[Guest]

I just got my learner's permit a 6 months ago and am looking for a car. My family has had two jeeps before and i was just wondering if there are any types of problems with this model.

 

[Guest]

It has 111,974 miles and is in good condition for $4975. It has the inline 6 with Quadra-Trac. A lot of new stuff too. If anyone could help me decide on whether or not to get this Jeep, I would appreciate it.

 

[Guest]

For price check the NADA wholesale price. Get the VIN and run a CARFAX report, go to NHTSA.gov or ALLDATA.com and check for recalls and the like or go to the dealer with the VIN to see if they have been completed. Ask the dealer or owner (if you are buying from a "curbstone") to allow you to test drive the vehicle then take it to a mechanic have them look it over. If your state requires emissions testing ask to see the last test print out.

 

[stump_breaker]

You would be much happier with a 4-banger station wagon. Oh wait, your parents would be much happier if you got a 4-banger station wagon.

Any Jeep is a good Jeep. Just keep a tool box in the back of it if you get an older one. You will learn how to work on cars or walk everywhere you go.

 

[LionShooter]

Do a search for 'Grand Cherokee' all posts 1 year and you will get a lot of info. For example:

Re: Buying a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited [re: jjs316]
10/13/03 06:11 PM Edit Reply

I had that exact same 96 ZJ (28K model Limited)for 4 years. It was a great ride but did have a few problems.
1) The trannny went out at 57,000. 50% warranty from Chrysler
2) The water pump went out a bit later. Out of my pocket.
3) The AC sprung a leak at about the same time the water pump went out. Dealer tried to fix it and charged me $200, but it leaked down again in 2 days so I cancelled the charge and fixed it myself with a $3 can of stop leak.
4) The driver's side seat heater and electrics went out at about 40K AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SEAT! 50% paid by Chrysler. My share was about $250
5) The Infinity Gold CD Stereo went bad at 30K something and had to be replaced. Warranty.
6) The sunroof tore up and had to be replaced. Not the glass, just the track-$150. I bought the parts and installed them myself.
7) Tranny cooling lines leaked and were replaced-warranty
8) Stereo went bad and was replaced-warranty

Those are the things I remember. Nothing major.

Stan

 

[krabysniper]

The answer to your question is NO NO NO. This applies to ANY four wheel drive vehicle. The reasons are, A. You are a young INEXPIERENCED driver and 4 wheel drives handle, corner, stop, and accelerate differently than a car. B. Because of A. your insurance rates will be astrinomical C. They are very expensive to keep up, not that maybe you arn't some rich spoiled brat or something but most teens can't afford the maintanance on a 4x4. IMO, you should start out with a front wheel drive beeter till you get some expierence behind the wheel (ie a couple of years) and a little wad of cash in the bank, then go get your self a 4x4. This link is to some pics of what happens to inexpierenced drivers in 4x4's, the driver in question is in his 30's but none the less is/was inexpierenced as to how 4x4's handle and it [email protected] near cost him his life ---> bad driver I am not saying these things to be mean, I am saying them based on years of driving expereince and knowledge of the REAL WORLD costs of owning 4x4's. Cheers.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the responses on whether i should get it or not. After reading LionShooter's response with reliability and cost issues, I just might change my mind on getting it.
And thanks to Krabysniper, i think i now realize that they are expensive to keep. I still have a couple of months till i get my license, so i will just look around and maybe find a cheaper 2-wheel drive beater or something.

 

[Guest]

Kraby with all respect i totally disagree. My first and still current vehicle is my 1986 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer, 2.5 liter. I picked that thing up cheap, 35 bucks infact. That vehicle has been hell getting off the ground but its been the best learning experience for me. I was able to pay for the parts in the engine rebuild and I did it my myself. I work 30 hours a week and go to school i'm a senior this year. I can pay for this thing, I pay the insurance, gas, license plate, maintence. It may not be the best car in the parking lot, but its the most well taken care of. Also I actually like the feel of my Jeep over any front wheel drive, cornering and such. Insurance isn't too bad, when its registered as a leisure vehicle, I pay 150 for 6 months, PLPD, big deal. if it is wrecked I yoink the motor and find another one. Plus living in michigan a front wheel frive is suicide, 4 wheel drive is much safer in the winter. I don't drive like a "teenager", just normally. In my oppinion though, like what Stump Breaker said, carry a tool box, i do.lol I don't think age is the issue, its maturity. Just my 2 cents. Hey Beach boy if you know you can afford, have a job, can maintain the grades with the job, go for it.

 

[stump_breaker]

Hey Trailmule, I know where Krabby is coming from. You are on a different level of maturity. You bought it, built it and you maintain it. That earns you respect with everyone rather than just having mommy and daddy foot the bil as you tear everything up just to eventually get a Mustang as a reward for graduating High School. I'm not saying that was the intention of Beach Boy (so don't get mad Beach Boy, everyone has to start somewhere and I aint coming against you), I'm just letting you see a different light. You have to admit, a Grand Cherokee is alot of vehicle to learn to drive in. Anyway, kudos to you.

Besides, with a 2.5 in an 86 there aint enough power to hot rod.

