I am looking to get a cherokee as my first car in a few months. Any tips, ideas and help would be greatly appreciated. I am big into the search and rescue thing so I need ideas for carrying gear, radio mounts, etc. I need to know if this is a good idea for a first car. I am a safe, responsible driver, just in case that comes up.

 

A cherokee is always a good investment, I reccommend you get the 4.0 with the automatic. Of course 4x4 is a nice option. I have a 98' Cherokee sport and I couldn't be any happier. They're cheap to upgrade and even cheaper to fix. I hope I helped!

 

thats why I was looking at one, lus I love jeeps. I know i want and automatic, and it has to be 4x4, considering I live in WV. Where are some good places to buy? There is a really good auto trader paper in my area, so I always look at that, and theres always craigslist. Where did you get yours?

 

I got mine from craigslist for $2200. It's always the best place to look in my opinion. My only real complaint is gas mileage but yet, jeeps are known for not being fuel efficient. It's $50 to fill the 18 gallon tank from empty.

 

do you have a 2 door or a 4 door? I kinda like the 2 door, not too worried about passengers since the main one will be my sheppard, any suggestions?

 

i got both 2dr and 4dr and i can tell you that sometimes it's nice to be able to put the back windows down and get some cross breeze going while driving.
manual is a bit rougher to shift than most other newer trucks.
either way the inline 6 has more power than you'll know what to do with.
built like a tank. not built for luxury, but it's not uncomfortable at all.

 

I own a 2 door and a 4 door. Love them both. The manual tranny is a little stiff at times but still fun. Don't rule out the earlier models from 87 to 96. They are just as good as the 97 to 01. Just look for rusted out floors and holes in the unibody. My dad liked my 97 so much that him and mom bought a 99 sport yesterday.

 

4.0 and 4x4 for sure
Check rust if it came from further up North, I have had a few Jeeps that the salt really tore up over the years. Mine had it real bad around the windshield, floor board and lower rails.
4.0 is a beast for sure, lasts forever.

 

I've got a 4dr. The 2dr is surprisingly rare in SC. The 2dr looks better but the 4dr is more practical in my opinion

 

For me it came down to what was in N.ireland, came across a 2.5 sport, here in ireland it takes £95 to fill her, we pay higher road tax to, for anything above a 1400cc.

Look at floor, sills.. for they will be hanging of the 94 models, unless work already been done. I weld, so it was a project for me. Look at back arches CLOSE.. they rot due to a lip on the metal.. after i welded new steel in, i cut the lip away, so any time i power hose her, its all getting done. Also my leaf springs were broken, new set in breakers, £140..

I bought 4 litre for parts, cost... £200. My advise, see one you like, and get an independant garage to look over her, unless you know you stuff, it could cost you to fix. And then you get bitten by the bug.. lol

Happy looking.

Jamstir

 

heres a cheap xj i found on craigslist. Tell me what you think

http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/cto/2049676954.html

 

I'm a little leery of it not having a current inspection. Look it over carefully. Those vacuum lines shouldn't be too bad to fix.

 

needs vacuum lines to get the 4x4 working? i.e. the 4x4 doesn't work. he THINKS it's a vacuum line.
this is just personal preference, but i try not to buy vehicles in the winter, unless i know exactly what i'm getting. cold out, you won't inspect it well, some leaks can be blamed on the wet weather, can't really check the AC, overheating problems can be hidden.

 

I wanted a 97+ too, But I found my 91 limited and couldnt be happier. ITs 4x4 auto, And mine is very comfortable, thanks to the well built leather seats in the limited.

Id say just dont limit yourself. If you find an older one clean, take it. Specially if your going out into the mountains/woods.

 

thats what I was worried about. I wouldnt be getting one till summer anyway