Description
** If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing please phone as messages seem to take ages to arrive**
Say hello to J333 EPJ, my 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ Orvis.
I purchased J333 EPJ back in 2021 as I had always wanted to own a classic Jeep Cherokee ever since I saw one when they came out. I searched for a long time to find a car matching my specific criteria:
• Orvis specification – to have all of the bells and whistles, and the all-important spoiler and hood ‘vents’. The whole package screams late ‘90s and I love it.
• 4. 0 litre ‘high output’ – arguably the best Jeep engine of all time – more powerful than the 2. 5 litre petrol and more powerful and reliable than the 2. 5 diesel.
• 1999 – the sweet spot for later XJ Cherokees, avoiding the earlier models (1996-1998) with the infamous May and Schofield alarm system, and the later years (2000-2001) with the notorious “0331” cylinder head prone to cracking. Being a 1999 avoided both of these pitfalls.
• Colour – Dark green with black interior is such a classic combination for the XJ and is really set off by the real veneer interior.
• Bodywork / rust – the unibody frame and bodywork on these stands up to rust fairly well but these vehicles are getting on and some have had a hard life, so finding a clean example was a must.
A stainless-steel cat-back exhaust system has been fitted in the past and this still looks and sounds great (a nice discreet burble, not too shouty).
I have also fitted a few period-correct accessories. New old stock driving lights (from when Ring were making quality lights), professionally wired to come on with full beam. Cobra CB radio and vintage inclinometer (again, new old stock from the ‘90s) – if these are not to your liking I can remove easily (they are not screwed down). They light up at night in complimentary colours to the dashboard, so I think they look pretty neat. There is a custom fitted parcel shelf in the boot, that can be removed quickly with thumbscrews, I found it useful for keeping things secure in the boot and hiding the spare wheel. Comes with two keys and alarm fobs.
With all of the other bits and bobs in the file that’s over £10, 000. 00 restoration work in the last few years. Clearly this has been a passion project (and a reminder of the adage that you don’t make money restoring cars)! I wanted a car that I could use reliably, so any issues were dealt with as they arose and preventative maintenance and servicing was undertaken as required. Corrosion protection has been done and topped up when needed etc. I think all of this is reflected in the MOT history with any advisories resolved by the following year. J333 EPJ has a full 12 months MOT with no advisories (as of 07/ 05/ 25) and the comments from the MOT tester ‘we don’t see many like that in such good condition any more’. Mileage is at 105, 000 currently.
I’ve owned a dozen or so different Jeeps over the years and J333 EPJ has been one of my absolute favourites. In my four years of ownership it has been utterly reliable and draws many admiring glances from those in the know. It has taken me all across the UK on holidays and to many car shows and it has never let me down. However, I now work from home full-time and cannot justify having two cars just sitting around. I am not using it as much as it deserves and there are other projects needing my attention and so I feel it is the right time for a change. I hope to find someone that will continue to cherish the vehicle and continue to use it and show it.
Still not sure you need a Jeep Cherokee XJ in your life, check out the Hagerty review here: - details above
Any questions or further information just let me know, I’m always happy to talk ‘90s Jeeps!I spared no expense to bring this Jeep up to a very high standard. I didn’t just want a Jeep that looked good, but that was also reliable, so it went through a very comprehensive restoration. I have a massive A4 ring binder of receipts and invoices, covering the history from new (including the original bill of sale and equipment list), but this is just a quick summary of the recent main upgrades and maintenance:
2018
• £1, 016. 62 – complete 3” lift kit including new control arms, front and rear springs, shock absorbers, brake lines, track bar, new speedo gear etc.
• £189. 00 - K&N cold air intake (it might not add much power but it sure sounds nice!)
2020
• £300. 06 – J333 EPJ number plate
2022
• £2, 087. 31 - complete overhaul, service and restoration when I bought it
• £1, 249. 8 - paint correction, touch ups and rustproofing
• £919. 65 - full set of BF Goodrich all-terrains in 31X10. 5R15
• £534. 00 – complete upgrade of sound system with DAB head unit and Hertz speakers all round (Ultimate Audio)
2023
• £459. 48 - refurbished prop shafts and fitting
• £573. 00 - remanufactured steering box and fitting
• £170. 00 – repair and polish of interior wood veneers (the Orvis was the only specification to feature real wood veneers and they all will need repair by now)
2024
• £2, 017. 72 - complete brake system overhaul front to rear (including new brake lines, brake hoses, dust shields, callipers pads, shoes, discs – the lot!)
• £145. 00 – half-wood steering wheel upgrade from Grand Cherokee (switches/ cruise control all working)
