User Panel
Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it. Overall opinion seems to be favorable and I learned some things.
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They are very reliable (apart from the AC which is weak).
If you like the XJ, the first or second generation Grand Cherokees might be a good choice as well. |
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I really like the Jeep Cherokee straight 6 engine.
My choice would be a 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner with the Hino 3.4 engine. These Toyota run forever. They can easily go 300,000 to 400,000 without a rebuild with proper maintenance. |
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I had an '89 Cherokee with the 4.0. I loved that car. It's the one thing I regret getting rid of, even though I traded it in for my wife's Grand Cherokee.
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I highly recommend a Cherokee. They have always treated me well, save for a few electrical issues (door locks and speakers/radio). They are tough and durable, I have done a lot of driving in them. I have owned three, gave one to a buddy and sold the duplicate. I have pulled a thousand pounds of gravel, flagstone, firewood, camp trailer (with a 2.5L for that). They are easy to work on, parts are cheap, and the Cherokee is very prevalent too, so you should be able to find a good one easily. I recommend a 97-01 personally. I lifted mine (99 Classic) and it still gets 17-19mpg with 31" tires.
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The 4.0 was a solid engine but the northern bodies seem to rust quickly and badly. If you can find one with decent miles and no rust I think it would be a great vehicle.
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If you can locate a low-mileage non-trashed-out version of that, you'll probably be surprised what a good deal Good luck on that, that's like finding a 90's Civic that doesn't have a fart-can. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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one of the better values in used vehicles (IMO) is a 1995-2002 Mustang with the 6-cylinder engine. If you can locate a low-mileage non-trashed-out version of that, you'll probably be surprised what a good deal Good luck on that, that's like finding a 90's Civic that doesn't have a fart-can. How else can one live his life a quarter mile at a time? |
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The only thing that acts up in my Jeep is the windows won't roll down on the passenger side if the inside of the vehicle is hot. I'm certain it has something to do with the window lock feature because I can always roll every window down from the driver side controls. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Door switches, dash connections, and crank sensor failures are very common. Window motors are $120 each and the remans are junk. Make sure the windows go up and down before buying. Also google the crank sensor repair. You need to undo the crossmember and drop the trans/engine in back to get a 4' extension on the bolts. If you drop the sensor in the bell you are in for a bad week on your back. The console lid? It's broken. You haven't even bought one yet but the console lid is broken. The only thing that acts up in my Jeep is the windows won't roll down on the passenger side if the inside of the vehicle is hot. I'm certain it has something to do with the window lock feature because I can always roll every window down from the driver side controls. You can fix that with a paper clip in the connector under the dash. Google will tell you what to do. |
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You can fix that with a paper clip in the connector under the dash. Google will tell you what to do. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Door switches, dash connections, and crank sensor failures are very common. Window motors are $120 each and the remans are junk. Make sure the windows go up and down before buying. Also google the crank sensor repair. You need to undo the crossmember and drop the trans/engine in back to get a 4' extension on the bolts. If you drop the sensor in the bell you are in for a bad week on your back. The console lid? It's broken. You haven't even bought one yet but the console lid is broken. The only thing that acts up in my Jeep is the windows won't roll down on the passenger side if the inside of the vehicle is hot. I'm certain it has something to do with the window lock feature because I can always roll every window down from the driver side controls. You can fix that with a paper clip in the connector under the dash. Google will tell you what to do. I've read that, also could be gunk jammed up in the wiring that could be fixed with canned air. Laziness prevents me from exploring it further for now. |
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It's a Chrysler product, and they stopped building them 13 years ago. It will most likely get you where you're going, but the check engine light will make regular appearances, and thing will be at various points of failure. Also, unless you like driving maybe 55 mph on highways, you'll never break 20 mpg. In the city, you're going to be closer to 12 mpg. Educate yourself about the 0331 head crack before you buy one. View Quote Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? |
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Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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It's a Chrysler product, and they stopped building them 13 years ago. It will most likely get you where you're going, but the check engine light will make regular appearances, and thing will be at various points of failure. Also, unless you like driving maybe 55 mph on highways, you'll never break 20 mpg. In the city, you're going to be closer to 12 mpg. Educate yourself about the 0331 head crack before you buy one. Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? abortions. |
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I've read that, also could be gunk jammed up in the wiring that could be fixed with canned air. Laziness prevents me from exploring it further for now. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Door switches, dash connections, and crank sensor failures are very common. Window motors are $120 each and the remans are junk. Make sure the windows go up and down before buying. Also google the crank sensor repair. You need to undo the crossmember and drop the trans/engine in back to get a 4' extension on the bolts. If you drop the sensor in the bell you are in for a bad week on your back. The console lid? It's broken. You haven't even bought one yet but the console lid is broken. The only thing that acts up in my Jeep is the windows won't roll down on the passenger side if the inside of the vehicle is hot. I'm certain it has something to do with the window lock feature because I can always roll every window down from the driver side controls. You can fix that with a paper clip in the connector under the dash. Google will tell you what to do. I've read that, also could be gunk jammed up in the wiring that could be fixed with canned air. Laziness prevents me from exploring it further for now. There is a wire harness bypass you can do inside the door. Look around on Jeepforum.com. I had to do my driver's side |
