Issues to look for on 97-98 XJ?

ajblbv · 09-28-2003, 05:09 PM

My mom wants an XJ, since her current main vehicle (GMC Safari with AWD) is beginning to have reliablity issues. I figure that she would definitely want the updated and more comfortable interior of a 97+ XJ, but does not want to spend more then 8500, so that puts her in the 97-98 XJ area. Options that are going to be looked for are ABS, power windows, power locks, rear wiper/defog. For a transfer case I think a 242 is the best, so she can leave it in full if she feels she needs it. It will most likely never be modded and if it sees offroad it may be camping trails. However it will see winter use.

So I was wondering if there are any issues? I have searched and see nothing bad, and have not heard repetitious complaints about anything imparticular. Is the ABS in these years a good system? I know the Renix system was terrible. Also was wondering your stance on buying from a dealer with some type of short term warranty, or private party. Due to the reliability and such of XJs I am leaning towards private party for savings.

Any feedback/advice is welcome. Thanks a lot.

98_XJ_LTD · 09-28-2003, 05:51 PM

Well the only "issue" I've had with my 98 is that the gas guage is a little quirky. Like when I'm between 1/2 and 3/4 of a tank, it will just drop down to 'E' for no apparent reason, then it'll jump back up to where it's supposed to be. I've gotten used to it and have just written it off as one of those little quirks about owning a Jeep.

My $0.02

Chad

blahman · 09-28-2003, 07:37 PM

Hey there,

I just recently purchased a 98 XJ and did this same thing with the questions. What I got was people saying to avoid the ABS systems, as though they weren't particularly /bad/ par sey, they weren't good. The standard, non-abs system is far better, and I have yet to lock my tires up.

Another thing was to make sure you have the system scanned by a dealer or someone you trust with a computer. Some things may be reported to your computer, but it doesn't always deem it necessary to throw the code out to you. When I purchased mine, I neglected to have this done, and now, $450 in sensors later, the truck is still running crappy with a 'low voltage to map sensor' code. This is after 2 new O2's, a tps, and cluster sensor.

Other than that...just make sure the hubs and U-joints are okay all over. If there's is any clunking coming from the front end when in reverse..(or anything), be extrememly weery.

Good luck with everything!

Aaron

KSasswipe · 09-28-2003, 10:49 PM

Check and make sure the passanger power window buttons work correctly.

Gas gage may bob up and down, no big deal.

It is pretty easy to lock up the tires in winter, so abs may be a good idea.
Its always good to have during the winter for someone who is not comfortable with driving in slippery conditions. Most people that dislike it is because its not as good for offroad and it may not activate as they like.

Make sure to take it to a shop you trust and have it inspected. Its worth the cost.

09-28-2003, 05:09 PM	#1
ajblbv Registered Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Landisville, PA Posts: 727 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Issues to look for on 97-98 XJ? My mom wants an XJ, since her current main vehicle (GMC Safari with AWD) is beginning to have reliablity issues. I figure that she would definitely want the updated and more comfortable interior of a 97+ XJ, but does not want to spend more then 8500, so that puts her in the 97-98 XJ area. Options that are going to be looked for are ABS, power windows, power locks, rear wiper/defog. For a transfer case I think a 242 is the best, so she can leave it in full if she feels she needs it. It will most likely never be modded and if it sees offroad it may be camping trails. However it will see winter use. So I was wondering if there are any issues? I have searched and see nothing bad, and have not heard repetitious complaints about anything imparticular. Is the ABS in these years a good system? I know the Renix system was terrible. Also was wondering your stance on buying from a dealer with some type of short term warranty, or private party. Due to the reliability and such of XJs I am leaning towards private party for savings. Any feedback/advice is welcome. Thanks a lot.

09-28-2003, 05:51 PM	#2
98_XJ_LTD Registered Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 561 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well the only "issue" I've had with my 98 is that the gas guage is a little quirky. Like when I'm between 1/2 and 3/4 of a tank, it will just drop down to 'E' for no apparent reason, then it'll jump back up to where it's supposed to be. I've gotten used to it and have just written it off as one of those little quirks about owning a Jeep. My $0.02 Chad __________________ 98 XJ 4.0 Auto with 'stuff' :jammin: 04.5 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6-speed with 'stuff' :coool:

09-28-2003, 07:37 PM	#3
blahman Registered Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Englewood, Florida Posts: 142 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hey there, I just recently purchased a 98 XJ and did this same thing with the questions. What I got was people saying to avoid the ABS systems, as though they weren't particularly /bad/ par sey, they weren't good. The standard, non-abs system is far better, and I have yet to lock my tires up. Another thing was to make sure you have the system scanned by a dealer or someone you trust with a computer. Some things may be reported to your computer, but it doesn't always deem it necessary to throw the code out to you. When I purchased mine, I neglected to have this done, and now, $450 in sensors later, the truck is still running crappy with a 'low voltage to map sensor' code. This is after 2 new O2's, a tps, and cluster sensor. Other than that...just make sure the hubs and U-joints are okay all over. If there's is any clunking coming from the front end when in reverse..(or anything), be extrememly weery. Good luck with everything! Aaron __________________ '95 YJ

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09-28-2003, 10:49 PM	#4
KSasswipe Banned Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,051 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Check and make sure the passanger power window buttons work correctly. Gas gage may bob up and down, no big deal. It is pretty easy to lock up the tires in winter, so abs may be a good idea. Its always good to have during the winter for someone who is not comfortable with driving in slippery conditions. Most people that dislike it is because its not as good for offroad and it may not activate as they like. Make sure to take it to a shop you trust and have it inspected. Its worth the cost.