jomps

that chili red 99 manual 2 door in the fs section is legit

Desert Rat

98-99 were what I decided on when deciding another XJ was in order, heres what brought me to the decision.
97-99 has the updated styling with the newer interior (I gotta have cup holders and comfort) a steel rather than fiberglass hatch, the beefier Chrysler 8.25 29 spline rear, HP D-30 and a little more rounded look which I just prefer.
97 was out simply because history has taught me not to buy the first year of a model change, I was probably being paranoid, but thats just my rule.
2000-01, all the styling and comfort upgrades as the 97-99's, but.... head problems, distributorless ignition = problems and cost IMO. Too much damn emission garbage introduced as Chrysler faught to keep the Feds happy in the last two years of production and I did'nt want a low pinion front diff. So, those years were out for me.
I went with the 98, my son with the 99 and we could'nt be happier, and I have a place for my coffee cup to boot, Lol!

xjchris

Desert Rat has hit the nail on the head IMO. I had a 89 laredo and now i have a 98 classic. The 98 is so much more nice, and feels like it was built with more quality. I would stay away from 00-01 because of the head issue, and i prefer having distributor over the C.O.P. Dizzy's are way easier to deal with.

jwilson2598

When I was looking, 97-99 was definitely what I wanted. I personally prefer the 97+ styling, especially on the inside. I also like the HP30 and finding a non ABS model to have the 8.25 29 spline axle was a boon.

Jmb94

I like my cupholders and steel hatch and modern interior and exterior.
And 8.25.

1991Jeep_Man

Love my '91 XJ. Besides, the later years can't call themselves a Laredo, can they? Lol j/k. I agree with the comfy updates of the later year XJ's, and Lord knows I will be swapping some seats and installing cupholders in my '91 XJ. But I like the older style, including the window setup and what not. Plus, the simplicity of OBD I still captures my love.

djlarroc

I had a 95, and now a 97 and i like the 97 much much much much better!

MT96XJ

I prefer the pre-97. I don't like the looks of the 97+, especially the interior.

89Laredo

I have one... Green, lots of rust. Gonna get stripped and scrapped in spring.

I absolutely HATE 97+
I dont like the rounded off look... The ugly plastic trim that fades is a big turnoff, though the door moulding is easy to tear off and makes them look alot better. Annoying beeper for the doors/key in ignition, cant just pull out a buzzer like-97. Cheap plastic inside with too many rounded off lines, harder to reach heat controls. The risk of airbags going off when you go wheeling, etc.

agrant

I like the 97+ myself.

liftedjeepxj

I had a 90/91/99 currently.

Most people like the 91-96 high output 4.0's

I love my 99 but mainly because I got it with 60k miles and built it to what I want it to be. It's flawless in my eyes.

xjtrailrider

My favorite year is the 96 with 90 coming in a close second (Gotta love a RENIX)

I have a 2k also and I like it too but I like the older look better

MJ's look awesome with a 97+ front clip

Jeepjunky

^^x2!!!

jomps

haha how do you hate other xjs. some have more desireable pros but come on....its all gravy baby

Donnie_K

97, or pre 91 are my favorites. If I had to choose, it'd be the pre 91. no 98's or newer. It's gonna anger some people but to me, 98's and newer are just too chrysler molested. Not that the 97 wasn't but it was the year with cupholders and the least chrysler molestation. I'm a big fan of the old renix systems. Obviously I am a firm believer in K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). like I said, know some people are going to be offended, that's why I didn't go into detail on my reasoning (aside from the fact I've typed it 100 times on this forum, search my posts). That's not to tell anyone else what or what not to buy, it's just my opinion since that's what this thread is asking for.