1998 Jeep Cherokee High Mileage Buy

1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
Avatar
MGARANA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
hey ... there is this car for sale cherokee 1998 400,000 Km .. in a very good exterior shape ... never had an accident .. most of the kms were done on a high way.. it's fairly good in price due to the high mileage so here is the thing ... what procedures should i take so that i will be somewhat sure that this engine won't break down like in the next 5,000 km or so ? would a full car checkup at a jeep certified workshop do the thing ? or the generated report is not always efficient ... Would i need to replace the whole engine ? or just normal maintenance
thanks
Mar 27, 2006 at 3:48 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi,

This question is difficult to answer. Everything can be working properly and as designed at this time and then fail a day later. If you have a shop inspect it, they can tell you it appears good, but they can't guarantee how long it will last.

With this many miles on the vehicle, there is more to consider other than just the engine or transmission. Keep in mind, the wheel bearings, transfer case, braking system, electrical system including the ECM, and everything on the vehicle has a lot of miles.

When you look at a vehicle with this many miles, it should only be purchased if the price is right, things are working properly when purchased, and with the idea that anything can fail at any time. In other words, prepare yourself for repairs regardless of how it is running now. Everything has a limit and eventually fails.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Jun 4, 2024 at 12:55 PM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Have a shop inspect the 1998 Jeep Cherokee, but do not expect any guarantee of remaining life. With about 400,000 km, buy only if the price is right and everything currently works, and budget for possible failures of the engine, transmission, wheel bearings, transfer case, brakes, and electrical system including the ECM. Engine replacement is not automatically required if it is running properly.

Conversation Summary

A buyer asked whether a Jeep-certified inspection of a 1998 Cherokee with about 400,000 km would confirm the engine would last another 5,000 km, or whether the engine should be replaced. The expert said an inspection can only assess current condition and cannot guarantee future reliability. High-mileage parts beyond the engine and transmission can fail at any time, so the vehicle should be purchased only if the price is right and the buyer is prepared for repairs.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle