Jeep Cherokee | Don't buy a Jeep Cherokee (Until you watch this video) what to look for

[@TheBootheelKid]

Make sure and follow me on Instagram and facebook, I post update pictures of my projects on there.

[@Eastkamden21]

The Bootheel Kid I've got a 2000 Jeep Cherokee sport, Love it to death. This is my 2nd one, bought it last year. Problem is I didn't do the necessary checks. Now I've got a knocking sound when accelerating. Mechanic told me it sounds like a piston broke or something and that I should just drive it until it dies. Any suggestions that don't involve letting my old faithful die?

[@TheBootheelKid]

I mean you can always find another engine for it. If it does drop another 4.0 in it and keep on truckin

[@huntersieling8011]

The Bootheel Kid the injectiors that are in it are 4 hole injectors

[@justinhamilton7621]

99 has distrubuter also. 2000 and 2001 is coil packs

[@andersonstewart598]

The Bootheel Kid I live in Tennessee right now and was wondering how many miles your Jeep has I’ve been on the lookout for one to drive in a couple of years but all are 200000 mile or more

[@8avexp]

I bought my '88 brand new on January 16, 1988 and still have it.

[@indridcold8433]

I bought something very similar to what you bought back in 1998. I purchased a new 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ back in 1996. She is still with me today and I love her today like the first time.

[@b4ssfunk3d]

My dad bought a 1989 2 door silver XJ and he still owns it. It's 4x4 and has a rebuilt motor but runs perfect and the body looks brand new still

[@garypeluso3300]

I have a 2001 XJ, purchased new in March 2001. Still have it and runs like new.

[@michaelbmw1931]

b4ssfunk3d what motor?

[@trevorpowell3653]

Wow that awesome. You should make a video of your Jeep

[@jimf1964]

Breaks my heart these classic jeeps are all starting to decay, and nothing anything like it is coming. I wish they still made cars like this.

[@potorrero]

I know. Jeep just keep targeting soccer moms with their cars. I'm surprised they haven't put out a minivan yet.

[@nunyabinis]

It's because of all the safety crap that's now required in the USA. Last vehicle NOT to "ding ding ding" you to death for driving without a seatbelt = XJ Jeep's.

[@skeetorkiftwon]

Floor pans and a welder homie. Get to work.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

@@skeetorkiftwon just did that but made my own from the trunk of a Plymouth roadrunner. All corrosion has been romoved underneath and covered with rust reformer primer and coated in acrylic. Northern winters were hard on it but I can't stand it when people let their vehicles rust.

[@skeetorkiftwon]

@@dickJohnsonpeter That's a big belly on that beast. Congrats on getting her done. I hope the rest of your restoration goes without a hitch. Getting harder and harder to find even a good mil on replacement panels. Buddy of mine bent his own everything for a 40s Peterbilt restoration he's doing.

[@jamalwalker2104]

That’s why I like these jeeps so much. They are easy to fix, inexpensive and durable. Thanks for the video I have a 2001 XJ 60 anniversary.

[@The_Hip_Vet]

Got a 1999 Jeep Cherokee classic 4x4 for free. Changed battery, had to get a rear view mirror, recharged ac, & crankshaft position sensor went bad. That was it. Runs like a champ.

[@The_Hip_Vet]

Update wasn’t sensor, it was fuel pump. But i got a new one with the Jeep anyways lol

[@staresce]

@@The_Hip_Vet How do you tell the difference between a bad crankshaft position sensor and a bad fuel pump ?

[@BrodieBr0]

Excellent tips here! Great idea putting a switch to the electric fan. These jeeps tend to run hot and keeping them cool adds A LOT to its longevity. Love these vehicles.... Owned 6 XJ's and ALL but one have gone over 300K miles on the original engine. Rust killed them.. (currently driving one with 180K) Yes....that door bushing will get them all sooner than later. Worst place for rust is the where the rear shocks are welded to the unibody. They tend break away from the frame or rust right up through the bed. This killed 3 of the XJ's I've owned. Yeah the 99 to 01 have a cam sensor and coil pack as part of the ignition. Crankshaft sensors like to go on these XJ's no matter the year, if you get a no start or stalling especially when hot, I usually look here first and pay the extra for an original MOPAR one. Oh one last thing they like to develop cracks on the exhaust manifold so open the hood and check for leaks there with it running. Great video, enjoy that Jeep!

[@tevinmachart4723]

Fixed the door already Patched the rocker New passenger side seat bracket That's why my floorboard rusted out Buying a used jeep should come with a welder Got the intake and fuel rail Got the 4 holes My back hatch the plastic broke and rusted the latch where it hooks into Mine has a trans cooler!! This video was spot on

[@tomwendelgass7433]

The '99 Cherokee XJ has a distributor. 2000 was the introduction of coil packs.

