tj40

Alright long story short. I just got paid by geico cause my exploder sport trac was stolen Dec.4 (thank god) and after I put a $2200 trans in it in june. DOH! I'm lucky that I have my 94 xj the wifey drove the exploder. I got 7300 burning a hole in my pocket. I have a friend with a 2000 classic and its had tons of electrical and cooling system troubles. I would buy another 94 but I like the modern interior a little better. I'm thinking a nice and real clean 1998. So fire it at me, I need some opinions.

harorider848

96-99 in my opinion.

Irongrave

97-99 are the best IMO, they look good, nice inside stronger rear axle (29 spline 8.25).

you can pick up a good one for 4-5k then spend the rest on mods for it

Desert Rat

I'm partial to 97-99 due to the updated styling and interior as well as the 29 spline 8.25 and HP D-30. I dont know how the market is in the Chicago area but here in Utah you can pick up super clean 97-98 for 3-4000 bucks. Good luck on your search!

TheNovaMan

So the problems with the 00s and 01s are primarily the weaker axles?

djb383

The 0331 cyl head.

Jeepability

i got my 98 looks like new for 3500 4x4

Xjtim

I thought that all the cylinder head problem were worked out by 00-01...those years have better manifolds too..

brutalxj

Yes the head and the 00-01 have a low pinion front axle. But the 00-01 has the coil pack ignition that can be a plus if you see alot of water. If I bought a new one It would be a 00-01. I would pick up a front d30 from a bone yard without abs cause its dangerous and a 95ish head. The older head on the newer motor will give you some extra power. And with your budget a lift kit probably a 6.5" RC and tires then be set! XJ's up here are cheep and with your budget you could get just what you want. Or if you don't see alot of water 99 has the better intake but not the ignition and has the high pinion d30. I would only buy Sports or country's what ever year good options without to much. My 99 has heated power mirrors power locks with a key chain thing. But no power seats to brake.

Diesel

95/96.

Ol' Bloo

96-99. They are cheaper to find than most models and will still be in good shape. I got my 98' for $2200

captainwoot

97-99 Imo, I've had a 92 (which was bullet proof) and now my 98, equally as good but i do like the updated interior.
Happy shopping

djb383

Not sure what u mean by "worked out"....the '00-'01 seem to have a casting/cracking problem (prior years don't).

There seems to be some debate about the manifold....some dyno results indicate a drop in power with late model manifold on earlier motors.

BLACKSPORT

ive heard that 99 is the best because it has everything the 97&98 has but better intake in 99 with out the coil packs in the 00 and 01s. Def make sure it has the 8.25 as for stock axles.... thats bout all i can think of now

peep

1989 of course. The Peep has 481000+ km on it and will eat up that cash nest egg in no time flat. Merry Christmas