1997 sport 4x4 4 door

[Schuler]

I might be buying a 1997 XJ sport 4x4 4 door. Its got select-trac 4x4. Is there anything commonly wrong with XJ's of this year>

 

[DaveD in Canada]

Excellent choice. Most any vintage of XJ is a good, reliable unit, the later years are better than the late 80's and early 90's. These things are really bullet-proof.
Bad stuff can happen to any vehicle, new or old, but the XJ is an all-round superb vehicle!
Good Luck.

 

[FitchVA]

i haven't heard of any common problems with the '97. i've got a '98 and love it. probably the only issue you'll run into is if you plan on lifting it in the future. the '96 and newer have issues with driveline vibrations that will require a SYE kit to correct the problem. but there are pleanty of '96 and newer lifted xj's on here.

just check for rust and if it's a good deal, i wouldn't hesitate.

 

[2offroad]

it will suck money out of you, lift, tires, armor, lockers, and many other things. But it's a fun trip.


I love mine.

 

[XJBill]

I have a 1999 and would buy it again. Well biult for offroading but has good onroad manners. I like to hunt, camp, and wheel, and it meets all these requirements perfectly. Can go anywhere a wrangler can go but carry more stuff. :laugh3: Only issue I had was the driveline vibe when I lifted it 6". Went away with the SYE. I finally found a vehicle I like ALOT. Damn Diamler-Chrysler for discontinuing it for the Libby! :smsoap:

 

[Handlebars]

If the exhaust manifold hasn't cracked it probably will soon.

 

[XJBill]

Oh.....I forgot about that one. Had to replace it on the '99 XJ and the '98 TJ.

 

[basalt51]

Oh.....I forgot about that one. Had to replace it on the '99 XJ and the '98 TJ.

115K on my 1997, no manifold issues yet. Maybe its a '98-'99 problem

Love it!

 

[Schuler]

Thanks for the replies. I traded my '92 Laredo in for it today. So far I love it.

 

[sbxj]

115K on my 1997, no manifold issues yet. Maybe its a '98-'99 problem

Love it!

Turn down your stereo, you'll hear it

 

[davberry]

only huge problem was the rear main seal went at 1K...and the after lift vibrations...that suck, but other then that its my toy, and kinda like a having a money pit for a play toy.

 

[DharmaDog]

passed 80000 in my 98 this week and no exhaust manifold problems that I'm aware of.

 

[muddyjeep1997]

oh great vehicle have one my self
had front and rear diffs rebiult at 70,00
2 transfer cases
1 new transmission
3 rebuilts (in the same week)
flickering headlights on defrost (great asset in the winter)
people think your a cop
exhaust manifold
door speaker wiring
rear axle shafts (factory got it wrong) seems they dont hold the drums right
shifter rattling
have to lube up the rear shaft every 15,000
love it to death
such a money pit