[@WillD.5545]

Tom Wendelgass You are correct sir. My dad bought his 1999 brand new from the Jeep dealership, now mine with original engine that has a distributor. His 2000 XJ is electronic ignition.

[@raybregenzer1440]

1999 is a distributor style ignition system not coil packs.

[@dawsondraughn4215]

Which is better

[@thanatikid1620]

That's kind of weird tho.i know the cherokee and grand cherokee are different models (xj-wj) but I have a 99 grand cherokee (wj) with the 4.0 in it but it has the coil pack in it?why would they do the distributor on the cherokee but switch to the coil on the Grand Cherokee in 99?I'm jus kind of curious if anyone can answer or help out 🤷🏼‍♂️lol

[@tonyincs]

@@thanatikid1620 It is the evolution of taking older 'new' tech and applying it to older model 'lower' tech models. Grand Cherokees had higher grade parts (electronic ignition/coil packs) in earlier years. This was applied to the later 2000/2001 model Cherokee model as an upgrade. It is also the convergence of Parts for economy of production and ease of aftermarket/replacement availability (as they are interchangeable)...manufacturers need to engineer/build few parts.

[@matthewjacobs1669]

the best “what to look for” when buying xj video I’ve seen. Thanks man

[@TheBootheelKid]

I appreciate that! thanks for watching

[@pearlssbu8749]

Ive had some 2wd xjs and never had a problem in snow or anything really 4wd is definitely awesome but dont let it deter u from getting a clean xj

[@josheakins5137]

That makes no sense if you are buying it for serious off roading which most people do

[@pearlssbu8749]

@@josheakins5137 well then thank god i didnt get mine for serious off roading.

[@carolinabeacher1558]

after owning countless jeeps heres my thoughts, tip number 1, you dont buy a jeep with the thinking you got an instant daily driver, most jeeps were maintained for probably their first 50/75K then after that they start to be neglected, then parts start going bad, they sell it, the second person spends a ton of money in parts, gets tired of that, he too sells it, etc, etc tip 2, check roof rails, ive seen a lot have the mounting holes rusted out leaving big holes in your roof, the water dont drip through the headliner, it has a gutter type system up there that guides it down to your floor board. tip3, people buy 4 wheel drive jeeps second hand because they want to go off road, some of which abuse them before selling them.

[@DobermansRock]

What if you are a mechanic and a 2000 is on the scopes. AZ car. Thoughts man talk fast?

[@Roger-ob2ft]

Weld that shit

[@michaelbmw1931]

carolina beacher so you dont recommend them?

[@patrickbrown5659]

Well you are a woman, what do you know.

[@carolinabeacher1558]

@@patrickbrown5659 far more than you obviously, im not a woman, most likely old enough to be your gradfather or father and a life long mechanic who grew up in salvage yards even owned one for about ten years, you know what we had a lot of in the yard destroyed? jeeps.

[@GaletayaNightshade]

Dear lord this would've been helpful when we bought mine. I now own a 98 XJ. We got it for 1250 in my home state of Michigan, and god damn it has like half these issues. The rust is horrendous but overall better than most from the state. The U-joints, no AC, the valve cover gasket was bad but the first bolt on the front was sheared off and difficult to replace. The electrical fan was shot. The list goes on and on. And this was the best wone we saw being offered within 250 miles! I've put almost 4000 into it in repair shop and personal work charges, and my flippin god, it still has issues. I know it always will, but sometimes it gets too overwhelming.

[@deathrex6199]

Your Jeep looks so similar to mine that my mum had before she sold it. It just gave me so much nostalgia.

[@craftsmancollaborative]

Great info for buyers, and such tips helped me in selecting my 2000 jeep xj. Came with the 4 litre, black paint, 4wd np231, aw4 trans, dana 30 front, chryco 8.25 rear with factory LSD. Also good to note that in California the 2000 and 2001 only require the OBD-II test when passing smog and not the sniffer as the 99 and older models require.

[@357mag5]

You gotta watch the head on it depending on the casting numbers, they have a tendency to crack.

[@mvanvoor]

Others may have mentioned these already. 1) The updated ignition (coil pack vs. distributor) was 00-01, a typical 99 is still distributor based. 2) 00-01 0331 Head defect (coolant in the oil) 3) The vacuum reservoir in the front controls HVAC air flow ("only blows defrost" issue) as well as cruise control. 4) Wrangler (00+) and GC (99+) 4.0 engines are incompatible with XJ mount points 5) Rust/crap over the hatch and roof rack leaks. That said - great video, definitely hit the critical concerns when comparing XJs.

