Watch This Before Buying a JEEP CHEROKEE XJ 1997-2001

[@JeffDeWitt]

It's too late... I bought my XJ before this video was made... actually before KZbin was made. Bought it in 97. 600,000 miles later it's the best car I've ever had.

[@AutoMotivate]

XJs are amazing man. Every car has their own fair share of issues. Is that with the original engine and trans?

[@JeffDeWitt]

@@AutoMotivate Original transmission, (5 speed), engine rebuilt once. It's not my daily driver anymore but I'll be taking it for a drive today.

[@tomsmith2361]

Bought my 93 XJ new. Sold it 2019 and bought a 2001 XJ. Like it better too as seats much more comfortable 😊. Long live the XJ 👍

[@sheeshd977]

@@JeffDeWitt someone is selling one for 2k, Do you consider that cheap with 185k miles? Idk I think it's a good buy, just don't know how much $ I'll throw in to fix any repairs, but I hope he's still aelling it when I hve the $ ready , surprised he hasn't sold it yet 🤷‍♂️

[@JeffDeWitt]

@@sheeshd977 I don't know, I haven't really looked at what they are selling for these days and of course have no idea of the condition of that Jeep. However, knowing what I know about XJs if I was in the market I'd give it a good hard look. If it runs and drives well, has minimal or no rust, and otherwise seems to be in good condition I'd buy it.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

This video reminds us that the Cherokee XJ is more than just a vehicle; it's a companion on thrilling offroad journeys.

[@jan3019]

And this is the reason why i bought a 98 cherokee, to keep me busy keepin it alive. i just love doing little fix to crazy fix with this, not a mechanic but i learned a lot from this car fixing this and that and it's a fun car to drive and parts not too expensive so i really enjoy repairing any issues that i have one at a time. :D

[@withjay3394]

Enjoy the thrill of it

[@BrodieBr0]

After owning 4 of XJ's and driving 8 within the family, I can say this video nails the good and bad very well. Currently driving a 1990 XJ and I quadruple coated underneath and under carpet with POR-15 so I hope this one lasts me the rest of my life....if you live where salt is used on roads in the winter rust will kill your XJ before anything else as the video said. Another note on the brakes...If the previous owner hasn't documented when the brake hoses (front especially) have been replaced...replace them asap. Even if they look good, the rubber weakens inside the hose over time and when the break fluid gets hot it can make the hose to partially or fully collapse causing the caliper to stick. I've had this issue on ALL of my Jeeps. Hoses are cheap....destroyed hub/axle parts or even a fire due to a stuck caliper are expensive.

[@sneakytails1724]

I used por-15 on my XJ. It took me 2 years, and I am still finishing the outside. POR-15 base, topcoat for protection, and a sacrificial por-15 bed-liner that I can re-apply easily with just a 1" foam brush when needed.

[@796andy2]

found a spotless 2 door , in Pa yet ! , still has factory undercoating on it . coming along nicely, check it out

[@BrodieBr0]

@@sneakytails1724 Nice! I hope your XJ lasts as long as you have it!

[@BrodieBr0]

@@796andy2 Awesome man! I see it's a '99. A very good year for the XJ!

[@LeDebutDeLaSuite]

Thank you

[@Idle_Cerberus]

Just got my first car yesterday! 2001 Jeep Cherokee and absolutely love it

[@VinylToVideo]

That's a bad year. You might want to get one that is '98 or earlier. Later they went to one with a thinner head.

[@Idle_Cerberus]

@@VinylToVideo or I could just get a better head instead of getting a whole new car?🤣

[@VinylToVideo]

@@Idle_Cerberus I guess.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

If the head has not been replaced by now, you probably have a good one. They weren't all bad. Jeep Forums has info on what numbers are cast into the rear of the head to find out if yours is thinner and could be a candidate for future cracking. You have to remove the rocker arm cover to see the numbers.

[@tommullaney8714]

I have an 01 with the 0331 head and no issues for 170k miles. The key to any 4.0 is to ensure to do the maintenance. Flush the coolant yearly and will never overheat. Mine runs right below 210 and never had an issue.

