1st jeep....is this a Good Buy?

flynhawaiian · 11-05-2009, 11:46 AM

2001 JEEP Cherokee Sport Utility 4D 4x4

Hey guys I would appreciate some guidance on buying my first Jeep. I found this on craigslist and want to know whether or not im looking at the right Cherokee here. Ive heard from some sources that the best type of cherokee to purchase is either a 1998 or a 1999. Are there certain problems that arise more often in the 2000 and 2001 models? Is this a good buy? What should i offer him?

edmond · 11-05-2009, 02:56 PM

Not a Cherokee guy, but here's my .02c. 2001 was the last year of the Classic Cherokee, If I were going to buy one, that would be the year. My mom had a 97 and my friend a 2001, they seem the same but I am sure there were some minor changes. engine is the same and body pannels are the same..

Blue book it for value, offer "fair" value and work up from there.Then make sure to run a Carfax. That actually looks like my friends old Cherokee and you are in So Cal. so you never know...

flynhawaiian · 11-06-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks for your help man. I really appreciate it. Its all up to the carfax now. If its good im definately bringin it home. With proper maintanence how many mile do you think its got left?

Strokin87 · 11-06-2009, 01:03 PM

I paid half that for my 00 Sport w/ 131k in great shape. But i'm in MD too.

flynhawaiian · 11-06-2009, 01:12 PM

Wat mods did you do so far under your hood if you dnt mind my asking. I want to be able to throw a cold air intake under the hood along with some performance parts too.

Strokin87 · 11-06-2009, 01:14 PM

I have nothing done under the hood, the 4.0 gives me plenty of hp and torque for wheeling. No reason for engine mods. It does now have a 3" suspension lift and 31" tires, but no performance upgrades.

Edstu234 · 11-06-2009, 01:14 PM

The 4.0 is a stout motor and should have tons of life left in it. If your interested in the longevity of it talk to some of the YJ guys, XJ guys and a few tj guys. My 91 Wrangler has 212,000+ and still going strong.

flynhawaiian · 11-06-2009, 01:23 PM

Is it possible to improve on MPGs at all? i live in the city and this is going to be my Everyday driver/wheeler. Does anyone know of any type of mod that can improve mpgs at all?

And realisticly speaking what is the ideal inch lift to put on these? I dnt want to go too high but want some good clearance off the ground. Is 6" too much?

higgins111 · 11-06-2009, 01:42 PM

These trucks are unibody which makes lifting them a pain. or so I hear, ive heard the best for these is about 3-4 inches before you run into serious alignment issues nd such........ i could be way off though

flynhawaiian · 11-06-2009, 01:46 PM

I appreciate the input higgins. Thanx. This site is cool. A lot of cool people just helpin everyone out. Im way excited to start my build

Strokin87 · 11-06-2009, 04:32 PM

If you go more than 3" or so, you'll need to get a SYE, control arms, longer brake lines and possibly a new driveshaft. I did 3" and 31" tires and called it a day.

flynhawaiian · 11-06-2009, 04:41 PM

What kind of wheelin do you do? nothin too rough im guessing right. How does she handle just goin through the forest? So all these guys who have bigger lifts then 4" all have modified their break lines and control arms and everything?

bshae342 · 11-08-2009, 03:01 PM

I have had two cherokees and love them...Damn things run forever.