Just bought my son a modified 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport...He will be 16 in May 2017..
Hugh Learning curve...All info appreciated...What suggestions to do to vechile 1st...Steering wheel not original no air bag...Should I buy an original steering wheel with air bag? Thank you...

 

First thing to do is assess the vehicle's current condition. If you are not familiar with Jeeps and their common issues, I would suggest you get a good mechanic to look it over. There are many knowledgable members on this board who are in Florida. A lifted Cherokee can get real squirrelly quick if it wasn't lifted correctly. The steering wheel changed out for a non-airbag wheel has me concerned on what other questionable mods have been made to the vehicle.

 

I know hindsight is 20/20 but there is no way I'd trust a new driver with a modded xj. They're already glitchy anyway. Mods add to the glitchiness. If lifted that adds a whole 'nother level of driving challenges.

 

first thing to do it make sure its safe and reliable.

 

I imagine you'd need a steering wheel with airbag to pass inspection so you probably want that, if you can't find a wheel and bag from a regular cherokee one from a 99-01 Grand Cherokee will work too.

 

tune-up, fluids flush, change out that steering to a zj steering. ball joints, hub bearings, and shocks. Once he gets used to driving it (12-18 months) then begin the upgrades. I would look into that steering wheel issue.

 

I disagree with that statement. My 90 is lifted 5" on 33s. It doesn't corner like my Z28, but it does well. If lifted properly, it will handle well. I think a lifted Jeep is a better choice than a small car as visibility is much better from the higher vantage point. Jeeps also encourage slow driving while zippy little cars encourage driving too fast.

 

I can agree with this. My first vehicle was a 71 F100 with 302V8. Light weight, very squirrelly and no power steering or brakes. I learned to drive very well before upgrading to a Mustang later on. Much better to learn on something that handles poorly then move to something like a sports car than the other way around.

 

Agreed,
Learning on something that is inherently less stable and "under-preforming" compared to most cars out there (under-performing in the braking, turning, and accelerating departments), will teach a newer driver to drive well within the limits - and will teach them the physics of driving first hand.

Every time I see a teenage driver in a sporty car tailgating a large truck they cant see around, or hauling *** around city streets, etc - all I can think of is "DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND HOW PHYSICS WORKS??!?!?"

 

I have not given the young man enough credit. I'll concede that a lifted truck is not the most dangerous vehicle on the road by a long sight.
Besides, working on it (as you know they're going to have to do) will be a good time to bond. I have very fond memories of helping my dad do stuff.

 

Yup, I got that first truck when my Dad pointed at it and told me "If you can make it run, you can have it". Talk about motivating a 16 year old! Helped a lot that my Dad is a mechanic and I spent a lot of time visiting other family members gathering spare parts to rebuild the engine

 

Thank u...How do I find mechanic in Pace Florida 32571? Reference to this board knowable mechanic...

 

Agree...Hugh Learning curve

 

very concerned mother here...

 

Exactly