Looking For A Cherokee

[Jaime]

Hello everyone,

 

I am looking to buy a Cherokee so I can fit the grand kids when we go to the lake fishing. I was hoping you guys could guide me as to what years, engine, transmissions, transfer case etc. to stay away from or which are desirable in a Cherokee.

 

I want to get one with 4 wheel drive, automatic, AC and 4 doors. I am looking for one under $1500.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[relyt120]

Well, if you want automatic your going to end up with an AW4 since they were pretty much the only auto trans in the Cherokees, you'll probably want a 4.0L engine just because they are more plentiful, easier to get parts for and more power to haul those grand kids and run that AC. As far as what year you can't really go wrong if you have a 4.0L just keep in mind the ranges of the changes in the XJ 87-90 are renix (little less HP, closed cooling system, more vacuum lines), 92-01 are HO(little more HP, open cooling system, less vacuum lines, 87-96 are the first gen body style(sharper edges), 97-01 are the gen 2 body style(little rounder), and the 97-01 have a different interior. I don't know about your local used vehicle market but I know around here if you want a reliable XJ for $1500 you'll end up with a pre-97 rig.  On the older ones you'll want to make sure the refrigerant has been converted to 134a from R12 since you can't get it any more. I can't speak to transfer cases but that should be a foundation for your search.

[rmoore1031]

I have a 90 XJ Laredo. I love it. Has everything your asking about. I prefer the Renix over the HO. I don't care for OBD 1 or 2. I have had no major issues on my XJ. The closed cooling system isn't ideal for Vegas, you'd want to convert to open system and other upgrades. CherokeeForum has TONS of information. 

 

I would avoid 84-86 years. Crappy engine/transmissions and carb or TBI for fuel systems.

Also avoid 00-01. The head is prone to cracking from overheating, hence a problem for you.

[Jaime]

Thanks

That is the info I was looking for.

[rmoore1031]

No problem, feel free to post links if you want opinions.