synergy58

Don't discount 2000 and 2001's just because some people think they all have head gasket issues, they don't. There are trade offs between the years, some things are better on '00, '01's and some things are better on later years. It all boils down to how well maintained they are.

I have owned both a '99 and 2000, and currently own a 2001. They all have been great runners. I currently have 146k on my '01, put 237k on the 99, and I had 185k on the 2000. i've also owned a '06 Wrangler unlimited, same 4.0 ltr engine, and it was a nice Jeep, but I didn't think it was as strong of an engine as my Cherokee's, and it wasn't as comfortable and roomy, although the seats could have better support in all of them.

I run my '01 up and down from FL to OH a few times a year and I can run like a bat out of hell! I find that my Cherokees ran stronger around 60-90! And, oddly, I get better mpg on the interstate at those speeds than I do in town driving, not sure why?

My biggest complaint has been the cooling systems and power windows, otherwise they've been great Jeep's/SUV's. 4x4 systems are awesome! Nice size to room ratio, not too big, not too small.

IMHO

Cane

if he already had a 2000-01 in his possession and was worried about that, i'd agree and say he shouldn't sell it based on that, but since he's in the market for one and hasn't purchased a jeep yet, i'd say it's not a bad idea to stay away from them. chances are the person selling a jeep of those years is doing so because of cooling problems, and good luck convincing them it's because of a head crack and offer them a grand less than what they listed it for based on that. they'll think you're just lowballing them because not everyone is a jeep enthusiast and knows about that issue. we know it's not a matter of if, but when with the 0331 head cracking of those years.

there are exceptions, of course if you're buying from someone who has already fixed the issue with invoices to prove it, or your uncle is selling it to you for 300$, they're as good as other years and you should go for it.

as he said, IMHO at least

jaydubz

I have a 97 with 220k miles, runs prefect, compression is amazing and no knocking or anything, little piston slap on start up for a bit but once oil up and engine up to temp it's all good.

nabtastic

lol @ how fast. i think OP meant to put that on the civic forum.

my 99 has 158K. got it for $1500. the lady i got it from was...lacking in maintenance but did do regular oil. I'm basically replacing all the rubber parts under it. you'll probably replace the radiator but otherwise good.

I needed a farm vehicle but I run 60MPH to work on the highway and avg 18-20 MPG even in this HI traffic... engine is like $2k rebuilt so I can throw it away or fix it when the time comes. cheaper than new.

tjsandog

I got my '89 for $2000, had some rust issues, as it came from Minnesota.
Underneath everything looks good, worst rust was the rear bumper brackets and a few places in the lower rocker panels.
Shows 134K on the odometer, but people have been known to buy a low mileage odometer and swap out, or take out the odometer and turn it back.
There was oil all over the top of the engine, and down to the pan, but I saw that the rubber gasket on the filler cap and around the PVC valves were thin and hard, replaced them, cleaned everything up, and not a drop of oil outside the engine now.
Sure runs strong and smooth, transmission shifts great, and temp gauge never climbs up, even on a hot day, climbing up to one of our upper pastures. But the PO had changed mine over from a closed coolant system to an open one.
I've heard that the older Renix models have had wiring issues, mine will occasionally die when backing up, maybe an engine to frame ground is the issue.
I wish I'd have waited to get a '98 or '99 with less rust, but considering what had been done to mine, and strong engine and transmission, I am happy.
The previous owner had put a 3" lift, new mud terrain tires, and new ring and pinion in the rear ( the receipt says $1200 for that alone ) so $2000 doesn't seem like a bad deal, considering any 4WD, especially a Jeep, goes for a premium around here.