Jeep Cherokee

03-06-2002, 11:57 AM

OK, I'm looking into getting a late 1980s Jeep Cherokee this summer so I can haul a boat around. I'm looking into a 5-speed 4.0L V6.0.

At any rate, I'm curious about the track record of the Cherokee. Primarily things like the transmission (I understand the Peugeot tranny in models around '88 is junk. True?)

I hear the Jeep is a very bulletproof vehicle, though. Any thoughts?

monger · 03-06-2002, 02:38 PM

87 and before is made mostly by AMC with some parts made my chrystler. (transmissions and such) 88 and after were made entirely by chrystler. the 87 jeep that I have has 240,000 miles on it and is still going strong.

I think that the transmissions 85 and prior had a problem with the input shaft where it would shatter after about 70-100K miles. After that they are pretty strong. The four wheel drive setup on Jeeps is supurb. When in 4 low the front axle locks into posi-track (track-lock for the ford lovers out there) so it delivers good steady power to all wheels. This is also why you should never try to turn hard while in 4 low.... dragging tires.

Anyway, I love my Jeep(s). they have been nothing but a good strong vehicle for me. and not to hard to work on either.

PatO · 03-06-2002, 05:49 PM

I have a '91 with 120k on it.
No real troubles. Previous owners never used it and all the seals dried up, but it's much better now.
My family has had several and none of them have had any expensive troubles. I guess the main reason I like them so much is that they are easy to work on. Parts a plenty out there...

I still haven't figured out why I'm paying $1000/yr for insurance on the thing, though.... Clean record...

03-07-2002, 12:52 PM

Good to know. How about the fuel economy on a 4.0L 6-cyl and a 2.5L 4 banger when mated to a 5-speed tranny? Any of you pull trailers with either engine?

Oh, how's the paint job holding up? Especially for models around 86-88?

Appreciate it.

PatO · 03-07-2002, 06:17 PM

4.0 6cyl AT appx 18mpg (city+hwy)
No trlrs...
Paint is fine, but it's a '91.
4wd is awsome in winter!
You can whip *****t*es in 2wd, but flip it on at stoplights and fly by everyone else.