 

[Guest]

I must admit my parents have put up with a lot of crap from me and my jeep, but I can tell they are happy when i get the thing going again. Its not like thay have to let me have it or work on it in their garage when their car sits in the driveway. I can tell you me Jeep is going to take me through college and beyond, i want to become a mechanical engineer, kinda goes along huh? I really can't stand seeing some asswipe kid my age get a sweet car, then call it junk and rod the living [bleep] out of it. that pisses me off. i know a kid you got his little [bleep] hands on an 89 Cherokee Laredo, loaded, only 90,000 on the odemeter. only to never change the oil, now its burning oil like a mother. Then he says be geal my parents are getting me a new car, I was ready to punch him out and rescue his Jeep.lol In my oppinion, very kid who owns a car should have to rebuild it and put lots of time and effort into it. Its really the only way they can appreciate what they have. Its alright I hear what you are saying. but you are right about the 2.5. But mine is a fresh rebuild, 60 pounds of oil preasure, runs like a top, very smooth. I'm putting a stock exchaust on it, in hopes it will give me better gas milage, plus its way too loud and the 2.5 needs more back preasure. But hey you got that GM 2.8, i think we stand on the same level. Not a hot rod, its a Jeep.

 

[Guest]

I am actually now looking at older XJ's for cheap or just the average junker. I am looking for an old XJ because i know they last because we used to have an 86 XJ. It had like 120,000 miles and no problems only to trade in for our current jeep. We now have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport and have less than 55,000 miles and keep it in good shape. I kind of wanted to keep Jeeps in the family and hopefully i can get an old Jeep for less to start with and then work my way up. Or otherwise my dad says he might buy a WJ and give me the XJ. I hope to get some sort of Jeep because it snows a lot up in New England.

 

[Guest]

Nothing against the new Grands but I would rather buy an XJ, with a 4.0 I6 preferably. Not sure of the difficulty with the newer XJs, mines really old, but working on it isn't very hard. I'm small so I can squeeze up under it to get to all the hard to reach spots. I can tell you, you will love the way an XJ handles in the snow. I love it when it snows. What engine did your 86 have in it, I have the same year, it has the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, with TBI. Auto matic transmission, Command Trac. If you are looking for something to work on, less options maybe easier, like manual locks, windows, seats, ya know less to go wrong. Well good luck.

 

[krabysniper]

Well, I must admit that I respect your taste in vehicle choice, (XJ's do rock

) so I will offer the best advice I can muster for a young person like yourself who is bent on becoming an XJ junky

Get an 89-94 with a 4 litre and the select-trac transfer case, definatly a four door not a 2 door, and find a local 4 wheel drive club and go out and LEARN all about your vehicle and it's capabilities and LIMITATIONS

ALSO would add that you should carry FULL coverage, yes it is expensive but from a legal stand point can save your a$$ in the long run. Good luck and happy fourwheeling

 

[Guest]

I have owned a couple of xj's and a zj in my young driving life, and the only thing I can complain on is the gas mileage. MY 4.0's had 218k and 227k respectively. My 93 zj has 117k on its 5.2 V8 and I love this jeep, little more room inside best cloth seat ever, and the awd system makes wet driving a breeze my xjs were scary sometimes. You would be better getting a V8 in the GC the 4.0 is better in the smaller xj, and my V8 gets better gas mileage than my 4.0 xj's did, before they went to 33's. I'm only 20 and have never had to fix a thing on a JEEP, that wasn't normal maintenance.

 

[stump_breaker]

I have to admit I like an XJ better myself.. ZJ's are too "car-like" for my taste. I like the "truck-ish" feel of the XJ. Good luck on whatever you get. I would offer to sell you my old '86 here in the yard but I'm sure I would be asking more than you would want to pay. It wouldn't be so much but the 2.8 in it has only 30,000 miles plus I spent over $600 bucks on the AC about a year ago. Looks like shes going to be a trail rig........
Of course it won't pass emissions the way it sits right now either.

 

[Guest]

Trailmule. We had the 1986 Jeep Cherokee with the 2.8 from AMC i think. My dad said it had a GM engine in it i think. It was a pretty nice Jeep too but we just decided to upgrade to a newer 1998 XJ(current vehicle). I like the way the Jeep right now feels even though it is a 4x4 with high center of gravity. I heard that this weekend there is supposed to be a snowstorm so i finally get to see the jeep in the snow! My dad let me drive it in the woods before i got my permit so i was already a little used to it, but in mud and dirt though.

 

[Guest]

well there is a considerable difference between an 86 2.8 and 1998 4.0, the interiors noise level are probably quite differnt, the horse power and torque will be different. I remember riding in my friends Dad's 2000 XJ, way different than my 86, loud, headlinerless XJ. Not to mention my current exaust leak.lol I'm going try to reduce the noise level in the cab, new exaust, new headliner, sound insulation, new door hinges, weather stripping, new system. Just don't do what dumba**es do and take a corner doing 45 mph, showing off in you parents vehicle is not cool.lol And when you wreck what your dad busted his butt to pay off, he is going to hang you. Drive wisely my friend, i've seen it happen many times. Good luck with the new license. Oh by the way, yeah that 2.8 V6 is a GM built engine.