my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
> markings)
> .
> He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
> 2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
> towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
> on or replaced ...?
>
> All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
> Think it'll make it?
>
> TIA
>
> ...
>

 

The paint dabs on the outside of the block indicate what combination of
crank journal sizes you have. Inside on the crank counter weights by each
rod journal there's another dab showing what SIZES (plural) or rod bearings
you have on that rod!! For indications of wear look for oil in the air
cleaner indicating any blow by. And listen for noises but be aware these
engines are noisy normally. At 300k I would tend to believe him unless it's
ready to blow. Big tires, springs and a 2 inch receiver may just indicate a
previous owner with little ***** syndrome. You've already looked for mud on
the bottom but look for signs of usage on the receiver. Noise in the front
end on a 89 I owned was the bushings in the 4 arms holding the axel to the
frame rails. Also look for and expect rust holes in the floors. 300k is a
lot of miles. I would not pay more then 2k for it. A year ago I got a very
clean 96 4dr auto with power windows, new paint, mag rims, 2" receiver and
with half the miles (142K) for $3000 at a dealer.

JoBo

"noneyabusiness" <me@you.com> wrote in message
news:9f23m1tp5o9d3fpi9lenciehkgit9k4igb@4ax.com...
>
> Hi,
>
> What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
> miles?
>
> The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
> just road dirt).
> It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
> It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
> It starts easily and runs strong.
> The A/C and heat are strong.
> 4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
> first 4x4!).
>
> There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
> There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
> in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
> The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
> on a full lock turn.
>
> The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
> is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)
>
> The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
> my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
> markings)
> .
> He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
> 2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
> towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
> on or replaced ...?
>
> All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
> Think it'll make it?
>
> TIA
>
> ...
>

 

The paint dabs on the outside of the block indicate what combination of
crank journal sizes you have. Inside on the crank counter weights by each
rod journal there's another dab showing what SIZES (plural) or rod bearings
you have on that rod!! For indications of wear look for oil in the air
cleaner indicating any blow by. And listen for noises but be aware these
engines are noisy normally. At 300k I would tend to believe him unless it's
ready to blow. Big tires, springs and a 2 inch receiver may just indicate a
previous owner with little ***** syndrome. You've already looked for mud on
the bottom but look for signs of usage on the receiver. Noise in the front
end on a 89 I owned was the bushings in the 4 arms holding the axel to the
frame rails. Also look for and expect rust holes in the floors. 300k is a
lot of miles. I would not pay more then 2k for it. A year ago I got a very
clean 96 4dr auto with power windows, new paint, mag rims, 2" receiver and
with half the miles (142K) for $3000 at a dealer.

JoBo

"noneyabusiness" <me@you.com> wrote in message
news:9f23m1tp5o9d3fpi9lenciehkgit9k4igb@4ax.com...
>
> Hi,
>
> What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
> miles?
>
> The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
> just road dirt).
> It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
> It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
> It starts easily and runs strong.
> The A/C and heat are strong.
> 4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
> first 4x4!).
>
> There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
> There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
> in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
> The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
> on a full lock turn.
>
> The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
> is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)
>
> The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
> my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
> markings)
> .
> He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
> 2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
> towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
> on or replaced ...?
>
> All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
> Think it'll make it?
>
> TIA
>
> ...
>

 

I forgot to mention, with upkeep you should be able to get a couple of years
without big problems. No oil on the bottom indicates the rear main oil seal
has been replaced as they tend to leak with age. But you indicate "your
mechanic says" and with a any vehicle with those miles you'll need deep
pockets or be your own mechanic.

Just my 2 cents.
JoBo

"Jo Bo" <jromasSPAM@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
news:wmn8f.73196$Hs.22341@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com.. .
> The paint dabs on the outside of the block indicate what combination of
> crank journal sizes you have. Inside on the crank counter weights by each
> rod journal there's another dab showing what SIZES (plural) or rod
> bearings you have on that rod!! For indications of wear look for oil in
> the air cleaner indicating any blow by. And listen for noises but be aware
> these engines are noisy normally. At 300k I would tend to believe him
> unless it's ready to blow. Big tires, springs and a 2 inch receiver may
> just indicate a previous owner with little ***** syndrome. You've already
> looked for mud on the bottom but look for signs of usage on the receiver.
> Noise in the front end on a 89 I owned was the bushings in the 4 arms
> holding the axel to the frame rails. Also look for and expect rust holes
> in the floors. 300k is a lot of miles. I would not pay more then 2k for
> it. A year ago I got a very clean 96 4dr auto with power windows, new
> paint, mag rims, 2" receiver and with half the miles (142K) for $3000 at a
> dealer.
>
> JoBo
>
> "noneyabusiness" <me@you.com> wrote in message
> news:9f23m1tp5o9d3fpi9lenciehkgit9k4igb@4ax.com...
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
>> miles?
>>
>> The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
>> just road dirt).
>> It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
>> It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
>> It starts easily and runs strong.
>> The A/C and heat are strong.
>> 4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
>> first 4x4!).
>>
>> There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
>> There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
>> in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
>> The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
>> on a full lock turn.
>>
>> The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
>> is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)
>>
>> The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
>> my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
>> markings)
>> .
>> He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
>> 2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
>> towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
>> on or replaced ...?
>>
>> All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
>> Think it'll make it?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> ...
>>
>
>

 

I forgot to mention, with upkeep you should be able to get a couple of years
without big problems. No oil on the bottom indicates the rear main oil seal
has been replaced as they tend to leak with age. But you indicate "your
mechanic says" and with a any vehicle with those miles you'll need deep
pockets or be your own mechanic.

