[cgv69]

Thinking about buying a WJ and I’d like to read what advice you guys can provide me about them? For background…

I’m looking for something in the $5-$8k price range and want one with less than 100Kmi on it. From looking at my local Craig’s list\Auto Trader, that seems do-able with some haggling? I know I want something basic (i.e no “Limited” model or leather, etc.) as I’d like to keep the price down and figure that more crap it has, the more crap it has to break. This will be my second vehicle but probably my primary driver. It will see 90-95% street and 5-10% off-road. The off road it does see will be light duty. I will put a small lift on it so that I can install and clear 31x10.5’s but that will be more for looks then anything. I want to keep it as close to stock as possible because I want to keep it reliable with good road manners and don’t want it to become a money pit. Anyway, here are a few questions I have…

1. Which engine? I know most people want the V8 just because it’s a V8 and has more power and isn’t really any worse on gas then the 6cyl but I am seriously leaning towards the 4.0 6cyl because A. I see no benefit for me to have the bigger motor/extra power? My off-roading will be light and I have a full-size V8 truck for hauling and towing. B. It should also be a little easier to find a 6cyl WJ in my price range but mostly because… The 4.0 seems to be a proven engine that stands a good chance of making to at least 200K without major repairs or replacement (assuming basic maintenance)? As far as I know, the 4.7 V8 doesn’t have that same reputation? I also figure parts and such for the 4.0 should be cheaper and easier to find? So is there any good reason I missing as to why I should get the V8 instead of the 6 banger?

2. Other then the obvious stuff that applies to any used car purchase, what items in specific do I need to look for or try to avoid in a used WJ? For instance, I know there is some rumbling about the reliability of the head\head gasket used on ’00-’01 6cyl’s so it would be best to avoid those. Any other years or specific parts\features I should look for? Any known issues that are common to these rigs that I should look out for?

3. Lastly, any specific reason I shouldn’t get a WJ? It seems to me that the XJ’s are more popular (at least for lifting and off-roading) but I’ve always just assumed that was because they were less expensive and some prefer the boxy style of the XJ? I prefer the style as size of the WJ so other then initial cost, is there some specific reason why I should get an XJ instead of a WJ?

TIA

[RogueSpear2023]

Well and XJ is a Cherokee completely different than a Grand Cherokee other than the name. The previous model to the WJ would be ZJ 1st gen Grand Cherokee. Most off roaders like the XJ better because of the off road performance and they are cheap. Get a WJ if you want one do realize they cost a little more to lift than a ZJ or XJ, and they don't have as much aftermarket support as the XJ does. The reason everyone says get a V8 is because usually the cost isn't that much more, and mileage isn't that much different. You can always use the extra power, especially since you are already talking a lift and tires, the addiction has started next you will want all kinds of modifications, and still keep it a DD. I have seen many Grand Cherokees on 33s or 35s that are still DDs for people. The 4.7L has a great reputation as far as reliability, it just hasn't been around as long as the 4.0L was. The V8 will just keep you away from thinking about regearing as you larger in tires.

[NorthwoodsWJ]

x2......Also, something to consider is that if this Jeep is going to be your daily driver, the WJ is noticeably more comfortable and roomy than the XJ. I have a '99 Grand Cherokee 4.0, and my dad has a '99 Cherokee 4.0, and there is quite a difference in the quality and ride. The Grand Cherokee is quieter, rides nicer, while the Cherokee is spunkier (it's lighter) and handles flatter. The back seat in the Cherokee is absolutely cramped, so if you're ever going to have people ride in the back, or take any long trips, you definately should think about a WJ. My dad's has only 58,000 miles, and it already has a few groans, squeaks, rattles, etc - my Grand with over 200k is really solid and quiet - a big step up. Both Cherokee and Grand Cherokee w/ the 4.0 get about the same mileage - even though the WJ is several hundred pounds heavier, it is geared taller (re: 1600rpm at 60mph vs. 2000rpm). In fact, my dad's highway mileage is 20-21mpg consistently, while mine is 21-24. The cargo room is better in the WJ, especially since the spare tire is under the cargo floor versus IN the cargo area in the XJ and ZJ. As far as having the 4.0? I kinda wish I had the extra power, just cause I enjoy having the extra power, but the 4.0 really doesn't work any harder, unless you're hard on the gas. The passing punch is lacking, but not terrible, but it is a really torquey, low-rpm motor, so it scoots decently.

