Thinking bout replacing my DD with a Jeep Cherokee....

Thinking about the change....finding decent ones on line for 4-6 K. Is there anything, or problems I should know about?? Probably not going off road, but just back and forth to work, and going to PA to visit my parents.....Looking for decent transportation.....Thoughts?????

What body cherokee?

Go for the 4.0 six cylinder and a regular Cherokee, not one of the Grands. Light weight and that nearly indestructible straight six would be the best, IMHO.

R

I would recommend an XJ body aswell with a 5spd ax15 not pogoet or whatever it is. Not as strong.

Peugeot

The Grand Cherokee was a more upscale, luxury vehicle. In certain years the 4.0 six was available in the Grand Cherokee. Other models had the 5.2 (318 magnum), the 5.9 (360 magnum), the 4.7 engine, and I think some of the newer ones had the 5.7 Hemi as well.

The Grand Cherokee is nicer than the regular Cherokee, but will most likely cost more to own. The regular Cherokee has a better repair record in most if not all model years. (In some model years it's MUCH better!) The Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 & 5.9's have a reputation for being gas hogs.

I own a regular Cherokee that has most of the bells and whistles found on the Grand Cherokee. The well equiped Cherokees aren't real common in this area, but can be found with a little searching. If it's going to be driven primarily on the road, I'd get one with the handling package. The easy way to identify these models is to look for a rear sway bar. Mine is an automatic. It has the transfer case that has full time and part time four wheel drive along with 2 wheel drive. On the winter roads around here, I really like the full time 4x4 option. In some areas that may not be an important consideration.

The main down side to any of the Cherokee's was electrical wiring. They didnt have a great track record.

But thats not to say they are junk. But if you can find one with fewer power options you may save some gremlin chasing in the future.

Also the XJ's were prone to rust, but in the price range you are looking, that shouldn't be as much of an issue.

the 4 cylinder was nearly bullet proof, and they are a very capable line. Numerous aftermarket goodies for them as well.

The standard Cherokees with the 4.0 are loads of fun to drive and have pretty good fuel consuption. >20 MPG on the highway with the 5 speed. I understand the often go 200k+ before overhaul. My daughter's has 120k with basic maintenance and an alternator.

I guess I should wade in here. I've had my '98 Grand Cherokee for a long time now. 156,000+ miles worth of long time. It's got the 4.0 six, auto, 4X4. The only things that have given me trouble are the rear axel bearings, and the water drain for the hearter/A/C unit. As I have stated on here numerous times, this is the best truck I've ever owned! I'm sure others will tell you they've had thair share of troubles with these Jeeps. But I for one am as pleased as punch with mine. Just make sure you get service records with any one you find. It could mean a big differance as to how it's been taken care of.

I have a '99 Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L in it. It is the limited model and has the optional quadra-drive so it is full time 4wd. Gets about 17 mpg running 75mph highway everyday. Has more bells and whistles than anyone really needs. Rides nice, fairly quiet. Blend doors and actuators are very common problems if they have the auto climate control. Window regulators, like a lot of other Chrysler stuff. It's a nice ride, but for what I need it defeats the purpose of a daily driver.

I just picked this one up today. This will be my new DD. Hopefully they are as good as everyone says they are. I had been searching off and on for TWO years to find the right one. In the end, I got this one with a little more miles than I wanted, but it is SUPER clean and by far the nicest one I have looked at. Plus it already has stuff done to it that I was planning to do myself... Like the 3 inch lift and Rubicon wheels/tires.

... after a trip through the local car wash. Hopefully it works out.

That is close to what I'm looking at....Been searching Cars.com, Autotrader, etc....Been looking at 99-05. My budget is 6k. not really into a lifted one. That is the body style I like. Hoping I can find either a Maroon, or Dark Blue one. Cloth interior. 4wd and cruise. Found a bunch in PA. Be dropping the cash June time frame...Might even make Carlisle this year.....Just hope the A/C works good.....

WoW Pinkduster FINALLY found an XJ! Nice one at that. One in that condition would bring some pretty stupid money out here in the desert southwest. My opinion is that they are a fun vehicle, but do require their fair share of baby sitting. It's a challenge at times to keep the oil in them.

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Pinkduster FINALLY found an XJ! Nice one at that.

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YEAH! Thanks! Now you don't have to see me come on here pissing and moaning about not being able to find one. You know, it's like I don't know what to do with myself now. I used to search Craigslist, ebay and autotrader.com just about every day! In the end, it was ebay that came through. Private owner had it listed as a "classified ad" with no bidding. Just contact the seller and go look at it. Worked out pretty well and was just a little over two hours away.

Another thing the previous owner did that I really like is he removed those ugly body side moldings that are usually faded real bad. It looks much cleaner without them. He said they were just stuck on from the factory and there were no clips or holes of any kind.