indyhoya

Hi there- been driving a 96 2WD XJ for a couple years in the mild DC area, likely moving to a place with much more snow soon and am looking to pick up a 4WD.

Went out this weekend to look at a 2001 XJ automatic with 152K on it-owner is selling for $4000. Guy is the original owner-it's in nice shape and has been well maintained for the most part. No accidents or major issues. Does badly need a new set of tires.

My biggest concern is that the guy admits to have never changed the transmission fluid on the advice of a mechanic. It's definitely brown, though shifted fine on the drive. I've read mixed opinions on this but personally would much rather have the fluid regularly changed. I've also read how a series of drain and fills can be a safe way to change fluid at high mileage-but how big of a risk would it be buying something with high mileage and the original fluid?

Know I could probably find cheaper/lower mileage but will be moving soon and would much rather buy one in this area with less exposure to salt and it's hard to find single owners where you know the whole vehicle's history.

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

Firestorm500

I'd be a lot more worried about the crack-prone, infamous 0331 head on that Jeep.

You can drain and refill the trans fluid 3 times for a gentle flush.
Word is, not all new trans fluid at once.

stormitecture

150k miles without a fluid change is chancy, but not the end of the world.

What advice I will tell you, having been in the DC area when I bought mine......don't buy a Jeep in the DC area. Prices are inflated. If you can, get south, deep into Virginia or west into West Virginia. You will find a much better deal. Also...make 100% sure it has a title that is local with HIS/HER name too. If it is a Florida title...run....run away!

indyhoya

thanks for the tips. If it were to crack, is there a typical mileage that the 0331 head usually gives out at or is it pretty variable? I've definitely heard of this associated with the 01s-any idea how common it is for it to fail?

terzdesign

someone did a poll of that question a while back on another forum. Check to see it here:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/how...9-01-xj-68400/

I don't think the head cracking is as common a problem as we make it out to be but still, you would be wise to check it regularly. On a separate note, I got my jeep for $2000 less that what that guy is asking and with less mileage. Unless you need it tomorrow, you might consider looking a little longer. my2cents.

FTHESHACK

I don't think the head cracking is as common a problem as we make it out to be but still, you would be wise to check it regularly.

^^^I agree with this. There is far more talk about the 0331 head failure than there is actual failures. With that said...I would still walk away faster from an 00/01 that has been neglected. Particularly the cooling system. If well maintained it's as reliable as any other Cherokee. I was taught to lift the hood and check my fluids with every fill up so I always have an eye on it. Also, I replaced my radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and flushed the system so I had some peace of mind(only about $350 to do yourself). Mine runs 195-200 degrees in traffic on 105 degree in Texas with the a/c on.

Tony_SS

If it has overheated, then yes the head can and will crack. Its not a myth. But if its been taken care of, it should be ok.

My trans was dark red. Shifts fine, I just do drain and refills every now and then.

indyhoya

thanks a lot for the help on the 0331. got some more info regarding cooling maintenance; has been diligent about checking the coolant level-hasn't had any leakage problems, no overheating issues

however radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses are all original. in between moves I'm looking to do a couple month road trip with some long days in hot weather so I would likely replace all of that immediately for the peace of mind.

given the cost of that, new tires, + 0331 risk it might not be worth the high price. would love to spend some more time looking around but will be out of the country soon for about four months before the trip/move so will see if they'd except a lower price that would pencil out for me.

any other thoughts?

jamurrin

Even if it were not the 0331 head, you should take care of your cooling system...Overheating ANY engine can very easily blow the head gasket or warp the head. The money you would spend keeping the cooling system working well is basic maintenance...0331 head or not! And if you want to do the work yourself, it is not even all that expensive It if really not too hard, and there is a great community here on this forum that will help.

Maybe I am just lucky to drive a 2000 XJ and have not have cracked the head...but...honestly, I think that the problem is just a little over-blown. Yes, there is a design flaw, but it does NOT mean that every 0331 head is going to fail. And, even if it does, it is not the end of the world. If you recognize it quick enough, its not an impossible fix...and many amateurs have stories of replacing the head themselves.

That said, I don't really know if the $4000 is a good price or not...seems maybe a shade too high, but maybe you can haggle him down to $3000 or even $3500.

Wish you luck!

BlueRidgeMark

I'm in your area. There are better deals around. That's pretty high.

BUT, original owner, low miles, and it sounds like it's been well maintained other than the trans issue, caused by an ignorant mechanic who should be flogged and sent to work as a janitor somewhere....

And of course, tires will whack you a bit. Try Tire Rack. Order online, and have them shipped to a local tire shop, pay them to install. AutoScandia in Reston will do that for you. They prefer to order the tires, but they don't mark them up. Good folks. I got the General AT Grabbers that way, and like them, but I'm not an off-roader.


If you can get him down on the price, maybe...

Tony_SS

If a lift is in your future, hold out for a 97-99 for the high pinion 30.