Xtra Clean XJ: 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport Classic – SOLD!

November 10th Update: We’re not surprised this very clean ’99 Cherokee lasted less than two weeks for sale on Craigslist, so we’re now able to call this one “Sold!”  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

Enjoying an eighteen-year production run with approximately three million examples produced, Jeep’s Cherokee compact SUV (better known among Jeep Peeps as the “XJ”) was the brand’s second most successful vehicle of all time, trailing (pun intended) the CJ/Wrangler series.  Virtually bullet-proof (when kept away from road salt), cheap to maintain, and extremely capable offroad, it’s becoming harder to find a low-mileage, unmodified examples such as this 1999 Sport Four-Door listed recently on Craigslist in Old Bridge, New Jersey with only 69,000 original miles and an asking price of $9,500.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their XJ priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $14,700 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $7,900.

While still under American Motors Corporation (“AMC”) and Renault combined management, designers started developing a smaller replacement for Jeep’s SJ Cherokee. Development accelerated when management learned GM was busy designing the new S-10 compact SUV and pickup line.  When it debuted for the 1984 model year, unit-body construction helped the new XJ be 1,200 lighter, 31 inches shorter, six inches narrower, and four inches lower than the Cherokee SJ it replaced.

In addition to unitized construction, engineers combined a ladder-boxed chassis integrated into the monocoque unit rather than relying on traditional separate body-on-frame construction. The design was rigid and sturdy and lightweight enough to facilitate the use of AMC’s new 2.5-liter/150-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine, which was really a Pontiac “Iron Duke” four.

Jeep marketed XJs as Sportwagons, a precursor to the modern sport utility vehicle (“SUV”) before that term came into vogue. The XJ spawned competitors as other automakers noticed the design cannibalizing sales from traditional station wagons and later on, minivans.

Here’s a 1999 vintage Cherokee Sport commercial extolling the SUV’s virtues at less cost than its competition:

The private seller states their XJ is all original save for the brand new three-inch lifted suspension and roof rack. We like that despite the lift, this XJ remains stock-looking with its factory rims hiding the suspension rise well. Other than the clear coat peeling on the roof that needs to be addressed soon, this appears to be a nice clean XJ that has a lot of life left in it for the next caretaker to take advantage of.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I AM NOT A DEALER. My name is on the title. Read the description, my number is at the bottom of the description.

1999 jeep Cherokee XJ sport classic. white w/ gray interior. never been in an accident. Original glossy white paint. All original. Clean NJ title
low 69k miles(carfax verified). exterior excellent condition 8 out of 10. excellent drive, no leaks
new oil change, new tires, new alignment, new battery
new 3” rough country suspension ( $1600 parts and labor )
no leaks! Some surface rust in the undercarriage, no frame issue. Some paint on the roof is peeling“

What would you plan to do with this Jeep XJ?  Comment below and let us know!