BimmerJeeper

I thinking about need a reliable 4Wd for the winter, while I store my BMW away. I hear 1996-2000 Jeeps are great trucks, and can get to 175k miles.... It would be nice to have a backup car while the BMW is in the shop. Is this the right idea? I have no plans of modding, lifting or even off-roading.

Besides size, any huge differences b/w Wranglers vs. Cherokees?
Is one more reliable than the other? Is one generally cheaper?

Any major warnings about Jeep ownership? Can they become money pit nightmares? Are Cherokee Sports DIY friendly? I am looking for a Cherokee "Sport" b/c I don''t need comfort frills, and there's stuff to break.

Is there a huge difference b/w I6 and 4 cyl. motors? I'm an adult driver, so I can drive lightly and get ok mileage. Is the I6 motor worth it? Is one more reliable than the other?

It seems like 1996 and 1999 are the most desirable years.
Should the 2000 Sport be avoided? Just b/c of the aluminum head?

These are 2 I've looked at locally:

1996 Cherokee Sport. 4L 6cyl engine. Automatic. Only 70k miles. Asking $4300 firm.
Adult owned, not beat on. Never off-roaded.
New radiator, water pump, fluids, many new hoses, brakes, tires, etc.
Inside is clean. Body is a 9. I see no rust or dents.

2000 Cherokee Sport. 4 cyl engine. Automatic. Only 112k miles. Asking $3300.
Adult owned, not beat on. Never off-roaded.
New brakes, exhaust, tires. Inside is clean.
Body has light rust inside the doors and rockers

Reactions?
Anyone have some general links/FAQ so I can learn more about classic Jeeps?

NorCalJeep

If this is going to be just a commuter for winter(and will never see offroad), then go with the 4 banger for the gas mileage. And 2wd will get even better mileage with a 5-speed manual. Decide whether you are going to wheeling first. Most of the parts are exactly the same when it comes to the cherokee and wrangler. The 4 banger doesn't have that much power as the straight 6, but still a decent engine. A cherokee is just a unibody and the wrangler has a frame. Both are reliable and excellent vehicles, and they won't let you down. Be honest with yourself first, because once you get a jeep you will want to mod it and want to take it offroad. Good luck on deciding what you want to do.



Welcome to CF buddy

BimmerJeeper

For the trivial improvement in gas mileage, I think the 4 cyl. is not worth it. I6 or bust.
I have no idea about off-roading, but seeing photos of it on this forum sure makes it look fun. But, I'm pretty sure it will be a typical commuter car.

Good to know Wrangler is basically the same thing. I might expand my search to include them. Is 1996-2000 also a good price/value point to stick with?

NorCalJeep

Smart man going for the I6. 1999-2001 cherokee had head issues when it got too hot, but I wouldn't ever turn down a cherokee because of that. The newer cherokees should be priced reasonably around 3-5k(depend on conidtion and mileage). The older models like 84-96 should be around 1-3k (also depending on condition). The good thing about a cherokee is they are considerablly cheaper than the wrangler, and you can spend the extra cash you would have spent on the wrangler and upgrade your cherokee. Yes, I am a diehard cheorkee fanboy, but don't turn down your search if you really like the wrangler. These cherokees can go forever with that I6. Good luck.

bullettooth2008

Hi and welcome, I have the diesel just to confuse things as fuel here 3 times cost of America, its a 1997 5 speed manual, mainly daily driver and fun toy also,not gone too mad with upgrades as yet, 3" lift and 31inch tyres no looking back.
Ideal all round vehicle whatever the conditions your up against.

PNWjeeper

If you take proper care of the engine in a cherokee you can easily pass 175k there are, rumors of ones close to or even greater the 400k. Cherokees can easily become a money pit, but not in the fact that there is constant costly repair but because of all the possibilities for modifying and making it your own. It's definitely easy to catch jeepisum (the compulsion to buy and upgrade things that may or may not be needed)

oh and welcome, if you do choose a Cherokee (also known as the XJ) be sure to refer to this site for all questions and concerns.

odgreen

Rumor? How bout a fact! Yes all original.

91 limited owner

I have to drive another 378,995 miles to reach that.

91 limited owner

Welcome from Wisconsin.

BimmerJeeper

Why are Wranglers more expensive than Cherokees? More demand?
Are they more expensive when new also? I saw Wranglers get worse gas mileage, also.

odgreen

Wranglers are owned by a-holes... A holes think all wranglers are worth gold. They suck.

NorCalJeep

I think it is just because of how popular they have become, and how they have become well known as great 4 wheelers. But people don't know about the secret XJ, who can be even better. People also think that since a vehicle is a unibody that it can't be a great 4 wheeler,wrong. I see cherokees out wheel a wrangler sometimes, and sometimes i see a wrangler out wheel a cherokee. I hate stupid vehicle wars.


Can't go wrong with a jeep.

ol"blue

Helpful Links!!!https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/helpful-links-10052/

The Wrangler has a larger engine compartment, and an actual frame, so it's much easier to stuff in a larger engine. It's legal to run doorless, and topless.
As long as it's a Jeep it's okay.

Ianf406

The Wrangler appeals to more people than a Cherokee does. While they are still somewhat box shaped, they are "cooler" to most of the world. I have to admit that driving down the beach without a roof, doors, or a windshield would be fun on a summer day. Generally speaking, parts for Wranglers are more expensive; especially the new ones. My buddy and my father both have 4-door Wranglers and even things like brake pads are almost twice as much. I personally like the way a lifted Cherokee looks more than a Wrangler and have had one my whole driving life so I know what to fix when something goes wrong.

I have had three Cherokees. One was a really old one. It was gold and actually came with a "wagoneer" logo on it. (Yes still an XJ) The second was a 93 and my newest is a 99. The interior has changed drastically between them and the 99 is much much nice/comfortable than either of my old ones. It was much quieter as well before I got my exhaust. My first Cherokee had almost 230,000 on it before I cracked the engine block crossing a cold river. The second one I sold with 165,000. I paid 4500 for the 99 with only 20,000 miles on it (steal IMO). It is now at 165,000 and still running strong.

Sorry for my long-winded-ness. Welcome to the forum!

redxj96

I own a 96 Cherokee sport (4.0 H.O.) got 198xxx miles on it other than normal replacements its very very reliable and gas mileage is still good