[@brandonvealey4960]

On my 3rd one 1999 with 217800 miles and still running strong and I’ve ran it super hard even after a transmission fluid change and seems to be a bullet proof vehicle

[@TheRealMikeWilly]

You wanna fix the slip yoke thunk? Install a slip yoke eliminator and a double cardan shaft.

[@wanderingghost4507]

Not only change exhaust manifold, replace/upgrade motor mounts.

[@AutoMotivate]

Most cars that old will new new mounts. Thanks for the input 🙏

[@ls66]

Good vid all of these are solid repairs!

[@shanephillips1996]

Just bought a 92, 2 door manual 5 speed xj. I'm super happy with it

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

If it's 4wd with the 4.0 engine, it's a unicorn. Hang on to that puppy if it's not rusted out.

[@shanephillips1996]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 It is the 4.0 and it's not rusted out. I didn't realize how rare it is

[@opgan6705]

Love the XJ Cherokee. Brought to Malaysia in 1993 & it's the 1989 model but by doing it CKD (to get a lower sales tax for CKD vehicle + it can be placed as a new vehicle).......I'm very much love & become fond with the 'Shift - on - the - Fly' 4wd where you can shift from 2wd to 4wd (H) while driving.....at any speed. I strongly believe that there's no other 4wd vehicle in the world can do that. But due to the financial situation, I've to let go of my beloved Cherokee in 1996/7. I've tried to acquire one in 2014/5 but after seeing a friend having trouble to obtain spare parts & lack of knowledgeable mechanic. I have to abandon my dream. Anyway, it's a good video, with a deep knowledge of Jeep + tips....million thanks, Bro

[@awalktowardsglory]

I have one that has 370k miles on it. Runs great!

[@jonny1943]

As a MJ owner, best video ever. Thanks a bunch!!

[@AutoMotivate]

I appreciate it my friend 🙏

[@erichimes3062]

Spray down the groove in which the edge of the window rides with silicone spray regularly. That will help extend the life of the power window motors.

[@bradb7060]

Happy owner of a 2091 4x4 Sport that we bought in 2001. It's been more reliable than most new vehicles and Jeeps bought by friends

[@kirklyles1705]

2091? I want to know where you got the time machine!😁

[@bradb7060]

@@kirklyles1705 The REAL trick is how we bought that 2091 in 2001 🤣 It should have read a 2001 bought in 2001

[@williamsparks7792]

Troubleshooting some issues with my 99 Cherokee Sport. Very helpful video.

[@aidanmakinster922]

For the bad window lockout switch the easiest way to fix it is litterly take a paper clip and shove it in the clip you show so it jumps the 2 wires that need connecting. I can't remember which if the 3 they are though. It's on a forum somewhere. But just shove it in and tape it up and your good to go

[@MrMrsregor]

@Gareth Hawkins a simple solder job and it can actually be fixed correctly kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6W6coODqpuofqc

[@MrMrsregor]

​@Gareth Hawkins sorry, i guess "simple" depends on your skill and/or your determination. this only takes about an hour, and the best part is you dont even have to get dirty or lay on the ground! like things to function as they should, even if it is something i don't use. I thought it was a simple fix, but I have built a few jeep from the ground up. im only a hobbyist, but i do consider this to be much easier than most other things i have ever had to fix in my life. but yes, feel free to by pass your switch, just thought i would mention this for anyone that might like to know

[@frankmick8683]

wow I bought my Jeep brand new in 2000. Its got none of these issues with 195K, must have got a gooden.

[@lanemadison7308]

wait a few months, you’ll notice something

[@nathanmorrison4256]

Cps (crank position sensor) issues as well and the 00-01 have a 0331 head that are prone to Crack

[@deegaw11]

Went to check out a 00 and it ran good but idling the temp would slowly creep up to 220 then drops back to 210 while driving. This was 105 degrees outside. What are symptoms if head is cracked?

[@cljerjr31]

When jeep was built to last.

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

Would love to see you make a "before you buy" video on the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterras I couldn't find any major problems with it. Maybe someone else can.

[@AutoMotivate]

I’ll plan on it!

