ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

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ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

October 27, 2005, 12:51:59 AM

My mom's been talking about buying a Minivan to replace the aging and decrepid chevy G20 van. As I've been thinking about it lately, though I've been trying to talk her into buying something like a Jeep Cherokee. It would serve all the same purposes. Seats 4+ people easily. Haul things, and in addition, even tow a trailer or plow snow. Plus it's 4WD (aren't they all?).

So, I'd like to ask of you Jeep Cherokee owners any advice regarding looking at these fine machines. I'd like to get a Sport/Classic model. Whichever one usually has the more square exterior. Probably also looking for the 4.0L engine as I've heard they're very reliable. So, any advice and guidance is appreciated. (I also wanna get one of these to pull my T-bird around when it breaks down and run to the JY to get parts. Oh yeah, and it'll be fun in the mud.)

ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

Reply #1 – October 27, 2005, 07:28:28 AM

my mom just bought one with the 4.0l i think what ever the v8 is its a 98 and its awsome i hate suvs but i dont mind hers its really nice and before she bought it the only thing i found a problem with them was the v6 if i remember right. and the brakes go bad fast i guess. other then that they are a really good car/truck/van thing

ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

Reply #2 – October 27, 2005, 08:03:45 AM

The 4.0 is a very strong engine (kinda like Jeep's version of Ford's 300) but it is not without its problems. They're notorious oil burners, so be sure to look for signs of blowby (oil in the air cleaner is usually a good indication). They're also legenday for their bad fuel economy, but they are SUV's and I'm sure it's better than a G20 van. Be sure to verify that the 4WD system is properly functioning - they have about eleven million brittle vacuum lines that are pr0ne to breakage and can be difficult to diagnose problems. Check the front suspension and all U-joints and axle joints (some had U-joints in the front axles, some had CV joints - the U-joints can seize but they're cheap to fix). The front panhard bars are pr0ne to wear and fairly expensive.

All in all, Cherokees are tough, cheap, reliable vehicles. I'd own another...

ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

Reply #3 – October 27, 2005, 09:47:50 AM

I've got a 94 Charokee sport. It has the 4.0 and it is only 2WD. It is my wifes car but I must say it is a pretty good vehicle. All though I might add that I don't think that your idea of towing with it is right at all. I've towed things with my jeep and you shouldn't expect your jeep to tow much. I've got a hitch on mine and if what I'm towing weights much the rear will sag badly. Also I dideven try to tow any thing with it until I bought and exteran tranny cooler. Anothrt thing that you should keep and Eye one is the Ignition switch mine has went out 3-4 times and I buy the best part I can get. When the ignition switch is bad the truck will start and run but you wont get any turn signals and somtimes the radio wont work. replace the switch all is well. I like our Charokee and I'd even buy another just got remeber its built from many different brands(GM Ford, Dodge) parts.

ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

Reply #4 – October 27, 2005, 10:57:27 AM

The 4.0L is an awesome engine, and is very reliable. I don't think you'd have any trouble towing resonably sized items with a HO 4.0L. I don't know which models came with it, but our 3spd OD has a power setting for the transmission, which holds the gear longer when you need it.

Anyway, problems we've had are few.

The battery has died more than I'd like to admit, but that's driver error (leaving a door without completely latching, lights), except for when the stereo started having a fit. It will sit all night pulling the tape in, and spitting it back out, over and over, if you don't pull it out when you leave the car. That only killed the battery once, though. (If you kill the battery, and the security trips, then your car will turn over and start, but won't stay running unless you reset the security system. (turn it off) This is cheaper than buying a used ECU

new is $800)

Rear shocks. They were brand new when we got it, but still needed to be replaced within a few months.

Other than oil changes, this is all I've had to do to the Jeep, mechanically.

I'll give you the advice I was given when looking for a Cherokee. Get an auto (5-spds aparently give up fifth gear all the time, but auto's are bulletproof), get the 4.0L (do not get the V6 or 4-banger), and make sure the 4X4 works as it should. In all the years my brother has been a mechanic, he's never had to work on a Cherokee front end.

88sptcoupe, I think your Mum's is a Grand Cherokee. As far as I know, the V8 (318?) never came in the Cherokees. The 4.0L is a straight six.

ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

Reply #5 – October 27, 2005, 02:18:35 PM

they are realy bad on gass if you smash the pedal around, my mom adverages 12 +/- mpg and i adverage 19 +/-, but its a nice car, back seats are a bit cramped but with the folding seats its nice and roomie, i fit a tbird hood and bumper with header pannle in the back, and a entire front clip in the back to.

ATTN: Jeep Cherokee Owners

Reply #6 – October 29, 2005, 05:46:39 PM

Can't give ya too much advice or info on the Cherokee's, but if ya were looking into getting a Jeep Comanche, then I got a lot of info, as I have an '88. About the only complaint I have about Jeeps is that they use a bunch of other manufacturer's parts, other than that they're good all around vehicles.