looking to buy myself a cherokee..

[Nhguy]

gonna be checking out a 97 cherokee sport tomorrow..
1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport 4dr
$2000.00

and seeing that i'm fairly new to jeeps..(owned a 88 wrangler few yrs back). I Was wondering if i should be looking for certain things(problems) that cherokees might be know for.I plan on crawling underneath and checking frame for rust/rot and for leaks..

the seller did mention some rust on one of the rocker panels but didn't say if it was surface or rust holes..(if it's only surface that'll be no problem) and that was the only thing the inspector mentioned that would cause it to fail..

it does wobble at 50 and up but he has the parts to fix it.

The more i think about it,the more an more it seems like a good deal.What do you think?
Thanks ahead for any replys..

 

[Nhguy]

Well took a look at it yesterday and only issues i could find was the two rust holes on the rocker panels.Oh and one of the bolts that hold sway bar to frame broke off while owner was going to reinstall it and will have to be drilled and tapped out(right now,no sway bar)
seems like a decent jeep for the yr and price..

 

[SteelHeadz]

See if you can look under the carpet or check the floorboard from the bottom of the Jeep.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Check above the catalytic converter as well. From what is visible, I'd say that jeep is eaten up pretty good, I'd look for something more solid.

 

[Nhguy]

The day i looked at it,i did crawl underneath(checking for leaks) and nothing jumped out(as far as rot) but i'll see if i can meet up with the guy again to double check those areas you two mentioned..

not to mention,take it for test drive.he mention slight vibration while at about 45-50mphs but said it was due to rear yoke being loose(he has part but hasn't replaced it yet)

What causes wobble anyway ? (he said that it has it at about 50mph)

BTW-my spending limit is $2000.saidly there's not to many decent jeeps in my area that are within my limits..

 

[jps4jeep]

Too much money, I live in Mass, XJ's with that type of rust/rot is very common. the easy fix is to just cut all the outer rocker off and weld in some 2x4 3/16 tubing and use it as a rocker rail guard, eventually you'll need to brace it into the unit body structure. again, too much money, offer 1200, if the guy spouts off, well it is lifted tire bla bla bla, simply tell him, $1200 if not, good luck with the sale.

 

[JeepChick79]

I have a 99 cherokee classic for sale in perfect condition. body and engine... message me if you are interested.

 

[Nhguy]

i do plan on offering lower amount for cherokee considering the miles (177,000) and rust holes..KBB says approxly $1950.(for a stock 97)

did see this on side of road today,it's a 86 wrangler CJ-7
granted it's $1500.00 more.did see some rust but it's small amount of surface(on body).frame looks to be solid and freshly coated with undercoat(didn't have anything to poke around with).new ignition,new brakes,some new brake lines,new gas tank along with gas lines,new bushings(urethane),new carb,new guages.The odometer says 161,905.though it said on the sign "rebuilt 30,000 miles ago" (not sure if he meant engine or whole jeep..) sign also mentions $10,000. invested asking $3500.00 firm..

there was a bunch of other stuff mentioned but i can't remember it all..
Dana 30 front axle,Dana 44 rear,twin stick transfercase,5" lift with 35" BFGs M/T mounted on black steel wheels,swing out tire carrier with gas/water cans,tow hitch,CB antenna mount,locking center console,plus other stuff.has some shackles(front and rear) still in box plus couple other parts still in box..

just trying to figure if it's worth the extra $1500+.. :scratch:
(should be cheaper to register and insure then the 97)
(have i mentioned that i hate making decisions...)

jeepchick79-if you were closer to me,i'd probably might be interested.looking for something within state.Thanks though..