[@dwaynemcmullen8285]

When your checking off 80% of the list but I love my xj fortunately I just had rusted out floors

[@highwayxj9397]

3:11 talking about heat soaked injectors while showing a pic of a ls swapped xj

[@AutoMotivate]

Clause still stands

[@grapejuice5928]

I was about to say something then I saw this comment

[@highwayxj9397]

@@AutoMotivate so does mine :)

[@jonny1943]

LS swapped xj or mj ......dreamy.

[@josegonzalescedillo2399]

Thank you very much for letting me know all this I got a 1998 Jeep Cherokee appreciate it thank you🙂👍👍👍

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for this!

[@wyattandwill12]

I’m considering getting a 98 Cherokee (4.0/auto.) from a coworker for $600 if everything checks out. Main issue it has is just the exhaust manifold issue and he said there’s an oil leak, he may have said there was a power steering leak too I’m not sure. He first mentioned it around 3/4 months ago. He said the headliner’s still up on it too.

[@excaliberdg1178]

I used to have 99 Cherokee and it had similar power steering leak issues not a bad fix at all

[@deathmetal137]

Biggest issue is a rusted out rear end

[@tytraulich4987]

All the ones in the Midwest are rusted through The bucket seats are terrible for your hips.

[@hobble_dehoy]

Yes and the seats break easily at the welds. My drivers seat is completely loose and feels like it sits at an angle while driving

[@officialWWM]

Yep, I’ve pretty much had all those issues, except the rust thing…

[@AutoMotivate]

Rust can be a killer.

[@officialWWM]

@@AutoMotivate yes, where I live, it doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem. My car is rust free :)

[@b16crxt]

I had a 96 with broken seat bracket and door hinge as well. Be on the lookout for those.

[@garthmcgibbon4285]

I have repaired two seats. Just brazing the torn part after removing seat sober solved it.

[@jovannyguevara5051]

i just got me a 01’ XJ Sport with 150k miles for 1,900 with no rust i just watched this video to be informed with the common issues were

[@hobble_dehoy]

Sounds like a nice buy! Have fun Jeeping!

[@jovannyguevara5051]

@@hobble_dehoy thanks man ! so far it’s been a really good vehicle

[@tomsmith2361]

Keep up with everything related to the cooling system: repeat everything. 2000 and 2001 4.0 engines in the XJ must be cared for properly. Not nearly as robust as previous years. Ran a 93 XJ new until 2019. Never a problem. Bought a 2001 XJ six months after I sold the 93. Had 187,500 on the clock (4,500 cash from third owner). Ran perfect. Put 5 grand into it immediately just to make it even sweeter. Ran it Fl to Maine. Put 3 more grand at 192k, ran it to ND. If no rust present: they are worth spending cash on. I only let professionals touch it. Enjoy your Cherokee 👍

[@ThoughtWellness]

Looking at a 2001 classic. Only 114k miles…should I get it?

[@VitaliyLyamshin]

I like how he uses a pic of ls swapped jeep and talks about engine problems. Good video

[@cooders71]

You missed the most costly, the 0331 head cracking

[@tjrobinson7631]

Maybe a crown Victoria video? Great videos overall dudeee

[@AutoMotivate]

The Crown Vic is a pretty awesome car, however, the drivetrain is very similar to the mustang. Perhaps I’ll make one focusing on the crown Vic in the future.

[@joncalautti5768]

Kid looks terrified

[@Glory_inthe_3rd77]

Any vehicle at all I mean any no matter what vehicle you name can have issues especially if you do a bunch of goofy stuff to it

[@dillonkoch72]

The slip yoke is only a problem on the xjs with the NP231 transfercase not the NP242 transfercase

[@jan3019]

I need to check that one out, i got a 98 and my transfercase itself is leaking too

[@kanixoverdrive464]

Yeah my alignment is bad, Death wobble starts aroud 48-50

[@lowkeycherokee1586]

I’d say this is a decent video, as a person who has owned multiple fixed and built multiple and sold multiple jeeps: Please do a lot more research on these jeeps before you buy them, they are used like toys and you can tell the difference in the price you’re buying it for, if you’re looking for reliability a stock one with low owners and miles will do you right

[@AutoMotivate]

Those are becoming more and more rare, sadly.

