92muddycherokee

I have two Cheorkees and I am trying to sell them right now. I have decided that I want to try out a grand cherokee. Don't get me wrong I love my XJ but it has soooo much rust that I am almost getting afraid to sit down in it. I am not good at nor do I have a welder and it has tons of other problems that I am just not ready or willing to take on with out a raise in salary. The other xj has a bad engine and I am just trying to make money on, I only bought it for $300.00
Anyway, I like Grand Cherokees, I don't go off road as much as I used to and I really just want a powerful daily driver that is capable to go off road every now and again. I would probably seek to put a 3" lift and 31"s on it no more than that.
My question is what years are the best as far as common problems go? Are there any years to just avoid? I am thinking a pre 98 model because I don't care for that newer body at all.
Any imput as to what year is best would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Bryan

ol"blue

Just my opinion: Avoid '93 & 94 they didn't have the bugs worked out yet, and sometimes have issues that are hard to track down. Avoid '98 because they have the newer computer that you can't self diagnose. You have to use a scanner to communicate with it, unlike the '97 and older ones.
The catch to that is that '98 is the only year that offered the 5.9L V8.
The 5.2L V8 doesn't have a lot more HP than the 4.0L I6, but it does have more useful low-end torque, at the expense of 2-3 less MPG on a trip.
You can tell by my sig below what I chose.

92muddycherokee

Thanks. I think the 98's went to a body style that I don't care too much for anyway. How much you think is a fair price for a avg mile 95-97 Grand Cherokee with no major problems? Think I could get one worthy of daily use and some weekend trail riding for around $2,000?

ol"blue

Actually, '98 was the last year for that body style, the ZJ. The WJ started in '99.
Sure, I think with some careful shopping you can get a decent ZJ for $2,000 or less, depending on timing. You have to be looking when someone is selling. You'll get a better deal on someone's project than a stock one and modding it yourself. Look on several forum classified's and see what you can find.JMO

rayharris46

I have a 97 GC Laredo with 4.0L. From what I have read the 97 was the last model in the series and has all the bugs worked out. They started changing stuff around in the 98 line and new bugs were introduced.

taythegibs

i paid 2600 for my 96 limited a little over month ago, all it needed was a little maintenance and she runs great...oh and i got it from a stealership so im sure that you could find a great zj from an individual in your price range