Hi all,

I was in Australia last year and owned a 1996 4.0 Cherokee that we managed 40,000km's in. It never once missed a beat and the only issue we had was with the engine overheating - mostly idling in traffic and climbing hills. We replaced the radiator and this helped a lot, but I suspect it needed a new fan clutch as well, but this is the new owner's problem now.

We are looking at heading back to Australia for good in a couple of months, and I'm torn between spending a fortune and getting a Landcruiser 80 series, or saving money and getting maybe a 2000 model Jeep Cherokee. This way I'll have enough money to afford a motorbike too.

My question is, are the later model Jeep Cherokee's still reliable? It looks like the 2000 has the same 4.0 bullet proof engine, but the interior is a little more modern, while the earlier 95/96 interior was very functional and unbreakable.

I initially wanted to get a 2002-2004 Cherokee/Liberty but I've heard many bad tales about them falling apart.

All advice appreciated!

Thanks,
Antony.

 

2000 came with a bad head, with a "0331" casting number.

They are known to crack.

If you can get a good TUPY head (i think thats what you want)then all is good.

Thats the only real issue with the 2000-2001.

 

Thanks for letting me know. Found one that looks like a keeper - pity it's not a limited with leather though: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...5&sort=default

Won't be in Oz for a couple of months yet unfortunately. Is it easy to identify a TUPY head for the 2000/2001 models?

Thanks,
Antony.

 

From what I understand, you just take the oil cap off the valve cover and look down inside with a good flashlight. Should be right there

 

Main differences in 2000-2001s is that they also use low pinion dana 30 front axles.. not a big deal..but it can come into play with big lifts.
They do not use a distributor, they opt for a coil pack instead.
And as mentioned..the 0331 head. Maintain it, watch your temps and you should be fine.

Ive owned an 88, 98, and now a 2000. The 2000 and 98 are both very similar (identical interior, etc)..but I love my 00. No problems yet

 

for us yanks...

40000km = 24854mi 1491.8yd

 

X2

Loving my 00. And I've had 95/96/97 xjs.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, glad to know it's hard to go wrong whatever I choose. Out of curiosity, what are the diesels like when it comes to reliability and performance. I like the grunt of the 4.0 but there are a few nice looking diesels over there as well.

 

1999 is probably the best year. It avoids all the 2000+ problems while retaining the newer horse shoe design of the intake, and many of the other modifications that occurred between 1999-2000.

 

X2. On paper the 99 has the best mix of options. I would stick to 98-99 if I were you.

As far as diesels go, I wish I knew! We don't have many diesel XJs over here.

Edit: damn you and bringing up old threads! Lol jk, I kinda like it. Sometimes I just don't even look at the date though.

 

I know this post is old but I would take a fj80 over a XJ.

 

Shun the nonbeliever..

 

What's up your rear end? Who cares? I don't mind old threads coming back, I kinda like it.

If you don't like the old threads, don't post in them.

 

I'm sure they heard you the first time.

 

Want me to start a new thread about the SAME topic instead? I'm sure the Web site administration would love me for it.

It's actually the right thing to do to use the search function and add to existing threads instead of creating duplicate threads. In case you didn't know. Forum rules are on the main page.

And it doesn't matter how old the thread is, why would that matter? People ask this question very often.