My nephew is wanting to buy an early 2000’s model Jeep Cherokee. What’s the best thing to look for to make sure it’s not already been used and abused by previous owners? Thanks.
Drive it make sure it shelves good doesn't smoke and hook up a scan tool and analyze the data especially things like shift points of the transmission and whether it's running rich or lean scan tools give that Datad really fast
Rust. You're talking about vehicles over 20 years old. Check carefully for rust.
2000 and 2001 Cherokees with the 4.0 inline six have a defective cylinder head design that is prone to cracking. When they crack coolant gets into the oil. If not promptly repaired this damages bearings and drops oil pressure, ultimately ruining the engine.
All 2001 models as well as 2000 for California have a more complex emission system with 3 catalytic converters and 4 O2 sensors. Could be challenging to get through emission inspection if you're in an area requiring that.
There are core plugs on the back of the block and cylinder head that cannot be accessed in place. (Usually the transmission is taken out and engine tilted down to replace both at the same time.)
Heater core and evaporator leaks are common. Replacement requires complete removal of the dashboard.
Being built by Chrysler they can be prone to electrical problems.
The best year for these is actually considered to be 1999, the best range of years 1997-1999.
You might want to look in a forum like the following devoted to that vehicle for more details:
