Jeep Cherokee question - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

frogza · 03-21-2005, 07:53 AM

I have to get another vehicle since my current one is dead. I need something that I can use off-road to go rockclimbing, camping, hiking etc. I have been considering getting a Jeep Cherokee. I don't have any experience with Jeeps so I would like to hear from anyone who has had a Jeep. How reliable are they? Approx. how many miles can I expect to get out of one with basic maintanance? Are parts expensive? As you can see any info. would be appreciated.

cyrnel · 03-21-2005, 08:26 AM

Cherokee right? Grand Cherokee gets a different list.

-The automatic transmission is bulletproof.
-The 4.0L is good for 250-300K.
-The transfer cases are durable. The 242 (Selec-Trac) provides more options (full-time 4x) than the 231.
-You can spend as much as you like upgrading but stock they're extremely capable.
-Pre-93 electrical could give you headaches. Underhood harnesses corrode.
-Too much community support, if that's a problem.
-Fairly simple to work on, but that means you might want to.
-Uses both metric and standard fasteners. Curses!
-Parts prices are about as reasonable as you'll find. Make use of the community for sources.
-Get service records. Nice would be if you find they've already replaced the fuel pump, front track bar, exhaust manifold, and maybe control arm bushings (things get noisy after 100K).

Test drive several. Some are loose or noisy. Find dirt or gravel and make sure 4x4 modes work. Make sure all door electrical controls work.

Sorry, pre-coffee ramblings off the top of my head.

choskins · 03-21-2005, 08:29 AM

Nice list cyrnel. Frogza, can you narrow it down regarding year? And yes, cyrnel is right. Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Full-size Cherokee, etc. are all going to be different.

frogza · 03-21-2005, 08:49 AM

So far I've narrowed it down to five vehicles. They are all Cherokee Sports, ranging from '96-'99. I have some skill as a mechanic so I would do almost all repairs myself, and since I'm in southern Utah it would be easy to find a Jeep community. The ones I'm looking at range between 110k to 140k miles. I'll be checking the basics in regards to title and history through a company like carfacts. Thanks

cyrnel · 03-21-2005, 09:05 AM

That'll work. Fun for Moab.

There are many large, plastic, jeep forums. Check naxja.org for the general stuff including better what-to-watch-for lists. Pirate4x4.com (jeep section) for a less consumerish perspective.

frogza · 03-21-2005, 10:35 AM

Thanks for all the help. I'll be getting one this week. I'm leaning toward a 97 cherokee sport. Can't wait to get up into the mountains!

Nimisys · 03-22-2005, 06:25 PM

if it means anythign my 87 with a 4.0l is filrting with 263k on it, never had to do anything major to it, though it still ahs the exhast manifold recall open on it. about as easy of a truck for home mechanic to work on as you will find.

frogza · 03-25-2005, 06:56 PM

I got it. It's a 97 cherokee sport. I will post a pictuse once the weather clears up here. A foot of snow within 24 hours, and still snowing, I got a 4 wheel drive just in time.

03-21-2005, 07:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
frogza Registered User Location: Right Here	Jeep Cherokee question I have to get another vehicle since my current one is dead. I need something that I can use off-road to go rockclimbing, camping, hiking etc. I have been considering getting a Jeep Cherokee. I don't have any experience with Jeeps so I would like to hear from anyone who has had a Jeep. How reliable are they? Approx. how many miles can I expect to get out of one with basic maintanance? Are parts expensive? As you can see any info. would be appreciated.

03-21-2005, 08:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
choskins Psycho Location: Greenville, SC	Nice list cyrnel. Frogza, can you narrow it down regarding year? And yes, cyrnel is right. Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Full-size Cherokee, etc. are all going to be different. __________________ "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." - Sigmund Freud

03-21-2005, 08:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	Cherokee right? Grand Cherokee gets a different list. -The automatic transmission is bulletproof. -The 4.0L is good for 250-300K. -The transfer cases are durable. The 242 (Selec-Trac) provides more options (full-time 4x) than the 231. -You can spend as much as you like upgrading but stock they're extremely capable. -Pre-93 electrical could give you headaches. Underhood harnesses corrode. -Too much community support, if that's a problem. -Fairly simple to work on, but that means you might want to. -Uses both metric and standard fasteners. Curses! -Parts prices are about as reasonable as you'll find. Make use of the community for sources. -Get service records. Nice would be if you find they've already replaced the fuel pump, front track bar, exhaust manifold, and maybe control arm bushings (things get noisy after 100K). Test drive several. Some are loose or noisy. Find dirt or gravel and make sure 4x4 modes work. Make sure all door electrical controls work. Sorry, pre-coffee ramblings off the top of my head.

03-21-2005, 08:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
frogza Registered User Location: Right Here	So far I've narrowed it down to five vehicles. They are all Cherokee Sports, ranging from '96-'99. I have some skill as a mechanic so I would do almost all repairs myself, and since I'm in southern Utah it would be easy to find a Jeep community. The ones I'm looking at range between 110k to 140k miles. I'll be checking the basics in regards to title and history through a company like carfacts. Thanks

03-21-2005, 09:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	That'll work. Fun for Moab. There are many large, plastic, jeep forums. Check naxja.org for the general stuff including better what-to-watch-for lists. Pirate4x4.com (jeep section) for a less consumerish perspective.

03-21-2005, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
frogza Registered User Location: Right Here	Thanks for all the help. I'll be getting one this week. I'm leaning toward a 97 cherokee sport. Can't wait to get up into the mountains!

03-22-2005, 06:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
Nimisys Crazy Location: San Diego	if it means anythign my 87 with a 4.0l is filrting with 263k on it, never had to do anything major to it, though it still ahs the exhast manifold recall open on it. about as easy of a truck for home mechanic to work on as you will find.

03-25-2005, 06:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
frogza Registered User Location: Right Here	I got it. It's a 97 cherokee sport. I will post a pictuse once the weather clears up here. A foot of snow within 24 hours, and still snowing, I got a 4 wheel drive just in time.