1999 Jeep XJ Cherokee Classic – SOLD!

July 21, 2021 Update – Not surprisingly, just one day after we featured this XJ listed for only $5,800, we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

It’s hard to believe that Jeep marketed its now-iconic XJ compact from 1984 through 2001 in the U.S. while in certain other markets the design lasted until the 2014 model year.  Once a very common sight on suburban roads across America, finding an unmolested, rust-free, inline-six powered, four-wheel-drive version is becoming more difficult by the day.  That’s why we predict this black over gray cloth example originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in nearby Frenchtown, New Jersey will not last long with a $5,800 asking price. currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their XJ Classic priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $3,500 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $8,400.  The fact Hagerty Insurance now lists valuations for XJ Cherokees should tell you something about how collectible they’ve become, especially among the Rad Era (1980-1999) enthusiasts.

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 pounds 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. Optional and much more desirable was a modernized version of AMC’s virtually indestructible 258 cubic inch inline-six.

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:

If you are in the market for a Cherokee XK on the cheap, pick this one up fast. Don’t let the 178,000 miles on the odometer scare you; as long as the oil has been changed regularly on the inline-six, the engine likely has many more miles left to go on this XJ. From what we can tell from the pictures, a fresh carpet and a new headliner would have you driving a very nice Cherokee that belies its mileage. 

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I am selling my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic XJ. One family owned since new. Has the 4.0 liter inline six-cylinder with automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive. Always extremely well maintained. There is not a single area of rust or rot anywhere on this truck. The body, frame, door jams, rockers are all completely rust-free. The truck needs nothing. Runs and drives perfectly. Just installed a new battery. Tires recent. Has 178,000 miles. PLEASE READ: Email offers deleted and not responded to. “still available” deleted and not responded to. If you are interested send your name and phone number.​“

Show or go: what would you do with this Jeep XJ?  Comment below and let us know!