[@neill.m.herbert]

Does that head defect show up as a misfire? I have an occasional but persistent misfire on my '01 but I'm not losing coolant or finding it in the oil nor any other usual signs of head gasket issues.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Man I have seen dealing with the same exact issue and I can not find it either

[@neill.m.herbert]

@@TheBootheelKid Yeah, it got me stumped. The misfire is on cylinder 3 and sometimes 6. I checked compression and those cylinders were about 10-15 psi low, but then I checked the others and they're all that low, so I figure that's just because it's 220k miles old.

[@MrFixer7]

@@neill.m.herbert cylinder 3 misfire is generally just a vapor lock in the fuel injector and typically happens on a heat soaked engine. Jeep actually had a recall for this issue. Insulated my injectors with old spark plug boots. Just insulate the injectors with spark plug boots and it will solve the issue. The problem occurs when the engine is hot the heat rises from the exhaust manifold and causes the vapor lock in cylinder 3.

[@TheBootheelKid]

My man you may have just solved an issue I've been having for the last 12 months that I haven't been able to diagnose.

[@JacenM]

The Bootheel Kid I bought a '98 Jeep Cherokee Classic last month, 4x4 with a rebuilt straight six, absolutely love it. Great video.

[@MrJenten10]

Great video thanks, Found a 1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport 6 years ago with 92 thousand original miles, original owners, all maintenance records garaged for many years in florida, touched up some paint fade replaced the headliner, and some other minor parts, there is no rust on this jeep starts right up and runs like a champ

[@anthonydwyer1783]

The one I just bought is perfect no rust the lady never drove it in the snow she always drove her 4runner

[@CesarGonzalez-iv6ci]

Appreciate you for making this video. My neighbor had a very clean jeep like yours and I went through everything you said to go through and I found out he had swapped the engine and the whole deal was sketchy after that so I opted out. Thanks man appreciate it

[@eatingelizabethsfrizbee]

Make sure you save up for a transmission rebuild around 150000 miles, the sensor for the electric fan and the sensor for the ABS brakes, electric window cable, as for the back hatch it will either not open or it won't lock, headlight lens will go to crap if you don't keep up on your maintenance. I've had more Jeeps than any other vehicles the transmissions are crap some are even made by Toyota and the ABS system sensor has suckered many of owner to replace the calipers because the brakes lock up it's the sensor 90% of the time. The 4.0 is a beast of a motor but the transmission is crap as I previously stated all and all I love them my daily driver is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cheroke with 284000 miles AC is still ice cold and it looks brand new the paint is in amazing condition for a 20 year old vehicle, everything I mentioned had to be done the transmission went south right at 150000 just like the previous 3 they are great vehicles as long as you know what you getting into. One other think if either sensor I mentioned goes bad ie the fan doesn't shut off after you turn the vehicle off or the brakes stay locked even when turned off you will be buying batteries guess how many I had to buy before I figured it out. I really wished that I had known someone who had the experience to help with all the trouble shooting early in my Jeep accumulation but I was on my 5th one when I help a friend's uncle move had never met him but when I pulled up in my Jeep we started talking come to find out this man retired from Jeep as a engineer who specialized on the 4.0 straight 6 and the flood gates opened he was very kind and helpful telling all the things I am sharing with you so I hope it helps btw the reason Jeep did away with the 4.0 was because it was getting to many overall miles and possibly preventing new sales think about that for a second.

[@AlexTM44]

That is one cool looking Jeep you have there, the newer ones are nice, but that specific model (to me at least) is the best looking Jeeps ever made

[@notyrmom5698]

Agree. Wish they would've kept that one forever.

[@mrqubes6189]

I bought my 99 for $700 and put 10k miles on in 6 months and only had to re place a few major things but still runs good with 228k miles on it

[@kennethcurtis1856]

304,000 miles on mine till I gave it to my son. After 400,000 miles, it is now a trail only Jeep that he sold to his friend.

[@kanoandlupo3707]

1993 jeep grand cherokee 88k original miles still breaking it In lol

[@Industrialitis]

Bought my 96 for $375 dead in the yard got it running for $400 more and still doing good except for a waterpump ,which was my fault, and a distributor. 186k.

[@Industrialitis]

@@kanoandlupo3707 Woo doggie thats a diamond in the rough.

[@Lightningmicro]

Really rust is the only thing you need to check for on these if your mechanical inclined. The rest can be fixed pretty easily and you have a solid base to build from

[@17jdrury]

You don't have to separate the motor and transmission to do a rear main seal on a Jeep Cherokee it's two piece seal you pull the oil pan you pull the main cap off then remove the bottom section of a seal off and push the other one through and then you do the opposite to put the new one back in

[@TheBootheelKid]

Good to know, thank you for the info

[@ryanbrown33]

On that note, damn near any oil leak on a 4.0 is bound to end up between the engine and transmission. These engines sit nose up and gravity never fails, so anything like valve cover gasket, oil pressure sender, distributor gasket, etc. will end up running to the back of the engine.

