new purchase

[mstrader]

Requesting comments on a used 96 jeep cherokee sport I am considering purchasing. I've started sifting through this forum to see what types of mechanical issues to expect. My purchase would be on a 1996 4.0L automatic with PS and AC with 81,000 miles. Buying at/under KBB. Recent alignment and crankshaft sensor were only receipts in glove box. No state inspection b/c came from florida. Any comments greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[neon_rt]

I have a '98 Cherokee SE w/ 4.0l,AC,Cruise, 5-speed. I paid $3400 for it in very good condition with 78,000 miles on it. I now have 106,000 on it. The issues I've had so far is, I had the sepentine belt replaced and it is squeaking again. It also occasionaly decides to do the piston slap when it is cold (very common on the 4.0, doesn't seem to hurt anything), last about 3 min or so. Other than that I am very satisfied. I usually get 21mpg although one time I got 17 b/c I had my foot to the floor every time I got a chance. When I was looking for a Cherokee, I would not consider buying one older than '97. In '97 they stiffened the unibody and reinforced the roof to provide better rollover protection. They also changed the interior some and standardized the stereo hookups with other Chrysler Group vehicles.

[AlohaBra]

Yeah, the 97 to 2001 is the last redesign. I bought the 97 Sport brand new, 4 WD 2dr., all power everything, cruise and premium stereo, tinted glass, etc. . I also have a 2001 Sport 2WD 4dr. bought with 50K on it last year. The 97 now has 131K on it now, but I am a mechanic and have done much work on it.

The 2001 has no distributor and 97 does and needs more service there. The AC is finicky on both. All Xjs are relative inexpensive to buy nowadays.

The drive train is reliable, but just about everything else need work, just read this forum. Things like the NSS, crank position sensor, power windows, and other electrical issues. But people own Jeeps because they are Jeeps. There is a lot of aftermarket off road stuff for them, like big tires and wheels, lift kits and CV driveshafts and other stuff that make them kool to own.

Other people like my wife, own Toyotas, which only need oil changes. (Although, I was shocked...it needed an AC relay recently which cost $80.00)

[thinmints]

i have a 96xj with 170k on it.. i have put most of those miles on it and its really been a good vehicle to own. just a few minor repairs IE new radiator, water pump just about what you would expect with lots of miles easy to repair with basic tools and a good manuel goes along way i do like the 97+ interior but other than that not much else.. these things can go well over 300k as long as you keep up the fluid change and check for any potential leaks that may start over time early prevention goes a long way there is so much you can do with the xj i hope you enjoy yours..... whatever year you decide