[@leslylopez5325]

By low miles what range are you talking about? I’m looking at a stick one, two owners with 215k miles

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

I rate this 10/10 due to nice use of memes. Also great content. I'm looking for an XJ. Should also warn about 2000 and 2001 heads cracking when engine is overheated. * UPDATE: got my 95 XJ, and wouldn't you know, had a bit of an overheating issue. Took it seriously and within a week I had installed a new OEM replacement radiator, fan clutch, and both hoses. Did the trick! Rock solid at 210, even with AC running on. 90 degree day on the trails. Couldn't be more happy!!!

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Depending on how badly it overheats, this, or at least warpage of the head will happen to almost any engine.

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 yes, but the 00 and 01 have heads much more prone to cracking than previous years.

[@MiikeyLawless]

@@RandomStuffGarage619 sure, but you still shouldnt be overheating any vehicle. Its the same thing with the 4.7 in the WJ. My parents have that engine in a dakota and have had zero issues in 150k miles. Its hotter than satans asshole where i live too.

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

@@MiikeyLawless right, you should never overhat an engine... but what happens if it DOES? seriously why risk cracked heads vs NOT cracked heads?

[@MiikeyLawless]

@@RandomStuffGarage619 bad things happen when they do, which is why you don't overheat them. I assure you, if you overheat any 4.0 enough, they will blow headgaskets or crack heads. I mainly come from the old toyota world and this is true of a lot of those vehicles as well. As far as I've seen, the 4.0 is great, but plagued with an inadequate cooling system. I would personally focus on that before any lift/tires, but most don't.

[@yuppystick]

Great vid!

[@kenwood2985]

Great video

[@SBS-RUTHLESS]

My XJ isn't good tho I fixed it 9 times so far in the last 5 months I've had it and probably again tomorrow and it's stuff I've had checked before

[@joncalautti5768]

Loved my Jeep😊

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

All of these things also pertain to the ZJ ans WJ as well.

[@grapejuice5928]

Having own both a zj grand cherokee and xj both these videos mainly go to between them and older xjs

[@Soulpatrol-zu7ry]

Thx lil bro for the info

[@CharlesSmith-gw7gp]

Rust is one of the top problems

[@stefjov4314]

Very funny and informative video, someones offered to swap their 98 cherokee for me 02 fairmont ghia, domt know if i will but a test drive each way would be interesting lol

[@chicagorc3967]

you didnt add the famous pcm issue

[@nachohernandez9491]

Sorry But what is that?

[@chicagorc3967]

@@nachohernandez9491 these computers are known to have tons of issues and that doesn't allow your jeep to start! so annoying.

[@HarleyMartinez-t6e]

How many problems does the Jeep XJ CHEROKEE have. Looks like a lot of problems with it

[@aaronsspatcositevideos8463]

Not sure if anyone else has noticed but newer vehicles are lasting like 100k before major overhaul’s!?

[@JBlinky67]

And by that you mean 100k is a ridiculous low number? If so I would totally agree!

[@ProjectDanH]

DAS auto thumbnail 🤣

[@ajoneil4640]

What it the 96 Cherokees that had the better exhaust manifold apparently ?

[@JeffDeWitt]

I don't know about that, the manifold on my 96 cracked... and yes, I replaced it.

[@jesseaguilar1962]

Looking into getting one of these jeeps and turning it into a somewhat overland vehicle. I’m from south Texas and I’m just worried if the jeep is capable of doing long distance trips to western states. Any info is appreciated

[@HarleyMartinez-t6e]

Did Jeep make a XK kind of Jeep models or no? Cuz I just want to know if they did make a Jeep XK or not?

[@theodoregodare2430]

The older XJs speedometer always breaks or fails, so it indicates that ur going 0mph all the time

[@angelgjr1999]

Lol my old 99 explorer’s rev tachometer didn’t work.

[@JeffDeWitt]

Mine did that, turned out to be a ground. There is a stud on the engine block where several grounds attach, I cleaned that and the speedo started working again.

