Considering a 97 Cherokee Country

[crossfire]

Im looking at a White 97, Jeep Cherokee Country with around 127,xxx miles. The interior and exterior are pristine, no dents/scratches etc. The owner is asking 3,800 but will take 3,500 and the owner just put brand new tires on it, so is it worth it? Anything I should look at or for before I buy it? What about the test drive, do I need to look or hear for anything when Im driving it?

Thanks

 

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

The price does not seem to far out of line, I know that there are cheaper ones out there, but if it is in good shape then it is not a bad price. Check the top of the roof by the windshield for any rust and also check below the back doors for rust. As far as motor, check to see if it is clean or oiley and check to see if the exhaust manifold is cracked at the "Y" in it where it bolts up to the down pipe. If the motor and tranny feel tight, then it is your call. Also check that all the power options work right, they tend to have the power window regulators wear out and sometimes th emaster control panel of switches on the driverside door will need to be replaced. Oter then that just use some common sense and you should be fine. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Aidan99xj]

check underneath.....round the oil pan towards the back of it for a leak that could be the rear mail seal....with low mileage it should be alright...its not a deal breaker by any means. Its time consuming if you replace it your self and could be a little pricey at a shop.....check air filter to see if it has oil in it representing blow by. otherwise like the guy above me said.....He knows ALOT more than i do....those are just 2 things i check because i hate leaks.....:gee:

 

[OverTheHillsATTW]

When testing it let it warm up shut it off and turn it on. Then continue checking for leaks rust anything and everything. Check the fluids smell the tranny(fluid). It sounds fair.

 

[crossfire]

Ok I Will def check everything you guys said tomorrow, and I will probably test drive it later this week.

So basically I might be able to find one cheaper if I look around more?

 

[poorboy_616]

Look closely at the floors, they rust easily, otherwise, follow the above posts.....

 

[MoparManiac]

Just a note on leaks...

An oil leak at the back of the engine could be one of many things, not just a rear main seal...
-valve cover gasket (1 hour of your time, about $8)
-o rings on oil filter adapter (1 hour of your time, about $12 from dealer)
-pcv orifices on top of the valve cover leaking (10 minutes of your time about $20 from dealer)

Check for blowby, tranny fluid smell, t-case chain being stretched (put it in 4LO and try to brakestand it but don't do it for long or you'll strain everything; it should make itself evident real quick)

rear axle noise, look for ABS if you want it or do not

check for rust above the cat/muffler area, above the gas tank fill tube, and the floors and rockers...

Make a checklist for yourself.

 

[FlexdXJ]

127k, thats barely breaking a sweat IF it has been taken care of. All the posts above pretty much cover what you need to look for. Overall if it is clean, doesn't leak and has been maintained somewhat decently you should be set. compared to what i paid for my 97, 3500 is a good deal

 

[crossfire]

Well I took some quick pictures of the engine bay, exterior, and interior I will upload tomorrow, maybe you guys will see something I missed or maybe see something I need to comment on.