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Link Posted: 10/23/2014 10:43:20 PM EDT
[#1]


See that smile on my boy? That's how we feel about our XJ. Gets us places we would never see without it.
2001 with 4.5" lift & 31" tires. We have explored some amazing places off-road in Cali, Nevada, Utah, Arizona.
Mine has been rock solid reliable. Easy to work on. Plenty of cheap parts delivered to my house via the net. Don't hesitate to drive it across  several states including some fairly extreme 4-wheeling.
Exploring across deserts, 4-wheeling, camping, hauling dirt-bikes & daily driving during the rainy season here in Cali so my BMW doesn't get wet. It will be my SHTF vehicle when the quake hits to get to my desert home.
Some people love them, some people have had bad experiences . . . LOVE ours.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:10:55 PM EDT
[#2]
Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it.  Overall opinion seems to be favorable and I learned some things.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:12:36 PM EDT
[#3]
Yea, I've had 2 loved them both & drove the shit outa them
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:13:27 PM EDT
[#4]
Do yourself a big favor, DON'T BUY THE JEEP.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:15:45 PM EDT
[#5]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Yea, I've had 2 loved them both & drove the shit outa them
View Quote


This. I love my JGC



Before.





After rattle can paint job





 
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:23:26 PM EDT
[#6]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:25:57 PM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
4.0 Straight Sixs should be used for armor on tanks.  Those motherfuckers are bullet proof.
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Funny thing is that the XJ is still made in the PRC (by Beijing Jeep) and are used by the PLAN.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 12:26:54 PM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
This. I love my JGC
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OP was asking about XJ's.

Some good advice has already been posted in here.  I'd look for a clean '97-'99.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 1:31:19 PM EDT
[#9]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:18:52 PM EDT
[#10]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:23:02 PM EDT
[#11]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:33:32 PM EDT
[#12]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:39:40 PM EDT
[#13]
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Quoted:
Cherokee classic 4.0 FTW
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This or a 94 or so Cherokee Country with the 4.0 HO
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:57:17 PM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
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.
View Quote


AC is for pussies

OBA should be one of the 1st mods since the evaporator is likely already broken

Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:59:06 PM EDT
[#15]
I like them.  Buying a new Trailhawk in a week or two.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 4:59:09 PM EDT
[#16]


Great vehicles.





Mine was a '99 with the 8.25 rear.





Loved it and never had any issue other than a radiator.





Sold because it was very small inside...I'm 6'7"

















 
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:00:48 PM EDT
[#17]
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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.
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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?
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:06:23 PM EDT
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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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.
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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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:13:05 PM EDT
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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Mechanic... Have a good mechanic.

And parts are expensive.
View Quote

Stupid remarks.  Obviousy you never owned or worked on one.

The XJ Cherokee is one of the most reliable, durable vehicles ever created.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:15:25 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


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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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:30:02 PM EDT
[#21]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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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?
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:30:46 PM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


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
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:36:53 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


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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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
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
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:38:01 PM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Stupid remarks.  Obviousy you never owned or worked on one.

The XJ Cherokee is one of the most reliable, durable vehicles ever created.
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Quoted:
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
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 5:43:00 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


AC is for pussies
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Quoted:
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 6:35:41 PM EDT
[#26]
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.



Link Posted: 10/25/2014 6:48:55 PM EDT
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


abortions.
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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!

Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:05:20 PM EDT
[#28]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:11:41 PM EDT
[#29]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:17:29 PM EDT
[#30]
215k before I totaled mine. Water pump, brakes, both hubs.  Yeah it was a maintenance nightmare.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:20:52 PM EDT
[#31]
Rust buckets


Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:26:22 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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


Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps?
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:29:06 PM EDT
[#33]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
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


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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:29:28 PM EDT
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:30:42 PM EDT
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
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


Why did I just watch a Cherokee going through gravel and over speedbumps?


that was gay as AIDS
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:32:13 PM EDT
[#36]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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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
Transmission replacement in 5...4...3...2...1...



 
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:35:09 PM EDT
[#37]
oh fine,  general Jeep porn

Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:37:05 PM EDT
[#38]
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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:49:20 PM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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oh fine,  general Jeep porn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyJBr9O-u8g
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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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:52:16 PM EDT
[#40]
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).
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:55:46 PM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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.
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Quoted:
oh fine,  general Jeep porn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyJBr9O-u8g


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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 7:56:55 PM EDT
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
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).
View Quote


This is about XJs, the new "Cherokees" are all for soccer moms.  
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 8:05:25 PM EDT
[#43]
honest opinion, review

Link Posted: 10/25/2014 8:31:13 PM EDT
[#44]
Not mine, but I have the same tire size/suspension setup.





Link Posted: 10/25/2014 8:50:43 PM EDT
[#45]

I have watched Cherokees in the woods of Appalachia while riding atv's.  I have seen them put through hell.  They are tough vehicles.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 8:52:09 PM EDT
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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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.
Link Posted: 10/25/2014 9:01:58 PM EDT
[#47]




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
Get one with the 4.0. Typical life expectancy—unless from a Midwestern shithole where they salt the fuck out of the roads—is 250,000 miles.

 












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.



 
Link Posted: 10/26/2014 3:00:19 PM EDT
[#48]
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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