I am taking my son to look at a 1999 Jeep Cherokee limited. What should I be looking for and asking?

Question

The seller published it in the newspaper and said he bought a new one, so he was selling the old one. It has 4 wheel drive and is a 6 cylinder. Its loaded and I think they are asking $9500. for it. It has 75000 mi. and the tires are new. Help me think of questions to ask so I dont look like a greenhorn. I am a adult woman who raised this kid alone, but I know nothing about buying used cars.

We are from illinois. We have been looking for the right vehicle for a long time. I also dont understand what possible reason the guy didnt trade it in on his new vehicle. Any thoughts on that one?

Answer 1

I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2 wheel drive and loaded (you didn't say "Grand") but still - this all may help. As for why he didn't trade... Dealers will never give you what a vehicle is worth to a private party. He probably wants to get the extra $3,000 out of it - if it really is mechanically ok. Here's what to check: Transmission neglect is a big one. If the owner can't show records that the transmission fluid has been changed at least a couple of times (every 24,000 or 2 years is best), then I'd move on. Transmission repair can be $4,000! Also, I've had minor annoyances with 2 of the power windows and 2 of the power door locks needing replacement. Now I need to replace the drivers seat track for $850. But then, I weigh 245 lbs and the vehicle has 111,000 miles. I would check everything - heater, a/c, look at it both day and night so you can see all the lights inside and out. Be bold, but be respectful of the other person and their vehicle. Ask them if you (or they) can operate everything - fold the seats, test the 10-cd changer if it has one (that always breaks). At the very least, show you that everything is working. They know their car, and chances are, they'll be up front with you. If not, be suspicious. And read everyones' answers here. Overall, I never want to get rid of mine. It still looks new inside and out - but I've replaced a lot of minor and a few not so minor things - mostly purchased on eBay. Go to www.kbb.com to verify the price (Kelly Blue Book online). Good luck!

Answer 2

Jeep Grand Chrokees are really nice trucks, yes they're a truck. First of all look for any visual signs of abuse, if it has a lift kit don't buy it, trust me your son will either get into trouble or injured or killed. I live in Idaho and do search and rescue and have seen what happens when kids get a hold of a offroad capable vehicle. I own a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 4.0 Liter Inline 6. Its been a great truck and it had 146,000 miles on it when I got it 4 years ago and it now has 180,000 miles on it and still runs great. As for miles on these vehicles its hard to determine if they are actual miles because if the previous owner towed the vehicle behind a motorhome then the miles aren't going to be exact because the tires will have the 75,000 miles on them but the engine and transmission would have less. Do a carfax report on the vehicle its about $19 and find out the title and vehicle history to see if it has been wrecked, if the title is clean or if it is a salvage vehicle. I just checked the Blue Book value on your vehicle and its stated at $12,000 in Excellent shape so $9500 isn't a bad start but if you find anything wrong fluid leaks, interior stains, tears or anything of that nature start haggling on price. Yes if it is the Limited edition it will be loaded, power everything and premium sound stereo system. The 6 cylinder engines are strong engines and will run forever if properly taken care of, if you don't have the oil changed an routine maintenance done they will not last. If you or your son have questions feel free to contact me at [e-mail].

Answer 3

Hello, I owned a 1999 Grand Cherokee limited myself. Here are just a few known problems that I encountered: Had some brake trouble, take a look at that, make sure the 4X4 is working before you buy it, fuel pump has a tendency to go bad, but is an easy fix. Make sure the vehicle has been regularly serviced, when they need new filters, etc. they become so starved for power they can barely pull an incline.
And despite what others above have said, 75,000 mile IS NOT alot of miles for a 99 by any means. The 4.0 inline sixes are tough as nails. My 99 was getting ready to tun over 200,000 miles, the seat were worn out, shocks were shot, and it looked like hell, but the engine never missed a beat.

The guy is probably selling it rather than trading it becasue dealers screw you over on trade- ins usually.

Answer 4

I just bought a 2000 jeep cherokee sport for 7500 after taxes just two days ago. they stoped makeing jeep cherokees in 2001 soo 1999 isn't to bad of a year. sure its 8 years old as of tomarrw but jeep are great vehicles. i did alot of research on them because i wanted to make sure i was getting a great vehicle, this whole talk about the transmission going out is b.s. and for 75000 that is actually a great deal. jeeps are very popular because they are very good suvs and were made for rough terrain. you should have no problem with the jeep as long as it was well kept. jeeps usually go up to 250,000 with out needing maintnaince so if it looks good sounds good and ur son like it id say go for it.

Answer 5

well the 4.0 inline 6 is a bulletproof engine it will last forever as long as you change the oil reguarly. 9500 seems like a lot of $$$ for something that old and with that many miles on it.. but if its in gr8 shape it might be worth 6500 or 7000. no 9 yr old jeep is worth 9500 unless its been beefed up and has a decent lift and a nice set of tires and wheels. and then i would be worth 8000 maybe 8500. but Cherokees are GR8 cars they last forever, parts fairly cheap and my family love them hopefully you will too.


PS
JEEPS DO NOT HAVE WEAK TRANNYS MY 94 HAS ORIGIANL TRANS IN IT AN IT PULLS LIKES FRESH OUT OF THE BOX.

Answer 6

i have a 1999 black grand jeep cherokee and mine has a 10 CD disk changer in the back. (there is a mount in the back hatch on the right side like a little compartment mines in there) i had one when i bought mine (mine has all the extras like electric everything sun roof and keyless entry) so it might already have one. if not you can buy kits for round sided stereos i replaced mine in the front about a month ago. cost 169

Answer 7

Ask for the service history and or if they have any service records for the vehicle. You might want to have sum1 look underneath the Jeep for any kind of leaks are excessive mud build up. Hope this helps alil.

Answer 8

Tranny problems,check the shifting from rev. to drive see if there's a hesitation. and how smooth it shifts from first to second. There will be something different there than your use to but listen for a clunk. Do it up hill and see if it takes longer to shift than you think normal. If dealer or seller says it's normal ask for a specific warrenty on the tranny or leave it set. Got an 03 love it but I see problems coming

Answer 9

i mechanic for a living ,so i can help you ,,first off you need to ask if it has ever been in any kind of an accident,,minor or major,,second find out if it has ever given any kind of transmission or engine problems,and look under it for any signs of anything leaking on it at all,if you see a drop of anything ask about it,and why its doing it,,also ask to see a good maintenance record if they have one for it,,,then drive it,,it should run and drive like a new one,with no more miles than it has on it,,after all of this if your satisfied with ,it the negotiate on the price,,if their asking that much ,i know they,ll take less for it,,look at the oil in it also see if it looks clean or dirty,,all you can do is take a chance with it,,if your satisfied with all you findings on it,,good luck with it ,i hope this help,s.happy new years.

Answer 10

before you meet with the seller go to automotiveforums.com. Follow the link to "forum" and then search forum for 1999 jeep cherkee limited... you can then see the most asked questions and comment for the model...... you'll see the good and bad....good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR..... You can get more money selling it than trade in value....