Just my 2 cents.
JoBo

"Jo Bo" <jromasSPAM@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
news:wmn8f.73196$Hs.22341@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com.. .
> The paint dabs on the outside of the block indicate what combination of
> crank journal sizes you have. Inside on the crank counter weights by each
> rod journal there's another dab showing what SIZES (plural) or rod
> bearings you have on that rod!! For indications of wear look for oil in
> the air cleaner indicating any blow by. And listen for noises but be aware
> these engines are noisy normally. At 300k I would tend to believe him
> unless it's ready to blow. Big tires, springs and a 2 inch receiver may
> just indicate a previous owner with little ***** syndrome. You've already
> looked for mud on the bottom but look for signs of usage on the receiver.
> Noise in the front end on a 89 I owned was the bushings in the 4 arms
> holding the axel to the frame rails. Also look for and expect rust holes
> in the floors. 300k is a lot of miles. I would not pay more then 2k for
> it. A year ago I got a very clean 96 4dr auto with power windows, new
> paint, mag rims, 2" receiver and with half the miles (142K) for $3000 at a
> dealer.
>
> JoBo
>
> "noneyabusiness" <me@you.com> wrote in message
> news:9f23m1tp5o9d3fpi9lenciehkgit9k4igb@4ax.com...
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
>> miles?
>>
>> The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
>> just road dirt).
>> It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
>> It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
>> It starts easily and runs strong.
>> The A/C and heat are strong.
>> 4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
>> first 4x4!).
>>
>> There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
>> There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
>> in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
>> The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
>> on a full lock turn.
>>
>> The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
>> is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)
>>
>> The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
>> my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
>> markings)
>> .
>> He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
>> 2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
>> towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
>> on or replaced ...?
>>
>> All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
>> Think it'll make it?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> ...
>>
>
>

 

I forgot to mention, with upkeep you should be able to get a couple of years
without big problems. No oil on the bottom indicates the rear main oil seal
has been replaced as they tend to leak with age. But you indicate "your
mechanic says" and with a any vehicle with those miles you'll need deep
pockets or be your own mechanic.

Just my 2 cents.
JoBo

"Jo Bo" <jromasSPAM@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
news:wmn8f.73196$Hs.22341@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com.. .
> The paint dabs on the outside of the block indicate what combination of
> crank journal sizes you have. Inside on the crank counter weights by each
> rod journal there's another dab showing what SIZES (plural) or rod
> bearings you have on that rod!! For indications of wear look for oil in
> the air cleaner indicating any blow by. And listen for noises but be aware
> these engines are noisy normally. At 300k I would tend to believe him
> unless it's ready to blow. Big tires, springs and a 2 inch receiver may
> just indicate a previous owner with little ***** syndrome. You've already
> looked for mud on the bottom but look for signs of usage on the receiver.
> Noise in the front end on a 89 I owned was the bushings in the 4 arms
> holding the axel to the frame rails. Also look for and expect rust holes
> in the floors. 300k is a lot of miles. I would not pay more then 2k for
> it. A year ago I got a very clean 96 4dr auto with power windows, new
> paint, mag rims, 2" receiver and with half the miles (142K) for $3000 at a
> dealer.
>
> JoBo
>
> "noneyabusiness" <me@you.com> wrote in message
> news:9f23m1tp5o9d3fpi9lenciehkgit9k4igb@4ax.com...
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> What might I expect of a 95 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with just under 300K
>> miles?
>>
>> The engine, drive train and undercarriage look clean (no oil/grease -
>> just road dirt).
>> It tracks fairly straight down a smooth road.
>> It pulls slightly to the left under hard braking.
>> It starts easily and runs strong.
>> The A/C and heat are strong.
>> 4WD engages and disengages without too much difficulty (This is my
>> first 4x4!).
>>
>> There is a slight noise going over bumps on the passenger front side.
>> There is no play in the rear drive shaft, but there is a small amount
>> in the front shaft (but not in the u-joints).
>> The tires appear to be 2 sizes (?) larger than stock, and they do rub
>> on a full lock turn.
>>
>> The sell says much of the milage is long distance highway, but there
>> is no way of really knowing, is there ;-)
>>
>> The seller also says it got a rebuilt engine about 40K miles ago, but
>> my mechanic says it looks like the factory block (several white letter
>> markings)
>> .
>> He also noticed that it had helper springs on the rear (along with a
>> 2" (2.5?) receiver on the back) so it probably has seen a lot of
>> towing. This also makes him think the tranny has probably been worked
>> on or replaced ...?
>>
>> All I'm hoping for is a few years of service from it.
>> Think it'll make it?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> ...
>>
>
>