xj5

So I've been looking for a cherokee to do a dd build on and my dad has been helping me look. we looked at a few and they all ended up being beat up and rusty. He is now telling me that jeeps are junk and i shouldn't get one because ill be wasting my money and i should get a pick up truck or an xterra, meanwhile my mom has a zj with 201k on it still going strong. is there any thing that i can say that will help him change his mind? thanks

GreenClassic

There are tons of people on this forum that have 200,000+ on their original engines without any problems, one member on here has over 400,000. Personally, mine has 126,500 and runs like brand new.

The ZJs are only slightly less reliable, because of their transmission.

The only time mine has ever refused to start was because of a dead battery.

Atmos

a lot of these things are reaching the 20 year mark. theyre great if theyve been maintained or you put some work in
but if they have been beaten like the family dog or have been left to rot, you get one like mine.
$825 in fees and smog. now I'm looking at $400 to stop it from overheating. just know what you're looking at. I took a risk and got boned

but I've loved all my xj's no matter what the condition. there's just something about them
if this is your first or second vehicle, get one. it's a good learning experience if nothing less

each one took me 6 months to find btw. be patient. I mustve looked at a dozen **** jeeps before making my purchases.

Atmos

oh and they're definitely a waste of money. you lose almost every dollar you put in unless you really know what you're doing
but it's well worth it

XJeep98Classic

My engine is knocking at 170k

XJ BoSS

Were trying to convince him not deter him to get a xterra. Or something worse.

Atmos

try to give both sides to every arguement. not gonna tell him that all these jeeps are secretly gems and they run perfect
some ARE junk and need work. cant let him go into this blind

zombie jeep101

Straight up. With any vehicle you buy there is going to be problems. Some are built better and last longer than others. Here's the truth of the matter, if it was a well maintained Jeep, it'll last you past until you're ready for a new vehicle. Iv seen 2008 trucks motors blow because they were not well kept and dogged through mud and what not. Personally, my Jeep is 23 years old, has not a single speck of rust and runs like the day it was made. You get what you maintain

GreenClassic

That sucks. But that is not typical for this engine unless it was abused or neglected.

Basically, just look for one that has been well-maintained and not abused. I know in some areas they're harder to find. They will come along, just not very often. I guess the people that take care of them are reluctant to let them go.

Atmos

oh. and a stocker for sure. you want it unmolested because the manufacture is the only one who built it right

andrewmp6

I know your pain my step dad has asked me before why did you buy that pile of junk but a year or two later say that is a good car lol.Rust is a big problem because your up north when they salt the roads which will help rust start.If you can afford it look for something lower miles bone stock that has been taken care of.

QWallXJ

Or a Toyota!

xj5

ok great thanks guys

XJUSMC

my xterra was a piece of crap.

my timing belt went on me going over a train track at 5 miles per hour.

took out the whole top end, not fun stay away from the interruption engine.

XJ BoSS

Our xterras timing belt broke too. We sold it to some Mexicans from Atlanta that took a 6 hour drive sight unseen and put I on a trailer and gave us 4k cash