- Seller: LB B (Contact)
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Mileage: 277,225 Shown
- Chassis #: 1J4FT68S6TL246333
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 4.0-Liter HO Inline-6
- Transmission: Automatic
Some vehicles earn their reputation the hard way—mile after mile, year after year. This 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4×4, now offered as a Barn Finds Auction out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is one of those machines. With 277,225 miles, a clean title, and Jeep’s famously durable 4.0 HO engine paired with an automatic transmission, this Cherokee represents the kind of long-term ownership story that made the XJ a legend in the first place.
While the written description itself is brief—directing buyers to a photo showing a list of all the work that’s been done—the fundamentals are clear. It’s a genuine 1996 Cherokee XJ, equipped with four-wheel drive, and powered by the drivetrain combination that enthusiasts continue to seek out decades later. And it’s had a massive amount of work done to make sure it’s ready for the road or trails.
The Jeep Cherokee XJ occupies a unique place in automotive history. Compact, rugged, and mechanically straightforward, these vehicles earned their reputation not through luxury or technology, but through consistency and durability. The 4.0 HO engine in particular became known for its ability to rack up high mileage when properly maintained, making odometer readings like this one part of the XJ story rather than a deterrent. Many owners will tell you that these Jeeps feel just as confident at 200,000 miles as they did at half that. It has been professionally rebuilt and was bored 0.20 over, so it should have a lot of life left in it. Be sure to take a look at the list of work that’s been done in the gallery below.
This Cherokee is being offered with a clean title, an essential detail for collectors and enthusiasts alike, especially as values for well-kept or correctly built XJs continue to rise. The seller has chosen to let the photos do the talking when it comes to condition, presentation, and any modifications or details beyond the basic specifications listed. As always with an auction like this, a careful review of the gallery is encouraged.
What makes listings like this compelling is the honesty. There’s no attempt to oversell mileage, hide history, or dress the vehicle up with unnecessary claims. Instead, it’s presented as what it is: a real-deal XJ with real-world miles, offered in a market that increasingly recognizes the Cherokee’s place as one of the most capable and beloved SUVs ever built.
Whether viewed as a collector-grade example, a high-end enthusiast vehicle, or a reflection of how far these Jeeps can truly go, this Cherokee stands as proof that longevity is part of the XJ DNA.
Is this the kind of high-mileage survivor you trust because of what it’s already proven—or does it make you appreciate just how durable the Cherokee really was?
Bid On This Auction
JCA bid $1,000.00 2026-01-12 17:02:21
Description in gallery.
More photos soon.
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https://youtu.be/1d2w2N_KlfQ?si=7A7nAFhvfG7NWA7e
Video interior 3
https://youtu.be/hU1mGHelUM0?si=SgHe2whYZwSwrGD0
Video interior 2
https://youtu.be/u1d3QGtmA_0?si=3jFQoTmv2HMEqHkp
Video interior 1
https://youtu.be/L3gy5-7Q16E?si=cp0tpq-0f8AzD29N
Video underneath 3
https://youtu.be/iTNYnCY9XvI?si=ZFFkwohZociX3dEk
Video underneath 2
https://youtu.be/188d2u_H7kk?si=Bxl52qt-YWrq5xGB
Video underneath 1
https://youtu.be/U9w1frKKPIQ?si=QlU-AhrN8Oz_s0Ik
Video engine
https://youtu.be/MTLoPlyD73E?si=KJ0Gbw6wKFFXuk0e
Video exterior
Details
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This beauty is built for more than show. 🏕 serious off road chops. Hopefully its about to spend alot of time on the trails. Good luck with the auction 👍
Thank you
The whole build has about 4k miles on it..was restored completely around 273k miles..
0 miles on off-roading since build..
Well thought out and executed, good luck with the sale.
Steve R
Thank you
I agree, well thought out and executed. I know that the transmission is rebuilt. But this is the Achilles heel on these vehicles. And the big tires won’t be a positive for transmission life. But, every vehicle has it’s weak points. This quality vehicle shows attention to detail and love and caring in the assembly. It has to be painful to let it go. Good luck with your auction!
Thank you
I Live in Vermont and have owned and driven a few of these ( post 2000). They were great vehicles. The automatics (post 2000) were bulletproof, however I preferred the manual trans units and never had an issue. The big problem here is that the rear subframes were prone to rust and Vermont does not tolerate frame rust….hence…. there are not any more up here! This guy did an amazing job of restoration with nothing to spare. I only hope he will recoup at least some of his investment.
This is not a restoration. It’s a resto-mod. Making it better than new. Out west here there are many for sale. Most have broken transmissions. The same goes for Grand Cherokees with the same engine and transmission combination. Maybe back east they don’t “REALLY” use these to the best of their ability. Here (Northern Nevada) there are times when low range is needed for miles on end just climbing a grade off road. Best to add a large transmission cooler with it’s own cooling fan.
L
I will be uploading a driving video on highway speed..but it drive straight as an arrow and smooth even up to 75 mph and up without holding the steering wheel..
Along the way there will be more random photos..like the matching spare wheel and tire and carrier roof rack that comes with jeep..thanks everyone for interest..
https://youtu.be/41xgo0qYDew?si=Fl_lfiD1hIdeVCyA
Exterior 2
Nice build, but that’s not a V6.
https://youtube.com/shorts/WyVGlUF6Bz8?si=cyD_vfRqT_m5Vzhf
Driving in highway/freeway speed. No vibration, steering issue or death wobble..drive smooth and straight..
Spare tire and carrier
Complete components for heated seats, will need to be install.
For those who like music and audio.
Audio b
Audio c
Audio d
If your familiar with the floormats.. hard to find..
Tear floormat
Rear floormat
Weathertech trunk liner
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Like to mention also that the xj always be using a valvoline VR1 oil ..ideal for the flat tappet cam and forged internals. and use premium non ethanol fuel.