Hello. this is my first post here but I've been on the hunt for a nice XJ for some time and I'm going to look at one today.
I'm not very mechanically inclined in terms of vehicles but I've been doing my research the best I can. I would greatly appreciate your guys' opinions and things you would look out for on this one.
It has 139,574 miles and he said he's replaced the head, head gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, water pump thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, coil packs, spark plugs, battery, and put brand new tires on it this past September when he bought it. I'm weary why he's selling it so soon but I'm thinking he possibly fixed it up and is now flipping it.
The only problems are that the windows aren't workings and the front passenger side window is off track but I imagine this is a minor fix, please let me know.
Theres some rust on the driver side rear door but the underside appears to be rust free from the pictures he's sent me.
I can post videos and pictures I take once I take a look at it on this thread as well as post the link to the listing if that is allowed.
Thank you guys!

 

If you don't feel comfortable checking it out yourself pay someone who knows what their doing to check it out; you can't do this on the internet with pictures.
a 2000 that has had the head and cooling system parts replaced raises the cracked head/oil pressure red flag.
Have someone check it out.

 

I have a good friend who knows XJs in and out, he has 3, but he wasn't available today to come with me. I was told the head was cracked and replaved. It drove really well and the start up and engine sounded right. The heat worked very good as well as everything else on the interior besides the windows like I said. I got it up to 65, no signs of leaks or additional rust. He only wants 5k for it.

 

I don't know diddly about Cherokees, but I am learning. I do know the used car game, though. Pass on this one. Keep shopping for one that you can verify some history on it. That goes for all used cars unless they are priced crazy cheap and you can afford to lose the money you used to buy it. Like gambling. This Cherokee is not priced cheap in my opinion.

 

Unfortunetley the market for these XJs seems ot be pretty crazy right now. I've been specifically looking at them and what theyve been selling for, for about 3 months now. I've rarely ever seen one in this good condition with under 200k miles go for so cheap in my region. Usually floating around 7-10 thousand for something like that which is not something I'm willing to pay.

 

I would be nervous buying any 2000 that recently had the head replaced. That's a big unknown as to how long it was run with a cracked head. The engine could run forever, it could give up tomorrow. I own a 2000 that had the head replaced, but the cracked head was caught within a few days at the most. That was also about 100k ago.

This could be a good jeep, but it could also be a money pit. If you can't have a professional check this out before you buy I would keep looking. You say you're not willing to spend 7-10k on a a used Jeep, but a $5k used jeep could very easily cost you a few thousand in repairs, especially a 2000 with unknown history.

 

Some good advice from the others.

My advice with a potential deal like this is always the same. Factor in having to replace/rebuild the engine into what you pay. If the owner caught the cracked head EARLY and replaced the head, the engine may be okay. However, if that wasn't the case and you start seeing low verified oil pressure because of damage from coolant intrusion.....you may be in for an engine replacement in the near future, no matter how good the engine sounds right now. The bottom line is you just don't know.....

If you are willing to add the additional $$$ and inconvenience (is this to be a daily driver??) to what you are paying (for worst case engine replacement/rebuild), then this deal may be worth it. However, if the additional expense and inconvenience of an engine puts you over your total budget and out of your comfort zone, keep looking.

Look for a 97-99 if you can find one.....sweet spot for XJ years in my opinion with my favorite year being 99 but I am a little biased as I had a 99 that was a complete gem, only one issue (death wobble which I fixed with new control arms) besides basic maintenance and expected repairs and that was from cradle to grave!

Good luck and keep us updated!