Hey there,

I am looking to make the jump and get my first XJ Cherokee. I have done a bit of research here and in other forums, but I'm looking for a little different advice.

This is purely an adventure/fun vehicle. I have a reliable car and I ride my bike to work everyday. My original goal was to have a fun vehicle to goof around in without much concern. So I was thinking simple and cheap. I have also gone on a few long desert trips with my buddies and I really enjoy that. Now my goal is to have fun vehicle to screw around that can be trusted on multi-day trail trips. They typically don't go much past the capability of a stock 4x4 pickup. The goal is to get way out there and explore more than to cover super technical terrain. For example running up and down the mountain passes around Death Valley for a three day weekend and camping along the trail.

I'll probably do a 2-3" lift, 31" tires, sliders, and a sleeping platform up top.

I've read a lot of opinions that the Cherokee runs forever and the mileage isn't that big of a deal. But that info is usually aimed at the daily driver. Can I get some advice with respect to multi-day remote trail driving? Should I really be concerned about mileage?

Also, I'm looking at a couple of XJs for sale near me. Can I get a few opinions on these two? (I'm near Southern California so prices may seem high for some, but these are both clean and rust free)

First One: 1997 4.0 4x4 automatic w/ 205k miles. I think it could get $2500 here. Was a government vehicle purchased from auction, private seller now. They replaced a few things (battery, starter, tires). Fluids look good, some oily residue around engine but doesn't appear to have a real leak. Heater works, but not great. AC is a little tired, but functioning. Its white (which is a bonus for the desert) and has a nice, simple interior with manual windows (which I enjoy). The interior doesn't have any cracks or tears, and the outside is just worn enough that I wouldn't feel bad damaging it.

Second: 2000 4.0 4x4 automatic with 135k miles. I think it could get $4500 here. Second owner, selling because it doesn't fit a third car seat for their newborn third child. Looks mostly pretty good. A little oily under the oil pan and transmission. Coolant has some rusty junk under radiator cap. Heat and AC work just fine. Has some minor issues: door struts stiff and noisy, passenger side window switch doesn't work but window can be operated from driver's side, rear speakers don't work. The interior has a couple tears and cracks but generally still nice. The outside is bright red and surprisingly clean and shiny.

The first option definitely calls to me because it feels old, simple, and ok to play with. The second option is mostly on my mind for the low mileage. Both are in budget. With the first option, there is a lot of extra cash available to do some maintenance and get it ready.

What would you do? How many of you are comfortable with 200k miles for trips like this?

Thanks!

 

I can't speak to the CA market but I would say take your time and check the newest postings on CG. In my area a well maintained unmolested rust free XJ goes for 3-5K with 97-99 years preferred and discounted pricing for the 2000-2001 years because of head issues. Not sure in CA but anything over 4-5k with rust or other issues would be too much IMHO.

I'm speaking broadly though and while low mileage may seem good..that can also be bad or indifferent depending on use and maintenance. My 99 has 194k on it but has been well maintained with a lot of suggested maintenance done over the miles and various parts replaced.

I wish ya luck with your search - I would emphasize more than anything else waiting and not making a purchase until you have seen many vehicles - time and money are in your best interest as a buyer and there are still plenty of good XJs out there if you are diligent and patient.

 

As an owner of a 1997 SE which is the basic package, manual everything. I would say go for the 1997.

Its government issue so it did get oil changes and unless it was police used, probably was not abused much. Having manual everything is definitely less things to break or strand you.

For your plans for it, which is basically a camping/overland rig. I think 3" lift with 31s/32s with a limited slip would be a great start.

Also, rooftop tents work great with these vehicles as they can can be completely stripped of their factory roof racks with a torx bit and some time.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

I think I should boil down my question a little bit too. Would you be comfortable with overland travel in an XJ with 200k miles now and up to 250k miles in its lifetime? Maintenance is not a problem, but unpredictable issues could be risky if I got stranded out somewhere.

I'm asking again, because to me that is a little different question than "how long will it last?" or "should it be a daily driver?"

 

If its taken care of and full Maintenance is done like it should be i would not be worry about wheeling it.But when you wheel you carry spare parts like u joints axle shafts extra of all fluids a full size spare and a working jack.Never wheel alone but if you have to let someone know where you are going and what day and time they should hear from you on your way back.This way if you get stuck and can't make a call someone else will come looking for you or send help looking for you.

 

My 99 has 240,000 on it and I take out on trails and highway quite a bit some trails are close to 100 mi. not an issue for well cared for 4.0's like the 97 I would guess.


Like Andrew stated my wife and I wheel alone most of the time so we carry spares of about everything with us plus recovery equipment and first aid.

 

And a tip most never think of is if you do get stuck in mud or snow make sure your exhaust pipe is clear if your gonna run the engine to stay warm.