[@maximumeffort2381]

Thanks bro.

[@simonascencio997]

My trans blew up on me yesterday

[@relaxingsounds9284]

Why does he keep showing an xj with an LS motor in it?

[@kneokneo5792]

Can just about make out what you are saying: Automotivate- Mumbling thanks for trying

[@AutoMotivate]

Seems like you are one of the very few, and that's okay.

[@ber2coldx788]

Bouta replace my floor pans and send it another 100,000 miles it’s at 400,000 rn but got it for $800 think it’s still valid?

[@clearwater9118]

Can you please make this video about the GMC SAFARI/ASTRO van. Thanks.

[@AutoMotivate]

That’s a fantastic idea 🙏

[@clearwater9118]

@@AutoMotivate 😀

[@filmart430]

Which year has the least issues or is the most reliable?

[@erichimes3062]

If you are lucky enough to find one without much corrosion, you need to go full, retard in with something like fluid film, and then do annual applications after that as needed. Rust is the real enemy.

[@quadavis4]

My ignition switch just went out

[@Mustansirtaher6]

I mean what do you expect its a Chrysler product... there will be a few issues

[@HarleyMartinez-t6e]

No wonder Keep cancelled the Jeep XJ CHEROKEE’s in 2001

[@kainxgamer1480]

I grassed my slip yoke and it keeps doing the clunk

[@joeypicard6169]

all doors besides driver door window switch doesn’t work 😂 that’s how mine is

[@Jay_Mac1775]

Soo..I’m guessing probably don’t get this as a first car? I’ve always loved the look and generally the basic usage I’d get out of this but now idk. I’m not the most mechanically inclined but I can’t kinda figure things out. If I get one what would be the best yeat

[@AutoMotivate]

I think 1999 was the “best” year. But overall they are all great and reliable, just really depends how it has been taken care of previously.

[@TreySoSuave]

Any car you get is going to have problems. Luckily these problems are cheap to fix an easy. I know you said you were not mechanically inclined but it’s not hard to grab a set of tools and get to working on your own car

[@tonyfourpaws4511]

Left my hood cracked to increase airflow.......You owe me a new windshield.

[@AutoMotivate]

Never said while you drove the car!

[@tonyfourpaws4511]

@@AutoMotivate Shit...

[@AutoMotivate]

@@tonyfourpaws4511 lmfao.

[@DorotheaAbdul-x8p]

Dagmar Way

[@jasondavis4801]

How many miles would you say is too much before buying a Xj for more than $5000? I see so many for sale with like 150,000 miles for $5000 all the time.. What do you think is a good price-to-mile ratio? It’s going to be my first car and I need help 👍

[@jasondavis4801]

@@smcfall2 Thank you so much, I really appreciate the help!

[@AutoMotivate]

Keep Cherokee XJs can easily run from $2000-$8000 depending on their condition. Imo, 150k is not a lot of miles, however, similar to what the person above said, it depends who has been driving it. You can easily access what kind of driver he or she is when you meet them. Furthermore, you need to make sure if they kept some sort of documentation of maintenance. Lack of maintenance will kill these cars, and of course abusing them on trails day in and day out. Frame rust is an issue. However, light surface rust is okay. I would definitely treat the surface rust as soon as you can. If everything checks out, body is in good condition, drive train looks great, oils aren’t dirty, no death wobble (test drive it up to 70mph to check for the wobble), then 5k sounds reasonable, imo. I actually disagree with the fellow above about people who sells used cars are usually covering things up. I’ve sold many used cars and bought used cars. Haven’t had any issues. I’m not too old, however, I have faith in most of humanity to do the right thing. Once again, you can kinda tell by the owner if they are sketchy in any way. These engines can last 400k miles if they are properly cared for. Is it lifted above 4-6 inches and have larger tires without proper modifications? Well, if they didn’t upgrade the drive train, then expect less life out of it. There are a lot of things to consider when buying a used car. Sometimes it is a gamble. Point out minor issues and get them to drop down the price to $4500 or even $4000. Good luck! Cherokee’s are awesome! Loved my 99 Grand Cherokee with 220k miles!