[@phantomwalker8251]

doesnt it spin,??,what holds it in place,,,rtv.??.

[@ryanbrown33]

@@phantomwalker8251 the rear main seal?

[@mvanvoor]

@@phantomwalker8251 Rear main bearing cap holds it. Some RTV is used at the ends.

[@komoto567]

"Not a distributor... but the... uh.... awww hell...you know what I'm talkin about" - me on a daily basis

[@TheBootheelKid]

How long did it take you to think of this comment? @algore lier

[@JB-wr2lx]

Coil on plug

[@jeo228]

about 5 months ago I sold my 99 cherokee classic. it took me 5 years to run it into the ground without taking it off road. cant say I dont miss it. Definitley understand that if you buy one of these, its gonna be a needy girl. Parts will break on you from age and rust, and they will need replacing.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Jeo Trillio I approve this message

[@andycheatle1732]

You have to enjoy wrenching - because that's part and parcel of owning an XJ!

[@pgtmr2713]

Definitely a fun easy to work on vehicle. I had the busted vacuum canister on mine... I don't think it's strictly for cruise control. My XJ didn't even have cruise when I bought it, but it had the canister, and it leaked. Buy a cruise steering wheel, clockspring, plug in and route the cable/cruise thingy and presto you now have cruise control as if it came from the factory. Very easy, satisfying mod. I wired in a pwr doorlock switch (from a Ford Explorer,) near the tailgate so I can lock up from the tailgate or open the other locks without having to go back to the front doors. It's up inside the small cubby, at the top so I didn't have to mess up any plastic, it's out of sight and and less likely for other objects to hit the button. Wires were a straight shot down the right hand side to the front passenger foot well to tap into the factory PWRL wires.

[@runningoverland7656]

Awesome video. I'm on my third XJ and this is an extremely relevant video for anyone looking to get one!

[@vinnie_86a63]

Nice video, wish I would have seen it earlier. Went and bought a ‘92 for our son and paid $2400, mainly because it only had 127k on it, plus being older = easy to work on. It does have rust on the floorboards, after taking everything out, a good rain came through and I found it was leaking at the fuse box, so take a look there too. The steering/suspension needed work, but the parts were in the back waiting to be installed! No complaints really, once the fixes are done, I feel this will be a long running beast!

[@rjgillespi]

What a wealth of knowledge!! Thank you for that sir! I’ve had my 98 zj about 6 months and I’m still learning everyday paid $2000 for it put $1200 down replacing the front end at a shop the clock says 278000 miles nowand it’s a good running daily! Not to mention it’s a rust free California jeep

[@ahankararockband]

There is a nice climate in this movie, brother. And a quite decent knowledge of Jeep. Thank you and all the best!

[@keniferusxj7047]

Yeah don’t buy them .. leave them for me.. ha ... best of all jeeps xj’s

[@joycedistler9762]

My hubby just bought me a 1993 Jeep Cherokee Laredo this weekend for $1500. I love it . Mine is green too.

[@xjmatt5383]

Missed some of the most important things to look for when buying a jeep you gotta look for stress cracks in the body, rear main seal leak, axle seal leaks, diff clunk, cracked header witch is the most common thing to find on any XJ.

[@danielvalentine287]

XJ Matt I have diff clunk.... what is happening? And can it be corrected? Thanks in advance for any help!

[@DHoppey10]

I think i also have this as well....any solution?

[@TheBootheelKid]

I didn't mention these because these are basic mechanical issues you should be looking for anyway! I was only mentioning the things that are often overlooked that are less serious but good negotiating points on price

[@xrynii]

mom passed down her 99 ive modified it a lot ! 3 inch lift, meaty tires , new fender flares , went from forest green to black , got a rack , crushed velvet ceiling and bedazzled steering wheel cover . all i need is lights on the bottom 😌

[@bobquattrini1787]

My 99 Xj has almost 350,000 miles and is still like new... DEFINITELY BEST VEHICLE EVER BUILT...

[@TechieTard]

350,000 :-O OMG! Then I'm only halfway there!

[@ChronicViper]

I am the original owner of a 99 sport. I have a distributor. I also have the factory service manual. The distributor was part of the Cherokee it changed in 2000 or 2001 models.

[@jaredbaker5510]

Also may want to add into this, the rear of the subframe “where the gas tank fill hose runs through” rusts and cracks. Especially when they have a hitch receiver.

[@barrygoodson4952]

I have a 2000 Grand Cherokee with 4.0 and I have 325k on the motor and tranny. Still runs great and I don't have any of those issues. I bought it in 04 with 104k on it. The only real issue has been have to repair and finally replace the rear tail lights. Mine is 2 Ed and they are just solid SUV's !

