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

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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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

Thanks for the info, I love this JEEP XJ, and I'm looking for one right now!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

Great video! I’ve always owned CJ’s and just now getting into XJ’s. thanks for all the great tips, the rust runs wild up here in North Idaho.

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

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!

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.

Awesome job on the Jeep brotha! Reminds me how much I miss the one I had for over 20 years.

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

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

Beautiful Jeep. Great mix of stock looks and aftermarket lift tastefulness

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!

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

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

THIS IS Awesome! Thanks for listing all your parts I want to restore mine to its old self as it's getting old. I don't have either problems with the door or the seat, I have been in any out of my car millions of times in the last 19 years so maybe it has a weight restriction ;) I am 5'9 and 145 so I see the issue here. Jeep should know! I have no rust in Seattle, WA and I take it Skiing all the time too. Mine is a daily driver with 123 thousand miles on it, go figure, I don't like to commute. No Leaks, the sunroof is an easy fix when it does as a simple screw comes lose in the motor box, once you screw that back in your sunroof will latch again. No U-joint issue. I do have an oil leak coming from somewhere but it's been that way for about 8 years same leek so I just check the oil regularly. Now I gotta check all the other stuff this weekend. Thanks for all the help! And if your throttle thing is getting stuck spray some choke fluid on the line and rev the engine with it while the car is turned on. It may just have rust or gunk on it it fixed a similar issue for me. My Jeep is totally stock I wish it had less flaws from a-holes hitting me in the parking lot. I do have a transmission cooler, my Dad put it on 19 years ago.

Thanks for spending the time.. looking for an XJ for my 16 year old son's first Vehicle (and for me to play with!!!)

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.

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.

I have 3 WJs and I so feel you on the rust .

Thanks for the info! Now I know what to look for. It's more than a year later since you made this video, and I hope you're still having fun with your XJ.

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

Very detailed video, great job! Thanks!

Lots of good information here. Thanks for posting.

Good video. Thanks for doing it. Good luck with your channel.

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

Good info here. I just saw a 99 sport pop up with a hurt motor. Going to see what they will take for it. Asking price is a grand. If I can get it for 500ish might be a winter project for me.

Great video man! Good info. Thanks!!!

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!

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

Ignition coils is the thing you couldn't think of. Very helpful video. Thanks a lot.

Thanks I'll be in touch very helpful info I'm currently looking for a 98

Great video, lots of good info. just bought an 01 for 950 bucks at auction. Only area of concern of those you listed is the rear quarters. 83k miles. Swapped upper control arms, radiator, thermostat, rear bumper. Still drips a little from rad. cap area after shut off when at temp. I think I got a pretty good deal. Thanks for the vid. Subbed :)

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

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

Love this video Man. Appreciate the knowledge

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Thanks a lot for the info man! Very much appreciated!!

very informative..helpful & I'm thinking of lookin for another..so thanx

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.

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

Great walk-through, greetings from So-Cal

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 😌

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

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.

Your Jeep is exactly what I have been looking for with the mild lift, roof rack and so forth.. nice...

Awesome advice! Awesome outro too!

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.

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.

thank you for your honesty...good vid.

Amazing info. Thank you so much man!!!

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.

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.

Great looking XJ. 👍. Thx for posting. You know rust? We invented in here in Michigan. 🤣

11:40 "AWH HELL" XD I loved that Great video tho. Thanks for the info. It was really useful.

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

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

Great content. Thanks

I just bought a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado V8 All wheel drive. It runs but needs some work. I’m going to fix it up nice.

Check for a vacuum leak in the brake booster

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.

Awesome vid! Thank you

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.

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

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

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.

Sub'd - I have a 2.5 TD Sport here in Scotland I bought for £600 4/5 years ago...it needs a bit of TLC...I enjoyed your informative, casual, southern style...will check your other vids!

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

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

good overall info I have a 88 xj one thing and vehicle type don't matter when splicing wires don't just twist together or use solderless crimp connectors invest in a soldering gun and you'll never have to worry about a connection corroding or getting loose and going bad

Good video man. Best part was the view. Nothing better than backroads in MO. I live in Texas now but go back every chance I get! Just picked up a 98 the other night for 800 with 148k. Haven't even been home to see it yet but i'm excited to get it right next week. 2wd but hoping to find a drivetrain one of these days.