[Guest]

I have been looking at 2 dr., 6 cyl., $x4 cherokee's recently and have a few ?'s.

First off, what is the difference between the styles (ex. SE, Sport, Laredo, & Country) beside wheels and body work?

Are there any performance advantages between them?

Second, I noticed when looking at parts for these trucks there is alot of parts that only fit certain years.

Whats the changes between the years say '94 - '02 are there any years I should look towards or stay away from?

Third, Honestly how reliable are Jeep Cherokee's?
Would it be smart to look at something with more then 100,000 miles on it?
I have read somewhere about a sensor on the tranny that may fail, but is cheap to fix. There was also another small part that was prone to breaking, but I forgot what it was?

Forth, How's the gas mileage?

Fifth, How good are they at towing?

Thanks for any help

 

[2490]

Between all the Cherokee models: They all have the same engine and trans. Depending on the exact model you may be able to get different exact choices and gears and specific options. Generally speaking, they are all exactly the same they just denote different trim levels from the factory.


Performance differences: Nope.

Part differences: Very little. But as the years go up you get certain upgraded parts. Head and intake in 91/92 and again in 96 and again in 00 (I think). Same with transmissions and transfer cases.

Nearly every mechanical part is interchangeable between every year. But the newer parts tend to be better.

The reliability is mighty hard to beat! Minor stuff and as with every vehicle, it's all in how it was taken care of! I'd buy one with more than 100K on it. The ABS wheel sensors are also prone to an early death I believe.

4) Better than most SUVs. Not as good as the micro/mini ones. I average low 20's with a 6 and a 5 speed.

5) Quite good. Automatics are rated for roughly 5000lbs.

If you're shopping, as with anything. Get your budget, and buy the newest one you can find.

This is all just my opinion though..

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards a '96 or '97 Jeep SE 2 door. Hopefully I will have one soon.

 

[660]

In reply to:

First off, what is the difference between the styles (ex. SE, Sport, Laredo, & Country) beside wheels and body work?

[/ QUOTE ]

Trim and options like power acc and leather seats and wood trim

In reply to:

Are there any performance advantages between them?

[/ QUOTE ]

SE is lighter than others.

In reply to:

Second, I noticed when looking at parts for these trucks there is alot of parts that only fit certain years.
Whats the changes between the years say '94 - '02 are there any years I should look towards or stay away from?

[/ QUOTE ]

going with '94+ gets you the 4.0L H.O. and non-disconnect front axle = good
pre '96 has larger axle u-joints = good
'96 + has improved t/c output seal = good
that is all I can think of...

In reply to:

Third, Honestly how reliable are Jeep Cherokee's?
Would it be smart to look at something with more then 100,000 miles on it?

[/ QUOTE ]

As it was once said to me - "It's a durable @#&*% vehicle."
No vehicle is impervious to problems. Parts wear out... no matter who made it.
One good side... Jeeps are common. Parts are easy to find and reasonably priced.
Take care of your vehicle and it will return the favor.

I would not be afraid of +100k miles. But in the end... it will depend on what you expect from it.
My '95 has 180k - engine fine... trans is clunky into second when cold. could use some springs and a few seals have been replaced. otherwise fine.
My Mom bought a 2dr 5spd SE new in 1994. Drove it to 2002 at 115k and never replaced anything but tires and oil. My Brother drives it now (160k) and no problems.
A buddy had a 92 that he drove to over 230k

In reply to:

Forth, How's the gas mileage?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not bad.
Is a brick with 6cyl, 4wheel drive and no lockout hubs.
gets worse if you lift it and add bigger tires... like anything does.

In reply to:

Fifth, How good are they at towing?

[/ QUOTE ]

Within reason... quite good.
The engine makes nice low-end torque.
XJ is approx 3500lb @ 104" wheelbase - What do you plan to tow?

 

[611]

I dont like the 97+ XJ that much at all. I think they are a lil cheap feeling on the inside, but most ppl will say the 84-96 XJs seam too old looking(not me)...The 89-90 Renix XJs are easyer to work on and fix for the most part(my fav years)...I'm beating that you want a newer one henc you asking about the SE, but the Laredos are nicer without all the crap you get on the LTD/Country ones...OH and VERY good choice on wanting a 2dr. I have 2 right now and love them both. My 89 has 198K on the 4LI6/Aw-4/231 with all the goodies(lift and that crap) and my 90 has 298K with the 4LI6/Aw-4/231 but it's my highway ride, I'm keeping this one nice, miht bump up to 235/75s some time but not sure...

I could keep going on and on, but they are good trucks, can tow a good amount but they are still a 1/2ton mid-size SUV so keep that in mind when towing. They are ok on MPG newer ones prolly a lil better then my old junk. Trim levels are from rubber floors to full on power everything and leather everything. If you do a lot of winter highway driving look for one with the 242 X-case, it has a full-time 4x4 mode the alows yo to drive in 4x4 on dry pavment...andy

 

[Guest]

Thanks again for the info.

I never owned a 4x4 or any truck for that matter, but have been wanting one for years, especially since I'm always ripping the muffler off my car offroading it to the nice camp spots.

I hope I don't piss anyone off, but I always liked the older (pre-'90) Toyota 4 Runner's or FJ-40's, but the rarity of parts, price, age and rust kept me away.
So I decided to go with a Cherokee because like earlier mentioned theres alot of parts, cheaper price tag and newer years.

My idea of an ideal truck is to be big enough to fit my camping gear, my dog and a passenger comfortable inside, but small enough that it fits through the smaller trails, has a tight turning radius and is easy on the gas.

I'm not really planning to get really into the extremes of offroading, but do want it be capable enough to get where I want to go without breaking anything. Although I probably will get a little crazy when I finally feel the 4x4 traction.
My plan is 31's, 2 1/2 inch lift with EMU's, and Safari rack w/ Hi-lift jack.
What do you guy's think about EMU's?
I have read good things about the articulation on the Toyota's with them, but haven't read anything about them on Jeeps.

For towing, I'm planning on towing maybe up-to 3 dirtbikes which the combined weight shouldn't be more than 1200 lbs.

As for trim, As long it has the center console gear shifter and hand brake I will be happy (personal preference). I really don't care whats inside. Personally, I wouldn't mind it was just rubber so I could hose the inside out.

What's up with the 242 X transfer case?
Sounds like a good feature, but expensive. Doe's it come on all the trims? and how do I look for a jeep with one?

Thanks again.

 

[Guest]

The 242 X-case is the selec-trac version. Flip down the driver side sun visor- There should be a tag that tells you about the different 4x4 modes. It will say on there if it is selec-trac or command-trac (command-trac is the 231 X-case)