[@daylightbigboy]

Thanks for the video! I'm in the market for a 1990s XJ after the repair place said it would cost $8k to fix my beloved 1994 Grand Cherokee. I'm headed to Colorado next year for school and need a reliable, off road capable car and there's nothing better than a Jeep.

[@And-ro1ht]

Yota 4runner

[@micaelpuentes5757]

What was wrong with your XJ?

[@sanaaaboulhosn]

L200 2004

[@macabelico90]

I have a 2000 jeep cheerokee just like the one on the video same color too for 5 years now . I'm 3rd owner, already has over 200,000 miles still runs great. Only thing I've had to replace is the crankshaft.

[@stevehamel1336]

You forgot about the frame where the steering box bolts go. Thats the first place youll find cracks if the jeeps been wheeld hard

[@lonewolf202]

Thank you for this video, I just looked at an old Cherokee today. (95) Sure, some rust here and there but nothing big.

[@drgil65]

You left out when your looking to buy any year model XJ Cherokee is to get in and drive it, and check for and vibration in the steering or wobble aka the “Death Wobble”, and or alignment issues. Great video, Thanks.

[@garthmcgibbon4285]

I have three xj 2000s. Very good vehicles and your comments are correct regarding rust and seat damage. One of mine is approaching 500.000 miles. Just keep them well maintained and they last a long time!

[@Lenny_Chan64]

I know its been a day since you made this vlog, but I'm about to build a Jeep to go overlanding over Sweden, Norway, Hungry, Romania, and Bulgaria. I don't need to be breaking down out in those places. So your informative vid was spot on and is helping me in finding a good Cherokee. My daily driver is a F150 so I can take my time in finding a building a good overlanding Cherokee. Thanks again friend, feel free to send me additional help or recommendations.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Im glad that you have found the information useful

[@DavesShop]

nice informative video, I am considering purchasing a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer for my granddaughter this will be her first car. You have given me so good info to look at thank you.

[@lavapix]

My door hinges and seat brackets are solid but, those damn door checks break often. Rust, the rain gutters, and the roof.

[@LLCoolPass]

commas go before but

[@toddolatheks.1328]

Really, go before the butt???? 😝 Thanks 🙏

[@lavapix]

@@LLCoolPass Commas should be a capital C.

[@CobnutVTS]

@@LLCoolPass There should also be a full stop/period after sentences.

[@jackmazza5742]

Fluid Film is your friend

[@virginiacheromiah2887]

My friend bought a 96 3 years ago for $600; put some work into it (new axles) and after 2 years I finally talked him into selling it to me. It's been literally from the east coast to the west coast since March ( Albuquerque, NM to Rhode Island, then back, then to California where I am now). She's needed some work ( new clutch, fuel filter, alternator, front brakes and rotor, and most recently, the heater valve). She's not pretty, but she runs quite well and I plan on fully restoring it.

[@safetyfirstintexas]

Yellow ford 4.6 v8 injectors really improve idle and performance of the 4.0 ltr. L6 jeep motor. I think their 4 hole. Highly recommend them.

[@croomrider9785]

We used to have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4, the seat bracket broke 4 times. Finally we took the whole thing out and welded up and made our own bracket, never had a problem again!

[@Starlesslemon]

I have a 93 and haven't had any of these problems... Southern Kentucky.

[@sorenmiller3110]

I just put a 2000 4.0L in my 92 Cherokee runs great 👍

[@Dave.S.TT600]

Great video with some awesome straight-forward tips i was laying back after a hard day's work and really enjoyed this. Just learning about Jeep stuff currently, to help a friend who's starting to look at these models and the Cherokee after these too. much underrated vehicles (except by the jeep enthusiasts) here in Australia. Our market tends to be dominated by Landcruisers and Nissan equivalents from around this era.

[@jimmydavis5951]

Good info I am looking at a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport 4x4 looks pretty good 200,000 miles.Clean and 1 owner hoping it is in pretty good shape but most any used vehicle will all have these problems.Every Chevy silverado I have seen has transmisssion issues.If I get this Jeep I will replace the u joints and other usual aged problem parts.

[@bobpoulin8044]

Thanks for this. Potentially going to look at a 2000 sport tomorrow

[@TheBootheelKid]

Did you buy it?

[@bobpoulin8044]

@@TheBootheelKid naw. It ended up selling before I could get over to look at it.

[@spencerpearson3871]

in order to replace the rear main seal the engine and trans don't have to be split, it is a two piece seal that can be driven out with the oil pan removed, and the 1999 jeep cherokees did come with distributors. Just info for anyone looking at buying a jeep with the 4.0. Great video though! made me appreciate the jeep I have. looks just like yours.

[@singleslammerhonda]

The 4.0l didnt get a distributorless ignition till 2000. In 1999 they still had a distributor.

[@EOMFDdaudits]

99 1/2.

