But the article doesn't state which engine has problems, or even if the
engine is diesel or petrol. It refers to the purchase of a vehicle with
85,000 km on the clock which by 95,000 km developed a crack in the head.
The judgment is that the seller is responsible for the repair even though
the fault was a manufacturing fault. The manufacturer admitted that many
vehicles had failed cylinder heads between 80 and 120,000 km and that the
design has since been revised.

Note that it says the cylinder head had been revised, not that another
engine had been used.

This makes me suspect that the engine in question is *not* the VM diesel.
Since Jeep have not just revised the cylinder head for current models but
have co-developed a new five cylinder 3.1 diesel wih VM Motori.

And I found this:

http://experts.about.com/q/Jeep-Repair-817/00-G-Cherokee-4.htm

"Some 4.0L's would also have cracked cylinder heads that the crack could be
seen when the oil cap is removed.  When they came out with the coil-rail
designed coil-on-plug ignition system there's something about the way the
bosses were cast in that hold the coil rail that caused the heads to crack
thus leaking coolant in to the oil once the coolant reached a certain
pressure."

This makes me suspect that the ADAC article refers also to the 4.0 straight
six rather than the VM engine.

Get the 4 litre, auto, and LPG it. Generally very very tough if given
regualr maintanance (grease nipples and fresh oil)

Rear diffs can be whiney, and need the pinion bearing re-shimming to cure,
but will keep going for a good while despite the noise.

Inspect the underbody on any propsective purchase for signs of off roading.

Rear springs can sag with age, especially if used for towing- pretty cheap
to replace.

Tim.