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Stupid remarks. Obviousy you never owned or worked on one. The XJ Cherokee is one of the most reliable, durable vehicles ever created. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Mechanic... Have a good mechanic. And parts are expensive. Stupid remarks. Obviousy you never owned or worked on one. The XJ Cherokee is one of the most reliable, durable vehicles ever created. Now take one from AZ and move it to Ohio and watch it dissolve within two winters |
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They are very reliable (apart from the AC which is weak). If you like the XJ, the first or second generation Grand Cherokees might be a good choice as well. AC is for pussies Says someone in OH. OBA should be one of the 1st mods since the evaporator is likely already broken Two types of XJs out there - ones where the evaporator has failed and ones where the evaporator is about to fail. The story I heard is that Mopar sourced the replacements to the PRC and they're all junk, so don't bother fixing them. |
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I've owned 3. Not much of a wrench turner, but watch for vacuum leaks in the tubing around the engine
The AC controls (fan speed) usially is wonky, as are the electric window switches which can be problematic. (The are in direct drip line of an semi opened window) never had one with cruise, but I wish I had it at times Gas mileage can be an issue, it's not the greatest. Drivers seat will tear at the junction of the fabric and vinyl Sure-footed mountain goat of a vehicle - I with they still made them like they used to. |
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I've driven Jeeps for last 20 years, 90% Cherokee and Grand Cherokee's. We currently have 2. Take it from me, some of the best vehicles on the road today. When I sell them they have hundreds of thousand miles on them. Listen to the people on here that have the experience, not the ones that don't know jack shit.
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I bought a Cherokee Sport back int 1995 and drove it for 12 years. It was the best vehicle I ever owned. Other than routine maintenance and things you expect to wear out over 100K I never spent any money on it. I had 230K miles on it when I sold it and it was still in great shape.
My wife on the other hand had two Grand Cherokees and they both were pieces of shit that we got rid of well under 100K. |
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215k before I totaled mine. Water pump, brakes, both hubs. Yeah it was a maintenance nightmare.
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It's a Chrysler product, and they stopped building them 13 years ago. It will most likely get you where you're going, but the check engine light will make regular appearances, and thing will be at various points of failure. Also, unless you like driving maybe 55 mph on highways, you'll never break 20 mpg. In the city, you're going to be closer to 12 mpg. Educate yourself about the 0331 head crack before you buy one. Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? abortions. lies! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I90SoPeoUTU Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps? |
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Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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It's a Chrysler product, and they stopped building them 13 years ago. It will most likely get you where you're going, but the check engine light will make regular appearances, and thing will be at various points of failure. Also, unless you like driving maybe 55 mph on highways, you'll never break 20 mpg. In the city, you're going to be closer to 12 mpg. Educate yourself about the 0331 head crack before you buy one. Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? abortions. lies! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I90SoPeoUTU Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps? You just watched an abortion of what should have been go over obstacles an Acura could negotiate. |
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215k before I totaled mine. Water pump, brakes, both hubs. Yeah it was a maintenance nightmare. View Quote To be fair, maintenance nightmare is a relative term. Cost me $180 in parts and about three hours time to change out both front wheel bearing hubs and all 4 sets of brakes. Swapping my radiator for a 3 core cost $200 in parts and took around two hours. Haven't had to do the water pump but pulling the radiator is 75% of that job. If you are mechanical and have tools or access to tools, these things are the AK47 of vehicles. |
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Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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It's a Chrysler product, and they stopped building them 13 years ago. It will most likely get you where you're going, but the check engine light will make regular appearances, and thing will be at various points of failure. Also, unless you like driving maybe 55 mph on highways, you'll never break 20 mpg. In the city, you're going to be closer to 12 mpg. Educate yourself about the 0331 head crack before you buy one. Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? abortions. lies! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I90SoPeoUTU Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps? that was gay as AIDS |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: It's a Chrysler product, and they stopped building them 13 years ago. It will most likely get you where you're going, but the check engine light will make regular appearances, and thing will be at various points of failure. Also, unless you like driving maybe 55 mph on highways, you'll never break 20 mpg. In the city, you're going to be closer to 12 mpg. Educate yourself about the 0331 head crack before you buy one. Then what are the 2014 and 2014 Jeep Cherokees that pop up when I searched to see what this vehicle looks like? abortions. lies! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I90SoPeoUTU |
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I had a 2000 with 325K on it. Ran great I wanted to get 500K. and made the mistake of giving it to my son who destroyed my baby. I got lucky with the head gasket no problems ever just your usual shit.