[@brighammmer]

I just snagged a 98 Cherokee for $300 that sat for 2 years because it would throw the belt at 3000 rpm. Previous owners had replaced all the pulleys and idlers and water pump, but not the harmonic balancer. That $65 parts's failure had made this jeep sit for almost 2 years until I got it.

[@brighammmer]

My wife drives that, while I drive my 85 xj with the 2.1 Renault turbo diesel.

[@MrMrsregor]

my door bushing went out when i removed the plastic skirt under the front fenders. those skirts keep the dirt, mud, and sand off of the door hinges. i have seen pool noodles used to replace the skirts and they will keep the grime off of the hinges

[@thomassmith4022]

I bought my 2 door, 4 cyl. 4 spd. in 92, and it was great, all except the drivers seat. Once that was fixed,,,,,,,, smooth. Wish I still had it.

[@stevemansanarez1368]

Don’t forget to check the heater core, they are a pain to replace.

[@Tailgatesntoolboxes]

Omg you arent kidding. The worse....wemt to do one n we just winded up do a flush on it to get some heat out of it...thats why mechanics by me get over $1,000 to do it

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

Easy to backflush with CLR, just pour it in through the output of the heater core and let out through the intake of coolant

[@357mag5]

Ain't no lie!

[@Icehawks7]

I just recently had a 1997 Cherokee with the exact same exterior and interior colors as yours fall into my hands. Only difference is mine is a stick shift. It’s been sitting for a while so I had my mechanic tow it to his place to inspect it and fix a gas leak and anything else that NEEDS to be fixed. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t have to deal with anything listed in this video.

[@bradpopwell7053]

Where in the hell are you finding an xj like that for $400?!

[@TheBootheelKid]

Brad Popwell Tennessee my man, she started out asking $800 i got her down to $300 on this one. And the black one I used for a drive train didn't have a title and wouldn't start he was asking $1200 and I got him down to $400 on it. They are out there of are are patient and keep looking

[@bradpopwell7053]

Damn man, more of a reasons to get out of California. Just for shits and giggles I went on every CA craigslist page...not a single cherokee under $1200. Then I went over to Tennessee and there are a ton! I'm looking at a 2000 XJ Freedom edition with a 4.5 lift, tires, and some other mods for $7,000. 168,000 miles on it and in extremely garage kept condition. It's tough to be stoked about it when I know the price across the country is a world of a difference. Anyways cheers on the video. Going to be inspected this jeep with everything mentioned. I appreciate the knowledge!

[@TheBootheelKid]

This is exactly why I do these videos, to help others if at all possible. It is unfortunate but in areas where the XJ may not be as prevalent the price will be higher. We have the problem here of not being able to find any without rust. Also make sure and check facebook markets. I found this green jeep on facebook markets and when and talked her down on the price. Also we found a 98 green XJ on facebook markets in Akansas that my dad talked the guy down from $1100 to $225 on. But the guy also couldn't find the title after we got there so that was a big negotiating point as well. Thanks for watching

[@TheBootheelKid]

Also feel free to email me at [e-mail] if there is anything else i can answer for you in your search for an XJ

[@Nostrildomus]

If your going in the mud be washing it out of the nooks and cranny's . That mud holds moisture 24 seven , wash it out and it will dry over night . Same reason cave men dragged wemon by there hair , they get packed with mud if you drag them by there feet and got to wash them out too . Finely found me a rust free two door , that took a while and all the bushings are wore out . Same with the females around here . Thanks be

[@haleyautrey6220]

i own a 1997 XJ and its in almost perfect condition 4 wheel drive with no rust

[@1012Mrjesse]

Don’t forget headgaskets, cracked heads, for all 4.0’s and the weird cylinder 3 injector overheating problem in the 1999-2001 XJ’s specifically I believe

[@gregorywebster6640]

Have a 2000 and love the old girl. But runs on the warm side. Cooling fan has to help out way to much. But no heat at all. Not a hint. So... new radiator, heater core, check vacuum flap door or whatever...just empty every pocket. But I love her so I'm screwed.

[@nastyhoneybadger5054]

Bought the XJ I have now for 800 bucks 160k on it and everything still works paid more for the lift than the jeep itself I love it

[@Trials-and-Tribulations]

just found a nice almost rust free red 1999 with 136,000 miles for $800.

[@za3bourch74]

ابحث عن جاب شروكي

[@keltonderkach9601]

Wow in Canada it would be 4000 and rust everywhere

[@xxchiefthiefxx365]

@@keltonderkach9601 i know right it sucks

[@LostWoodsman76]

I drove a stock 98 for 15 years and wrecked it at 230,000. You are right about the seat. It held my fat arse until very near the end, and was wobbly when the Jeep died. Ditto on the door...My driver's door hinge broke and fell off, but it still swung on the main lower hinge. Oddly, mine was just beginning to rust, and most of my driving was salty winter roads. Very few repairs, mostly maintenance stuff. As long as I was on anything like a road I didn't worry about getting stuck. The main belt was all chattery when I bought it at 50,000, and the air was out. I fixed that and it was by far the biggest expense. I wish I still had it.

