2009 Cherokee General 3.7?

[urrlord]

General 3.7 ?
Ok, I'm looking at a 2009 Cherokee 221k with a 3.7 . Owner parked it 18 months ago when he bought a hemi version. Says it had started running on the warm end of the scale but didn't overheat(he would turn the heater on and the temp would drop).He did a hydrocarbon test for head gasket failure which was negative.Whilst he wasn't driving it he replaced the water pump, radiator , thermostat etc. Says it's throwing a code for a temp control sensor. Reports no white smoke, I looked at it while he wasn't home, because he is moving (couldn't crank/drive it)with his permission. Oil is dark gray, no chocolate milk, no sludge on the radiator cap or the filler neck, no sludge in the overflow, system was pressurized when I opened the radiator cap. So all of that looks good. But here's the odd part..
The overflow tank smells odd kinda like an old plastic gas can/jug.
Guy said he has drove several times for 20 -30 minutes and let it idle for 45 minutes after one drive with no issues
I thought with the cooling system replacements he was chasing a failing head gasket but I don't really see any signs of it.
The vehicle is in pretty good shape and I'm tempted (he's came down to a grand for it)but cautious. Any idea why the overflow tank smells like that? I looked online and one of the answers was it's near the charcoal vapor system and can absorb the smell.
Any answers/ suggestions
Thanks

 

[hemitom]

Do your own hydro carbon test !
I wouldn't take him on his word .

 

[Chris142]

Keep in mind that if it turns out it needs an engine that there's no such thing as a good used 3.7L. They are all junk.

 

[clinebarger]

Could have a cracked head, Not uncommon with Chrysler 3.7L/4.7L engines. They like to drop valve seats after a severe overheat event.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I have the 3.7 in my 05 KJ with 233k on it. I had it in an 09 WK like what you're looking at too. Those cooling items are pretty common failure points. I wouldn't buy it though knowing it was overheating. They don't like that. Plus, speaking from experience, get a V8 one. Be it a 4.7 with a good history or a Hemi one. The 3.7 doesn't scoot a 4500lb vehicle around at all, more power is always welcome. And they all get the same 15 mpg. Plus it sucks not having low range, it was a very very very rare option in 09 and 2010 to have low range with the 3.7.

 

[urrlord]

I forgot to say 2wd

 

[urrlord]

I forgot to say 2wd

 

[QwikKota]

I love both of my Dakotas with the 4.7L but when we bought a Liberty in 2006 the 3.7L was severely underpowered, even with a manual. Is this a full size Cherokee?