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View Quote no solid axles, no want. I wouldn't mind getting ahold of an older one though. like others have said, they are great if you have tools and maintenance abilities. if you don't, go with something else. |
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Trailhawk.
Otherwise you're a soccer mom. The Trailhawk has balls. The Trailhawk can actually off road and hold it's own pretty well (check Youtube). |
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no solid axles, no want. I wouldn't mind getting ahold of an older one though. like others have said, they are great if you have tools and maintenance abilities. if you don't, go with something else. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
no solid axles, no want. I wouldn't mind getting ahold of an older one though. like others have said, they are great if you have tools and maintenance abilities. if you don't, go with something else. Yeah he appears to be smashing his plastic on everything too. Looks like an Aztec to me. I want to see videos of one crossing a log. |
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I have watched Cherokees in the woods of Appalachia while riding atv's. I have seen them put through hell. They are tough vehicles. |
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one of the better values in used vehicles (IMO) is a 1995-2002 Mustang with the 6-cylinder engine. If you can locate a low-mileage non-trashed-out version of that, you'll probably be surprised what a good deal you can get, and they seem to go forever..... View Quote Wish I'd been able to keep mine. 1998, dark green, gray leather, sports package, 5-speed V6 with full dual flowmasters exhaust, 112k miles when I got rid of it in 2010. Never wrecked, never gave me a lick of mechanical trouble. I did not get what it was worth. Unless you like wrenching, I'd steer clear of the Cherokees. Honestly, they're seem pretty spartan inside too for the price you mentioned. I sold our 2004 Grand Cherokee Limited, V8, AWD, nearly every option for $6500 earlier this year. 159k miles and ran well. We had put a ton of money into maintaining it, though (bunch of gaskets/seals, radiators, regular transfer case/differential fluid changes, etc). Last of a dying breed. It was the final model year for the solid axle Grands. I loved that Jeep, but with the gas mileage around 15mpg around town and my daughter's new, larger wheelchair it just wasn't going to cut it for our family anymore. We had a good 10 years together, though. |
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Quoted: The bad news is my car was recently totaled. The good news is now I am out of my $400+ car payment. This time around I want something cheap I can pay off quick or all at once. I was looking at older Jeep Cherokees not made anymore, not Grand Cherokees. If I am to get something older, I at least want something interesting....not some dinky cheap car or something as you don't get much for that price point in that category. Looks like online, you can find decent ones for $4 - 6,000. So are they reliable or should I turn and run? A little info, this car will mainly be a weekend car as I drive a work car most of the week. I am also considering a Wrangler (TJ only) and would be willing to spend more for one of them but not more than $11,000. Appreciate any input on either one. Thanks View Quote My '94 is at 230-ish thousand. I have replaced tires and brake pads, changed oil, replaced one water pump and one alternator, and one serpentine belt. That is all. Still looks pretty good, too, and even the a/c still works. Fuel mileage is mediocre, at best. I get 15-17 mpg whether on the highway or in-town. Best of all, Cherokees are to libertarians what Subarus are to lesbians! YMMV and all that. |
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I had a 1996 Cherokee with 245000 miles on until a couple weeks ago. The 4.0 was finally giving out. There was a bad knock coming from it. It was rusted, especially the floors. But it was very reliable up til the end. I would have no issue buying another one without rust.
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