Jeep XJ - what to look out for?

Jeep XJ - what to look out for?

Author
Discussion

mat777

Original Poster:

10,360 posts

159 months

Friday 22nd June 2012
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Hi everyone,

I'm going to look at a top of the range XJ Cherokee 2.5 diesel tomorrow with a view to buying it - what known trouble spots do I need to look out for?

Knowing diddly squat about Jeeps, all I have uncovered so far is that models with aircon need a clean radiator to stop overheating, the seletrac 4wd system is a lot better than the comandtrac some of them came with, and that apparently they are quite rustproof but can corrode behind plastic trim and window seals?

Are there any other major points to be wary of? I will also be sure to check all the electronic gizmo's work.

thanks in advance,

Matt

james280779

1,931 posts

228 months

Monday 25th June 2012
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yep having owned a 4.0 petrol then a later diesel I found the following issues.

Fuel, with the petrol double it on anything else you have owned, then add some more for the diesel. couldnt believe the diesel was more expensive than the petrol.
I had issues on the older petrol with the front suspension, bolts holding on top were loose, only discovered in middle of outback after losing one. I also had issues with the power steering and water pumps, apparently both common failures.

The diesel was one of the worst handling cars I have ever experienced, back end slid out going around a slight bend at 60km (about 40 mph). The next time I went slower despite usually taking same bend at 70 in the petrol. Totally lost it and ended up in central reservation.
Sold vehicle next day.
Wont buy another Jeep

mat777

Original Poster:

10,360 posts

159 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
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Thanks for the response, sorry for this delayed reply. Having chatted with my uncle who also owned a diesel XJ (and, despite being a serial owner and lover of yank cars, declared it a pile of st!) I think that's another vehicle to cross off my list frown

Sooooo, back to the drawing board for a 30mpg (real world) 4x4 or 4wd estate capable of towing a decent load, under £1500 to buy, reliable and cheap to insure! (Hmmmm, Subaru Forester? scratchchin)

5paul5

664 posts

170 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
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Landrover discovery. Sorted.

Schuey M

178 posts

141 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
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Honda crv, shogun/pajero, defender.

Scuffers

20,887 posts

273 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
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4.0l petrols are fine, the diesels were a massive bodge in every respect.

mat777

Original Poster:

10,360 posts

159 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
quotequote all
Schuey - I said for under £1500! I cant find LWB Paj's for that and I sure as hell know you wont find a Defender for under £4k!

Paul - That is indeed the obvious choice, especially as I am an ardent green oval fan. Its just that, because of being such a marque enthusiast, I also know that Disco 1's make Lancias look rustproof.....