16… want to buy my first car and my budget is about 6k — I’d also like to customize n stuff. Preferably something like a jeep cherokee XJ. Ideas?

[-]

Timbo1986@reddit

XJs are great, but ZJs are often overlooked and could be a solid option. They are considerably less expensive than XJs and can be just as reliable with some work. You should be able to get a running ZJ for $1,000-$2,500 and then you would be able to put the rest of your budget in to fix and upgrading it.

[-]

Due_Law_6781@reddit

This. Xjs in my area are EXPENSIVE 6k you'll get a decent running project xj and thats all.

But 6k you can build a pretty dope zj. I had a 94. Lift kit, edlebrock performance heads, exhaust, intake, headers, previous owner did the transmission, rock sliders and front and rear bumpers with a roof rack. Went anywhere, not super tall like you can do an xj. But I daily drove it 5k miles a month for a couple years for work and took it off road.

Great deal and I think the 5.2 is relatively reliable

[-]

velowa@reddit

I used to hear that ZJs were more complicated, i.e. had more systems or electronics that could/would fail. Is that not the case? I also may not have had the most reliable sources. 😆

[-]

Timbo1986@reddit

They do indeed have more “creature comforts” as they are the Grand Cherokee. Thing such as power windows and locks are standard. They also have a separate BCM (body control module) that I don’t think XJ Cherokees have.

In my experience most if not all electrical issues with these comes down to undersized battery cables and insufficient grounding. Once those are taken care of / upgraded you will not have nearly as many issues an people will lead you to believe

[-]

velowa@reddit

That’s cool, thanks for the rundown. I’ll keep that in mind if I ever end up shopping for a budget 4x4.

[-]

AmateurEarthling@reddit

I think the only reason XJ’s have a bigger following is looks. The XJ has that box quality that the ZJ doesn’t but they’re also great cars.

[-]

Timbo1986@reddit

I totally agree, but I personally like the ZJ just as much as the XJ. The ZJ was also designed by AMC as a replacement to the XJ before Chrysler bought them so it shares a lot of the same design elements. The XJ is the OG though

[-]

AmateurEarthling@reddit

My brother in law asked me why I didn’t buy a grand Cherokee when he saw my XJ. My answer was “box”

[-]

russiansloth@reddit

You can get a decent xj for 4-6k depending on location. I have one for 4.5k in georgia. I'd suggest a late model 1999-2001 just for the updated interior, but that's personal preference.

[-]

Aos77s@reddit

Probably a very unpopular opinion but also Jeep renegade. Can get 2015-2019s for sub $10k if he wants maybe newer tech

[-]

NCSUGray90@reddit

A jeep renegade and a Jeep Cherokee XJ share nothing but the name of the manufacturer, and a lot changed in the years between when those vehicles were made. They are not similar vehicles

[-]

Aos77s@reddit

I know thats why i said unpopular opinion. Renegades the baby jeep with the turbo 4 from the discontinued dart 😭

[-]

K_M-A-Y_@reddit

As a previous owner of a renegade trail hawk, I'd avoid those like the plague.

Cracked heads within the first year of owning, electrical issues after that, and an overall below average car on the streets and on the trails. There is not much to like about the renegade.

Sold that POS as soon as I had the chance.

[-]

Jamaican_Dynamite@reddit

Jeep Renegades are cheap for multiple reasons. And none of them are good.

[-]

Goodexamples@reddit

You seem to be right, unpopular opinion.

[-]

Gothicseagull@reddit

These are years I'd skip due to having the ignition coil rail/cam sensor instead of distributor and plug wires. That coil rail is a bastard when you want to pull plugs for any reason.

2000-2001 also have the known issue of a bad casting run, so heads cracking is not uncommon. I can't say if mine was cracked, but I'd become suspicious of it just before it was sandwiched in a 6 car accident.

Fwiw I liked the updated interior, but two of my friends found it too cramped compared to their '89 and '94 interiors.

[-]

IronSlanginRed@reddit

Yeah 99-01 with the tupy heads are the ones to avoid.

[-]

NCSUGray90@reddit

97 was when the interior was updated, 97 and 98’s are the best years IMHO, you get the updated looks but still have a distributor instead of the coil packs and you don’t have to worry about the 883 head warping

[-]

Advanced-Gene-1102@reddit (OP)

thanks!

[-]

DoOgSauce@reddit

Consider an Xterra too. Not as classic as the xj, but decently iconic. They were built through 2015. But more safety features, ride better on the road and it may be easier to find one not beaten to death.

[-]

Professional_Bike336@reddit

Take it from an old guy; Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler products suck.

I’ve driven 4 different Dodge/Jeep vehicles for work and 2 blew a transmission, 1 blew the differential . 1 blew the motor.

Father in law had an XJ a few years ago. Blew 2 motors in 2 years

Not worth the headache IMO. Camry/Corolla or Civic/Accord much better first cars

[-]

Yondering43@reddit

If your FIL blew two XJ motors, whether 4 or 6 cylinder, then he must have massively abused them. They’re pretty bulletproof with very minimal maintenance.

[-]

NCSUGray90@reddit

I ran an XJ motor on 5 cylinders for 2 years before I finally got around to fixing it, I’ve literally seen videos of 4.0’s with vented blocks where someone abused and didn’t maintain them to the point where they threw a rod, but the rest of the engine kept running and going just fine (maybe a little more vibration due to said thrown piston). To actually fully kill a 4.0 is an impressive feat of negligence

[-]

NCSUGray90@reddit

I mean, you already picked the best one with a Jeep Cherokee XJ, no reason to get other options, haha.

