2001 Jeep Cherokee for sale by owner - Madison, WI - craigslist (2024)

The GOOD-
-Last year of the legendary 'Box' XJ.
-60 Anniversary Edition. This package included body colored fender flares, bumpers etc., unique, 16" wheels, badges, keyless entry, and maybe some other stuff. Not a huge deal but kind of cool.
-Always starts.
-Does not burn any oil.
-Trans shifts well.
-4WD works properly. This thing is a tank in the snow.
-While not rust free, has less rust than most around here. This is likely due to spending the first half of its life in VA.
-Has a factory installed tow package. This allows for towing of up to 5000# and includes a transmission cooler. I don't know if it has ever been used but it is nice to have.
-Has 5 matching alloy wheels with tires having decent tread.
-Comes with actual Chrysler service manual and wiring diagrams. These are expensive and really nice to have.
-Has a Pioneer CD player but also includes the factory radio/tape deck. I have never used it but I assume it works or it would not have been saved(?)
-All lights, gauges, windows, locks, cruise control, heat, etc work.
-Has HELLA Euro-Code headlights installed. These are much better than the US sealed beam headlights and it also means that with a wiring upgrade to relays (kits available online for $50 or so) you can upgrade bulbs to any wattage just like any modern vehicle.
-Exhaust including Cat is newer, rear brake lines are newer, battery is only a few years old, not sure what else - cannot remember everything.
-Other that specific things listed below, interior is in decent condition. Seats are not torn, dash is not cracked etc.
-Parts for these XJs are cheap and readily available. Just check out Rock Auto, Ebay etc. It is also really easy to work on having been designed in the late 70s.
-I have owned this Jeep or almost 10 years and it has been a very reliable vehicle for me.

Sounds great, right?

Now for the BAD-

-The front bumper (the metal part and the two plastic end caps) is crushed due to a minor accident. The parts are readily available for abut $200 but would have to be painted to match. Or you could buy an ARB/winch style bumper.
-The left, front tire is a spare. The tire that is supposed to be on there has a slow leak and I replaced it for storage purposes.
-The two left doors both have rust on their bottoms. this is the worst body rust on the vehicle. Strangely, the rockers are still solid. This is a common color and doors do not seem too hard to come by at salvage yards.
-If the left, rear door is opened when the front door is closed, it binds against the front door. This would be something to address when/if the doors are replaced. I am in the habit of leaving the front door open first but obviously this is not normal.
-The left, rear stabilizer bar end link is broken and it is making a bunch of noise, End links are typically $10-15 and easy to replace.
-The left, rear leaf spring is broken. Specifically, the lowest/smallest leaf is broken and mostly missing. Options include replacing the missing leaf, replacing the spring pack with a used one (available at a salvage yard in Arena removed for $75,) replacing the spring packs with new ones (starting at around $100 ea at Rock Auto.,) or, of course, there are many options for aftermarket or lift spring kits.
-Drips a little oil. not so much that I have ever had to add. It's a Jeep Thing!
-Due for an oil change.
-Keys. The Keys I have only work in the drivers door and the ignition. I am not sure if the passenger door or liftgate are actually keyed differently or if the keys just have a sloppy grind. And to say that they work in the ignition is a bit of a stretch as well I guess. They work fine for me because I know just how to turn them but no one else can seem to get them to start it. The Jeep reportedly has keyless entry and I was given two new fobs when I bought it but they apparently need to be programmed by a dealer or by a locksmith with the right equipment.
-The drivers seat is loose on the floor. Not sure why. Broken fasteners or fasteners pulled through the seat pan?
-The rear portion of the center console is also loose on the floor. Probably for similar reasons.
-The headliner is removed. The liner itself is a fiberglass board that I have cleaned of all residue. I bought the correct foam-backed cloth liner and several cans of adhesive. This will all be included as will all related trim, dome lights, speakers etc that have been removed. There are a bunch of YouTube videos on how to replace the liner. It looks fairly simple. Basically, you just stick down a few feet at a time to keep it manageable.
-The A/C does not work. The compressor is free and all the parts are there but I have tried to install refrigerant with no results so I assume there is a large leak somewhere.
-The hood currently will not open. Not sure why. The cable is newer and not broken. I will keep working on it.

Anyway, that is all I can think of. I am trying to be as forthright as possible and not looking to rip anyone off. Again, I consider this Jeep a project and it clearly has needs. When I bought this Jeep almost 10 years ago I looked for a while to find a good one and they have only become more rare and more expensive since then. Nice, original, low mileage ones go for $15-25K on Bring a Trailer etc. This is obviously not one of those but I think that with about $1000 or so in parts and some time and effort, someone could have a nice, driver quality XJ, worth about $6-7000 pretty easily. I would like to see this go to a Jeep enthusiast who will either restore or modify it. I also think this would make a great father/son project as well.

If you want to check it out w/o me I can tell you where it is and leave it open for you or, if you want to meet, I can show you how well it starts, runs etc.

Thank You,
Adrien