[@jasondavis4801]

@@AutoMotivate Thanks man! This will help me a lot👍keep it jeep

[@chrispascoewhite]

Hi , I want to buy a 2000 xj Cherokee, he had a coolant leak and replaced the radiator, I’m concerned it could have been the cylinder head failure!! I’ve read the 2000 and 2001 models switched cast head suppliers, it’s covered 157k miles, should I stay clear!!!

[@AutoMotivate]

Any cheap cherokee will be a risk/project. I say go in willing to swap out the head but hope it is nothing more than the radiator.

[@JBlinky67]

Does a manual have less overheating issues?

[@starman9458]

I had a 1999 Cherokee Limited and when I put it in gear the Jeep wouldn’t move at all and the shifter made a loud noise, what would be the cause of it? I sold it back in November 2014 with 296,000 miles on it.

[@AutoMotivate]

Could be multiple things. Could be your shift cable, the shifter not making full contact, the transmission fork, or simply the gear in the trans going bad. But if it was the gears, typically you’d hear grinding. Too hard to diagnose without handling the vehicle

[@starman9458]

@@AutoMotivate It could've been a gear problem, it had happened in June 2012 and I had it fixed in April 2013 a year before I sold it.

[@acokedupmonkey3762]

LOL you kept showing a picture of a LS swapped jeep. Going to confuse people.

[@AutoMotivate]

I HOPE people don’t think these Jeep’s come with an LS 😂 But, I can’t expect much, can I?

[@acokedupmonkey3762]

@@AutoMotivate lmao, let’s hope they buy it if they find one!

[@skiddysm]

Xj

[@bigmac3038]

I took mine off roading and now my car in drive won’t go past 3000rpm in park it revs to red line not sure what the problem is if anyone know please tell me

[@AliciaNeal-r3b]

Thomas Melissa Hernandez Eric Lee Charles

[@nicholaschavez9383]

I have a 97 xj County and it's nothing but problems. Mainly electrical issues and it's terrible 🤦‍♂️

[@AdellManey-c9j]

Robinson Richard Lee Jason White Amy

[@SharonGriffin-q2o]

Moore Christopher Rodriguez Kenneth Thomas Michael

[@Geebuv]

A “most common problems” Cherokee video without mentioning the 0331 head??? Hmmmm

[@AutoMotivate]

Not sure how I missed that, but that’s why I encourage people to comment other issues. The years were from late 99-01 for the XJ Cherokees. Thank you for bringing that up to my attention!

[@Geebuv]

@@AutoMotivate No problem! The only reason I know about it is because mine cracked 🙄 got a re-man that is beefed up in that location.

[@supercharged00gtp]

@@Geebuv Where do they crack on those heads? We are starting to look for a solid jeep to start with as a project for my son and I to work on together.

[@emmaliduncan5744]

Davis Mary Johnson Helen Harris James

[@Boonses]

300k? Lol try 600

[@DamienPurcell-o8p]

Jones Thomas Walker Michael Jones David

[@RJ1.]

Hello

[@GregarySusie-b7l]

Hall Richard Williams Laura Thomas Richard

[@Jbodws]

Take some extra Rosetta Stone lessons

[@CookOlga-l2f]

Taylor Gary Harris Daniel Garcia Margaret

[@callumfreebairn8082]

yes, it has issues..😠

[@AutoMotivate]

Just like all cars

[@jaderamos46]

Anyone know where I get peruvian chance cover boys for 98 xj 4.0

[@saudaziz4758]

الترجمه سيئة

[@jjwalker2011]

What if i can get 1 for free? Northeast so pkenty if rust, what shoukd i look at first???

[@bigwooly8014]

Frame

[@donfavro3599]

Great info but very hard to understand narrators english and distracted me greatly from the actual quality of the information and video

[@AutoMotivate]

Expecting perfection is something that shouldn’t be anticipated. Nevertheless, thanks for watching!

[@mohammed_98m49]

The car it's beautiful I am liked, so what the car Jeep Do you beautiful why? because beautiful😛😛🤣

[@cynthiaraufmann7625]

mine's at 354770

[@AutoMotivate]

That's amazing. They are tanks