Hello,

I am looking to buy a 1994 Cherokee SE 2-door, 4.0L, 5 speed manual, from a friend in Wisconsin, I'm in Colorado. The vehicle has 77,000 miles, it was used by his parents on their property in Minnesota for snow plowing during the winter, and that sounds like the extent of its history. Overall it appears to be in great shape, very little rust, the rear windshield wiper is broken, and it currently needs a new battery. I'm buying it for 900. My questions are in regard to what kind of maintenance things I should look out for. The vehicle has not been used much in the last 5 years, probably driving it from Minnesota to Wisconsin has been the most use its seen in that time. Also it seems to have had regular maintenance while it was being used, and I cant imagine much has been replaced under the hood, but I dont know its full life history. Are there major parts or components I should be concerned about taking this vehicle on a 1400 mile trip?

Thanks for the help!

 

Nice deal finding a 94 w/ 80K. The 4.0 is damn stout so no problem there. You'll have to give it a good once over to check the heater hoses wires dist cap etc. Naturally fluid changes are key. If its been sitting you may have condensation in the oil etc. For the transmission take a look at the color and smell of the fluid (black and burnt is bad). Hopefully the plowing wasn't abusive to it. Personally I've always opted to use the drain and replace method of changing out the tranny fluid a couple qts at a time.

The cooling system is a bit of a weakness IMO so check that. Drain using the lower hose forget the valve. I'm sure others will have better suggestions but the drivetrain in these Jeeps is pretty dependable.

 

Change all fluids diffs, oil, coolant, etc. Also check the belt, hoses and tires for dry rot. If you're somewhat mechanically inclined grab a water pump,thermostat, and enough coolant to fill the whole system. If **** happens you can swap them on the side of the highway. That's all I can think of at the moment. Congrats on the awesome find, and safe travels.

 

I would pass on it over having a plow on it,A plow can cause a lot of damage even break the frame.

 

Yes lots of questions about the Jeep for sure and would never consider driving one that far with its history, trailer ONLY for sure. To long sitting and not being driven not to have issues that will have to be addressed and a long way from home isn't the place you want to be when you have to do so.


It "could" be a very good deal but a lot of if's about it for sure and the frame is a big one also being it was used with a plow its entire life stress on everything. I know from having ran 5 of them for my business for years of things that go wrong.


All in all buy and trailer (rent truck/trailer) it home forget about driving it and then build it as it gives you problems, I would hate to replace a clutch on the road if it went along the way or pay to have it done.

 

I'm with Fred i wouldn't drive something used and unknown more then i want to walk.Look at the show roadkill on youtube they do things like that and all of the cars that sat for years break down on a road trip.

 

it's a manual trans. There's no red fluid lol

 

Doh! I is a gud reader guy.

 

I'm sure it will need tires. If you are dead set on driving it back try to get a good, cheap set of tires & wheels off Craigslist in the area it's in.