[@bobvincent4841]

Great informative video. As a newbie just getting interested in jeeps (from watching the yellow banana on Winder Towing's channel) thank you! With your advice, my future first Jeep went be a nightmare. Thanks!

[@colefeldmann6909]

Back in March of 2019 i bought a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD. Color Red, it has 107,000 miles on it, absolutely no rust except on the brackets on the driver seat. Seller was a high schooler (as i am) and received it from his grandma, who for the past 10 years had it stored in a garage in Oklahoma because she was getting to old to drive it. I bought it for $2,900. The only problem was the heater is broken which is bad for our Buffalo, NY winters, however im getting it fixed soon. I recently got new AT3 tires, roof rack, new suspension (new when i bought it) and new brakes. The prior owner also had laser fitted weather tech floor liners in it which was awesome. Its a leather interior with front seats that are heated, and the leather seats are in mint condition except for the driver seat, which has some lines from use. It was an absolute steal and our mechanic said it should last me for another 100,000 miles as long as i take care of it!

[@crazycomanche4193]

Just bought a XJ and the seat was broken. Lucky it was a easy fix from junk yard. Got the same seat like new. My Jeep is green too. Other than the seat my Jeep so far seems to be perfect for 180 k miles

[@TheBootheelKid]

Awesome man, yeah luckily just about every junk yard in the country has at least one xj

[@crazycomanche4193]

The Bootheel Kid mine is 2wd tho. But I’ve been looking at the how to videos to make it 4wd. Will tackle that next month.

[@TheBootheelKid]

I posted a video talking about how i converted mine, it's not hard if you have the right tools

[@bradleym5680]

I changed the valve cover gasket on my 1992 jeep Cherokee lerodo, after doing so it will not shift outa first gear. It drove perfect before hand. I washed the engine down that's about it

[@jpshanuson7192]

97 Cherokee with 76k miles....seat is golden.

[@safetyfirstintexas]

Remember the ecm rattle that kills the engine. Its from the plug vibrating. the ecm to plug solder strips break due to vibration.

[@josephlabosco3063]

When he said you need to look at the rockers for rust I said what rockers I never had any🤷‍♂️

[@thomascolbert2687]

I have the exact same year and color, only mine's a 4wd. We bought it in 2002, 18+years later, it's still going, all original except paint.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Mine is 4x4 now lol

[@daviddeleon3194]

I am in the market for a jeep Cherokee XJ and your video is extremely helpful! Unfortunately, Jeeps have gone up in price in the last few years. I have a question: what’s your recommendation on fixing the doors that have become loose? You’re right, that is a common problem.

[@garyd185]

Thank You for the video. I have been thinking of buying a 1999+ Cherokee. Your tips on what to look for will come in very handy. Enjoyed your knowledge of what to look for.

[@indridcold8433]

If it is the infamous new Jeep Cherokee by Fiat, do not purchase it. If it is the legacy Jeep Cherokee XJ with the Powertech 4.0 I6 engine, solid live axles, and manually actuated transfer case, get it and never look back. The vintage Jeep Cherokee XJ made with Jeep legacy engineering is nearly legendary. Get your before the run out.

[@d34thxvii48]

That's what I just bought! Here in colorado. I was so surprised that the rings weren't shot and the engine was well maintained. $2k! Beautiful badass machine.

[@dennischeslock7782]

I had 5 Jeep Cherokee Sports and never had the problems your having , unless you are getting them out of Canada. They use a lot of salt, and other ingredients on there roads. I have a 1998 with over 303,000 mile on it .and I drive it everywhere. Dennis

[@patrickbrown5659]

He's just carrying a cooter between his legs

[@RepublicanJesusthe2nd]

Your thinking of a coil pack. Great video man. I looked at two xj's before I purchased the one I have.Two door white 2001 sport with 68k. I paid very good money for it and spent many more on maintenence. Long list,but I don't mind spending the money because I feel my Cherokee is a future classic and I am going to keep it.

[@kkeyz69]

I feel blessed. I own an ‘01 40th Anniversary. 185K. All OEM. Absolutely no rust, or any of the problems you mentioned. I did fight numerous CEL’s right after I bought it. Everything works except for the rear passenger window motor. I just haven’t had the time to fix it. I did replace several parts, but that was mostly preventive maintenance. Nice video!