I’m on my 3rd and I plan to keep this one for the long haul. They are exceptionally capable stock and have an extremely broad aftermarket. Pretty easy and inexpensive to work on with tons of tutorials and guides to help you get familiar with them as well. Just look out for rust and spend the extra money to buy a clean one, don’t be persuaded to buy a rusted out beater just because it has shiny wheels and a lift, buy a solid Jeep to start with and upgrade it yourself as you learn what you want to do with it

[-]

TealPotato@reddit

I would caution against spending money on mods at this stage in life/budget. Just focus on reliability. What happens when something substantial breaks and the repair is $2000?

[-]

Advanced-Gene-1102@reddit (OP)

I’ll definitely take this into account, i’d rather have a non modded car that runs rather than a modded car that doesn’t run…

[-]

Yondering43@reddit

A stock 4.0 XJ is a pretty great vehicle as-is, and if you start to be interested in off-roading you can start with some very simple and cheap modifications to improve the suspension. Just don’t plan on going crazy with engine mods. Reliability first, then upgrade the rear axle, suspension, and tires.

Same goes for a ZJ; both are great options.

[-]

poorboychevelle@reddit

Good. Just remember, if your only car doesn't run, you can't get to work....

Lotta mods you can do to satisfy the itch but not jeopardize getting to work.

[-]

rhc34@reddit

Young people mod their first cars. Almost always poorly, but cautioning against doing it is literally like yelling at the wind.

[-]

TealPotato@reddit

I waited until after I graduated college and had a real job, then I went out and bought a second car for funsies.

I knew when I was in school I would've been absolutely screwed if my car broke.

Also, my neighbors kid bought an e36 convertible (non-M3) and promptly cut off the muffler. I hate how loud it is.

I also learned that the e36 M3 was only $3k more than a non-M when new. Back when people were shelling out the big bucks for a new BMW, how could you not spring for an M for just a few bucks more? Tbh I'm annoyed that non M3 e36s exist, and even more annoyed that the kid isn't at least driving the good version of the car. /Rant

[-]

GunnerValentine@reddit

XJ's can be an awesome first project. Also can be a huge nightmare.

Do your research. The 4.0 engines like to cook themselves and blow gaskets or crack heads. People with little car sense who don't check fluids and don't keep an eye on temps break these engines. So make sure the engine youre looking at has good compression, no smoke, minimal leaks, has good looking fluids and then test drive it pretty hard. Let that engine get HOT and for a good half hour or more. We want to make sure there are no issues with the cooling. Then check fluids again and make sure there are no changes in the quality, color, etc.

Avoid someone elses project. You'll find hundreds of XJ's on Marketplace with issues or someones off road rig. Avoid these unless you know the guy and know what kind of work he did or paid to have done. You don't want to be chasing someone's bad wiring or hack job welding. And you especially don't want to inherit someone's deathwobbling, bumpsteering, pile of aftermarket parts...

What you REALLY want to find is Grandpa Joe who bought his XJ off lot in 96 and took it in at every service interval for maintenance. For your budget, if you are patient, you should be able to find a decent, stock, sub 200k miles XJ.

[-]

Yondering43@reddit

Minimal leaks? LOL how much time have you actually spent with 4.0 Jeep motors? They all leak at the rear main; that just tells you there’s still oil in it.

The cracked head thing is 2000-2001. Not a common issue with all the previous years. In all my years with them blown head gaskets are pretty rare too. Not sure where your info is from, or maybe you’re only seeing results from people intentionally thrashing them.

The exhaust manifolds do crack; that is super common. There used to be some cheap eBay headers for these, not sure if they’re still available.

Other than that and the occasional sticking lifter, these motors are pretty bulletproof. 200K miles is no big deal on these.

[-]

GunnerValentine@reddit

I take back nothing I said lmao. I was in the process of a sincere reply but it seems like this is more of a contrarian type of reply.

[-]

Warm_Regard@reddit

I can't think of a better cheap first car with good aftermarket support than that car. 90's and 2000's Civics might be the only other cars like that

[-]

GunnerValentine@reddit

Yeah I'm wondering why his post is being downvoted...

Totally reasonable budget, and a super super awesome first project choice. Reliable, easy to work on, parts available up the yin yang. Godspeed to you OP!

I'd suggest getting an earlier model, as stock as possible. Don't buy someone else's cut up and abused project jeep. You can cut it up and abuse it yourself and you'll learn more.

[-]

name4231@reddit

Yes. DO NOT BUY SOMEONES PROJECT. 5 years into that mistake and have driven it maybe 5 times. Only one of which would have been legally

[-]

yossarian19@reddit

XJ is a good one. I had an XJ for years and years, loved it the whole time. Easy to work on and pretty darn reliable. Not as high quality as a 4runner in some ways but good luck finding a decent Toyota for similar money. Besides, the XJ has that solid front axle charm.
Look around and find an XJ. You're gonna love it. If you can't wait for it, buy a beater 4Runner. Or, shit, have you considered lifting a Subaru and putting knobby tires on that?

[-]

AmateurEarthling@reddit

XJ’s are great! I have a ‘98 as my project car. It’s my daily that I also use for camping, hunting, off roading, and shooting. Takes me everywhere. I paid 4.2K for mine, cosmetically it needs work still but the PO put a reman engine in 5K miles before he sold it to me so I’ll get a shit load more miles out of it. Pretty much stock and I’m slowly going through and upgrading.