So I just joined this forum today to get some input on long time jeep owners/members of the forum.

I live in MN and I have a 370z. This is a real wheel drive sports car that definitely isn't the best for snow.

I have been doing a lot of searching for something to get me through the winter, and a Cherokee is looking like a good option.

I found an 01 in my area for under 5K that has just over 100k miles. If what I read is correct these jeeps can last upwards of 300k miles???

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Snow is the reason I bought a Jeep. Try and find one with an LSD at the back and a 242 transfer case (it has the full time option for 4WD). With that and some decent mud and snow rated tyres you'll be golden.
If they put salt on the roads, you'll need to hose it off every week.... or suffer!
Best of luck!
Morat

 

Brace yourself.
FOlks are going to slam the 00-01 Jeep XJs because they started using the 0331 cast head for those years and are a bit more prone to cracking..
However I have owned an 00 XJ and had 0 issues out of it, just dont let it overheat.

However an XJ is an awesome winter vehicle. As stated above the np242 transfer case has a full time option which is pretty darn nice in snow, however a regular ol 231 t-case is a more common option and will work as well...but isnt really intededed to be used in 4wd on the street...as long as you keep it in snow or any other non paved surface itll be just fine.

 

The 00-01 heads cracking is mostly from lack of maintenance and driving the jeep with it over heating.

 

I have had my 2000 since it was new and I took care of it as if it was a god.
I never over heated my jeep once and did cooling maintenance on a regular basis, the head still went craaaack!
Don't get me wrong I'm not saying all 0331 heads on the 00-01 will crack. I was just a lucky one I guess .
lack of maintenance or over heating wasnt the issue on my end.

 

I think it's a great winter vehicle and agree with having the 242 transfer case. That's what it was made for. Put it in 4-FullTime with the first snow/ice, and leave it there all winter. According to the owners manual it does not decrease fuel economy.
The 242 is called Selec-Trac by Jeep. To identify, look on the shift bezel for the 'FullTime' feature (pictured).
The 231 Command-Trac does not have this option.

 

Yes, the Cherokee is a good winter vehicle, and does well for me with the Michigan winters. That said, you can still get stuck, etc., it just takes more work to do so. (Thusly, you are more stuck, and it takes more to get out.)

Keep in mind:
1) You will be driving something that weighs more, so it takes longer to stop.
2) While it is nimble, it is not a sports car.
3) 4wd is NOT four wheel stop. (See #1 & #2)

My 97 came from the factory with my name on the sticker, and it turned 298k miles last week. Basic maintenance can do wonders.

 

DD mine all winter long, which where i am seems to be about 8 months long LOL. Put a decent set of winter tires on it, drive to the road conditions and you will be more than happy with it.

Added bonus is the 4.0L warms up quick, and the heater is awesome.

 

It's a great vehicle for snow when equipped with studded snow+M tires and paired with Full time 4x4

 

When we get our first snow for the year I hop in the jeep, and go for a drive! Even if it happens at 2 am! My favorite time of the year...

Be cautious of deep snow that's melted and 're frozen so it's snow on top ice under. Those are conditions that will get you stuck every time

 

I didn't read through all the posts but one thing to keep in mind is XJs spin quick. I came from driving an extended cab pickup and while the traction is marginally better once the XJ starts to go around it does it much quicker than a longer vehicle. But just be careful and you'll be fine. I will say I just have street tires on mine. But it did get me home busting thru snow drifts to the bumper and 60mph winds in the dark. Can't complain too much.

 

Up to the bumper with street tires seems a little far out of proportion... Lol

 

Cherokee will never fail you in winter, you might want to check this thread for better snow tires: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/snow-tires-56922/

 

I bought my XJ to protect my Forester from logging trail damage but I love how fast it warms up. If I had a full time 4x4 XJ I'd consider it a winter rig but I think I'm gonna stick to the Subbie for daily driving in the deep of winter. Plus I don't feel like buying another set of winters when I want 31's for the XJ.

I'm too lazy to drive a manual with no abs and no winters anymore haha. Stall on lock up! DAMMIT!

 

Mine spins around pretty quick if its icy and I have crappy all seasons. If you have good tires, they are better. I usually toss something heavy in the back to ensure I don't go too drifty in 2wd. 4wd it works great!