[@TheBootheelKid]

I got lucky finding this 01 with a blown motor, no rust no issues put an engine in a drove it

[@dannyturner7967]

Kevin I just got an 01 super clean no rust in st louis mo. Not a bad buy I have been told...but one cel after the next

[@TheBootheelKid]

I've looked at st louis Craigslist looking for another parts jeep. But i don't wanna drive 3 hours to get it

[@user-vz9ys4nm9j]

I got my Jeep for 800 with some flaws but it’s still good

[@TheBootheelKid]

Awesome

[@roertespinosa3760]

My wife passed away in 2019 and she had a 92 jeep Cherokee Laredo so this past year 2021 2 years later it was just sitting there in the driveway and Noone wanted to drive the jeep so in December I started to work on it replaced the battery oil and it started right up I had to buy new tires because my wife used to go off reading but now that I got everything legal I enjoy driving it left my dodge truck parked this is a very tight little jeep became my favorite right.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Thank you for the info. You've just talked me out of getting a Jeep for my next "toy". As far as universal joints, if you lift your vehicle, yes, your universal joints will wear prematurely because you've changed the angle from stock.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Awesome

[@davylind9036]

I just ordered a drop-down kit for my transfer case off of eBay to reset the pinion angle for my driveshaft. My jeep has a 4 inch lift that has a major rear end wobble. Also I’m going to replace the crush leave and pinion bearings on my dana35.Hopefully that clears it up.

[@RobertPaulDoran]

I don't mind 20 minute KZbin videos... if they are done by someone who has good information and knows what they're talking about. I don't own a jeep but I watched this whole video from start to finish because I could tell you knew your shit. That is a good KZbin video worthy of my time. You got yourself a new subscriber.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Thank very much it is very much appreciated! Also thank you for the sub it means a lot to me.

[@treyvader]

You forgot to mention the headliners fall down in these vehicles a lot

[@johnnorris1615]

and then you replace them ...big deal

[@ultramagapimpernel7992]

Buy new headliner fabric and spray glue and get busy! Don't be a panzy!

[@gloriashelly7060]

Right big deal yes my headliner fell out and now I've got hundreds of the coolest stickers you can imagine stuck to the ceiling and it looks rad!

[@johnnorris1615]

@@gloriashelly7060 i have to sand my roof and then coat it and i think i'll do the same !

[@hopeadair6868]

Headliner is the only one my 96' doesn't have wrong

[@jimmack1504]

Also add the driver and passenger electric window generators. On my 2000 XJ, both of went bad before the vehicle was 4 years old, at $400 a pop to fix. Also everything behind the dash having to do with the AC - fan and evaporator. If one goes out, have the other replaced due to the 8 hours of labor pulling the dash apart. I know these things can't be checked, but be aware, and if you run across a seller who has kept good records and has replaced these things, mo bettah.

[@shawnlauderdale6502]

Very detailed video, great job! Thanks!

[@TheBootheelKid]

Thank you for watching

[@danielolson2069]

In the market and took notes. Thanks for a great heads-up video.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonybochene8593]

I've owned 7 of these wonderful little 4x4's. Cheap to buy, cheap and easy to work on, but the only engine worth anything is the straight six Mopar. If well maintained easily a 300k mile engine.

[@machintelligence]

It was actually an AMC engine that Chrysler inherited when they bought Jeep. Too bad they "improved" it by making it cheaper. The older ones were more reliable.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

also, don't forget that if you drive at night, replace your headlights with LED's as the headlights were horrible.

[@margaretbridges8292]

11:26 LOL he's talking about coil packs, right? I was waiting for it to come on the screen! Learned a lot!

[@connorintheyata944]

Just picked one up for 400 bucks. Had a seized engine. Sprayed seafoam in it and got it running in a few hours. Best purchase ever

[@ky0611]

I was interested in getting one but now this video has me second guessing haha

[@gabelovell8113]

I got a 98 a while ago. It’s amazing. Just don’t buy one that is expensive. They are really good and not very expensive to fix.

[@hyperboly]

Thank you so much for this video! I had already bought a 98 Jeep but this confirms some of my suspicions and gives me directions on how to fix.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Glad it helped you!

[@srjacobs85]

Damn, this was so helpful. I'm literally sitting here taking notes.

[@TheBootheelKid]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it useful

[@gosser66]

Ditto!

[@telegoose9905]

Same here.

[@claycoates5056]

most of these problems are nothing if you have any mechanical skulls the one problem i have hound if cracking of the door metal under the door panel this for me has been common easy to fix but a pain if electric motor breaks off so the window will not go full up or down also the oil filter apter is bad about leaking the best thing to do for the fan clutch is to remove it and replace with an electric fan fewer problems and you gain about 10 more usable horse power liked your video and look for more have fun that's what it is about thank you for your time

[@TheBootheelKid]

Thank you and thanks for watching

[@ronwhite1642]

I worked at Toledo jeep for 30 years 👍

[@notyrmom5698]

Damn! Do some inside info vids!