Hi guys. I'm looking for help buying my first Cherokee. I've been searching craigslist 3 weeks now and I'm becoming overwhelmed w/ all of the different options in my low budget of 3k. If anyone could take the time to help me out w/ my stupid questions I would be GREATLY appreciative.
What I am looking for is most importantly a DEPENDABLE daily driver for my family, but I also like to play in the mud in my rare free time and need something that can get me to my favorite waterfall / cliff diving / camping spot deep in the mountains.
1.) Do I want the Cherokee or Grand Cherokee and why?
2.) Do I want the 4.0 inline 6 or the v8? kelly blue book has the v8's worth more but so many people seem to be saying great things about the i6.
3.) If I get the Grand Cherokee should I get the Limited opposed to the Laredo because of the better tranny? Some of the Laredo's I've looked at had the tranny redone between 75k and 150k. Makes me think they might not be any good and are ready to go out again?????
4.) If I get the regular Cherokee is there a certain model I want?
5.) Right now I'm looking at a 96 limited with an i6 w/ 210k for $3,500. I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on the deal because of my ignorance.

-THANK YOU to all who take the time to help an idiot out.

 

get the one you are looking at but talk down the price a little, also get it checked out by a mechanic before you buy it.
i think you would b better off with a normal cherokee

 

this is only my opinion but im a xj guy and thats what i would chose,the I6 usually has less power but tends to last along longer,and more reliable and a 96 is a good year

 

In the grand cherokees the trans arent any different between the laredo and limited. The 4.0 I6 is a great motor and will last forever, the 5.2 V8s in the Grand cherokees last quite a while too.
You really can't go wrong with either, if your looking for the more family oriented vehicle of the 2 then go with the grand cherokee, the cherokees are great but there isnt much room in the rear seats.
Stock for stock the cherokee is the better off roader, but if you do get into lifts the grand cherokee does get better flex because of the coil rear suspension as opposed to the leaf springs found in the cherokee.
Its a matter of personal opinion both are great vehicles.

 

either way, 96 with over 200k is a bit steep for $3500. i don't know where you live, but around here (Central VA) for 3500 you can easily get a 97-98 XJ or ZJ with around 150k miles and not much of any problems.

 

I live in the filthiest place on the planet...Los Angeles. there are plenty cheaper and newer jeeps for sale here...but they all seem to be v8's (not necessarily a bad thing) and/or 2WD. This one is from a dealership and he won't even budge a few hundred bucks for me. I'll probably remain patient.

 

I would. something better has to come along.

 

They always do!

 

I didn't go for that rip off price of 3500 for a 96. I stayed patient and found what I think is a good deal. Today I just bought a 1995 grand cherokee limited w/ the 4.0 inline six for $1500! It has new slightly bigger tires (245's) only has 153k and all electrical is perfect. You guys had me leaning towards the xj but this was too good to pass up. It is in near perfect mechanical condition and 0 rust...but the body is a little beat...which i could care less about. I plan on beating her more...haha. On my drive home with her the only thing I dislike is how little drivers seat slides back. I'm 6'2 and really like my legs straight out when driving. oh well....I'll get over it. I may re-sell her for a small profit and get into the xj....but I'm going to give her at least a few months to prove herself. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU everyone!

 

Me personally, i think a Grand Cherokee is fugly like something off star trek.. Yea they come with V8's and coils in the back.. But i wouldnt trade my XJ for 10 of em.. Just my 2 cents.

 

If you find the legroom in a Grand lacking i dont think you'll be happier in a Cherokee.