[cgv69]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm pretty firm in wanting the WJ over the XJ. The XJ is cool but I do prefer the lines of the WJ better. Also being a bigger guy the XJ is on the tight side for me.

The XJ may have better after market support but I already know exactly what I want to do with the WJ and the parts I would need are available. It may be famous last words around here but I can pretty confidently say that in my case, a basic 3" lift and 31" tires is as far as I'll ever take it.

As for the 4.0 vs the 4.7, I'm a little surprised to read someone say the 4.7 has a good rep as what I've seen so far would seem to indicate the opposite to me? Heck one of the build threads I read started because the guy bought a WJ with the 4.7 that had 114k on it and gave out 500mi later. As far as the added power, I might miss that some as most of the cars I've ever had have been V8's but getting something a little slower may not be a bad thing in my case

So anyway, I guess what I really want to know now is, assuming I go WJ with the 4.0 engine, what do I need to look out for? Which 4wDrive system do I want to get? Quadra-Trac II, Selec-Trac or Quadra-Drive? What else should I know before laying out any cash?

Thanks again guys!

[Bama_WJ]

I would look for a Select-Trac (242) transfer case just for the fact that you can have 2WD. They are pretty easy to find on the 4.0s.

If you stick with Laredos, you won't have to worry about the blend door issue since you won't have auto climate control.

[Drysdale]

I've had four WJs; I buy them because I'm over 6' over 200lbs and WJs are like strapping me in a strato-lounger and to a rocket. They are big not but have a tight turning radius, don't feel top heavy in high speed turns and offer me great visibility. My first was a I6 but it was underpowered and the V8 mpg difference is negligible. This last one is my 1st 4x4 since I moved to the mountains. It has quadra trac II and I love it. I never use low though. But I go from 50 mph paved highway to 40 mph on a BAD dirt steep hill road (mud, snow, ice) without much concern. I can do power fish tails on dirt roads, drive over city curbs, pack a months groceries, or luggage and golf clubs for four, or 6 bales of alfalfa, or my wife on a comfortable pallet in the back without even dropping the back seats forward. I love the WJ and would have no other vehicle.

Downsides are the ventilation system and cooling system. If you get a bug in those, its an expensive pain in the ***. That HVAC control is buried behind a $800 dash removal project. But this site is a huge help finding answers to everything. WJ parts are plentiful all around with a big second market presence. With help from these guys on Jeep Forum, you can most repairs yourself using parts from the internet.

I bought my last using autotrader and set the search to cover about 1000 miles in any direction. I ended up with a one owner 2000 WJ, fully loaded, 4x4, new tires 60,000 miles for $6000. I limited my search to 2000-4 WJ V8 limited, 4x4 and took the best one I could find under $8500. I wish I'd had this website back then though. My next one will be a 2003-4 Overland w/ quadra-drive II.

Chrysler broke the hell of G Cherokees in 05. I had one and it was too cumbersome with the extra weight they put on to make it look like a hummer or whatever. It sucked! Little wonder they added the 5.7 hemi. We gotta hope they wise up for 2011.

I hope this helps.

[Airborne Lee]

I currently own two WJ's. One early 01 and one a few weeks shy of an 02.

The older Red with QD (limited slip dif's) has had everything you can name replaced. (except for the blend door oddly enough). this encludes the trainy & engine. The newer 01 has been much less maintenance trouble with nearly as many miles. 130 and 140+.

I can tell you this. I love my GC's but I am very capable shade tree mechanic. If not for this the older of the two would be in a junk yard.

On the up side, my QD can go places my friends and families lifted F150's, Durango can't go. I have zero fear of taking my jeep out in fields and trails to camp or pick up a deer because I'm too lazy to carry it back. I have never had to pull to the right hand lane to let faster traffic pass or failed to pass a car not fast enough.

I love my jeep and I love gas stations (luckily).