Hi!
I’m possibly looking at getting a 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4 door with the “command-trac” 4x4 system, frame looks fantastic for its age, 4 speed automatic, and it has about 160,000 miles on it. I realize how you feel about Chrysler’s but from my research the 4.0 i6 is incredibly reliable and from what I read it’s very possible for them to get over 300k miles and it was designed in the late 70s-80s before Chrysler obtained AMC/Jeep. The owner has included all 20 years of maintenance that they’ve done themselves and the work that the local mechanic has done. Overall looks like no red flags. Should I go forward and buy it?
Those are very robust vehicles, but it is 20 years old so age-related problems can be expected. A downside of the 2001 model is it has a complex and expensive emission control system employing three catalytic converters (two pre-cats in the exhaust manifold and a main cat under the vehicle) with 4 oxygen sensors. Costs a bundle to repair when that goes bad, so if you're in an area with emissions testing be sure to check for any codes and inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks.
Another issue is that 2000-2001 Cherokees with the 4.0 are prone to the cylinder head cracking. You'll want to check for that because it causes coolant to mix with the oil, wiping out engine bearings. The leak can be seen from the oil filler on the valve cover (search youtube) and bearing damage will cause low oil pressure. Replacement cylinder heads with the fault corrected are available.
They are prone to rain leaking in under the carpet on the front passenger side which will ultimately rust through so you might want to pull up the carpet to check the floor if the seller will let you. At least look carefully underneath for any perforation.
Forgot to mention, these are also prone to heater core and evaporator leaks, both of which require removal of the dashboard to replace. (Usually if one goes both are replaced at the same time. There is plenty of info out there on doing the job.)
The engine as you mentioned is not a Chrysler engine. It is an evolution of the Rambler 7-main-bearing inline six which was originally introduced by AMC in 1964 and enjoyed a reputation for smoothness and durability for decades. The main PITA are core plugs in back of the block and cylinder head. When those rot out you need to drop the trans (or pull the engine) to replace them. Look for any coolant drips coming from the bell housing area.
Aha! I always thought that the 4.0 that was in my Commanche was actually the AMC 258 c.i. engine in disguise, or possibly the 232
The 4.0 is based on the AMC 258 by way of the AMC 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The AMC four was derived from the 258 by taking out the two center cylinders and redesigning the cylinder head. The 4.0 was then extended from the 4-cylinder engine. (An over-simplification but that's basically the way it was done.)
The 4.0 uses the same basic architecture as the Rambler 232 of 1964 and many internal parts interchange. In fact you can drop the crank from a 258 into the 4.0 to make a "stroker" 4.6L engine, a fairly popular modification. You can also install the cylinder head from a 4.0 on a 258 for improved flow.
my neighbor has one over 400k, leaks rain water, keeps an oil pan under it when parked, but it keeps on going
to me, i would take it at a very reasonable price to play with, probably wouldnt try to drive it everyday
the man who bought my jeep said the 4.0L is a great engine
I would pass personally.
