Exploer, Blazer, or Cherokee?

[Pushead2]

Looking to get a good used SUV, years 1995-2000 & price range $1500-$3000. I'm not too sure which one will be the better SUV to look into or will be last for a couple years atleast....I just would like something for the snow here in NY & haul all my hockey shit around in.

Anyone own(ed) any of the vehicles? Which one should I be going for? I got amazing help with my Saturn on here so I figure I will turn right back to the Planet.

[KurtCobain]

A 1996-1998 blazer is a good SUV.

[Pushead2]

A 1996-1998 blazer is a good SUV.

I've been reading weary things about 4.3 engine though, did you own one?

[Bugeater]

I'd go with the company that was making SUVs before the Big 3 even knew what an SUV was.

[BigMeatballDave]

Between those 3 I'd go with Jeep.

[KurtCobain]

I've been reading weary things about 4.3 engine though, did you own one?

Yes I did, and it ran fine for a while then it broke down. It was a 96 and my brother had a 98 for about six years with little problems. But I'm not anyone to know ANYTHING about cars, I have trouble finding the oil stick, so I can't say much besides that I liked it.

[Bwana]

4Runner

[burt]

It all depends what years that you are looking at.

[penguinz]

Cherokee.

[johnny961]

I've been reading weary things about 4.3 engine though, did you own one?

That 4.3 is similar to the 5.7 (350. CID) V8 only with 2 fewer cylinders. I've never owned one myself but from what I hear from owners that 4.3 is a good engine that will go 200,000 anyway if properly maintained. Maintenance being the big IF on anything over around 10 years old. I really don't think you'll go wrong with any of the above IF you get one that has been properly maintained and cared for. I'd shop around and let mileage along with apparant maintenance be the deciding factor.

[Over-Head]

Toyota 4 runner...ya can't fuggen killem!!!

[KCUnited]

My 2001 XJ is the best all around vehicle I've ever owned.

[trndobrd]

4Runner

This.

I pulled three cars out of the snow yesterday with my 1990 4Runner (250k miles). Starts fine, electricals work, runs smooth.

[Pushead2]

4Runner for what I'm looking for is way out of my price range. atleast 4-6k.

[Pushead2]

What about the passport/rodeo?

[penguinz]

Get the cherokee. You can go pretty much anywhere that you have the height to clear.

[vailpass]

Depends on what year for the Cherokee. Model switched I think in 98. 97s have a lot of known issues. Look it up on jeep forums before you buy.
*edit* It may be the Grand Cherokee (ZJ) that switched, at any rate go to a Jeep forum and see what the jeepers there say about whatever you are considering buying. Good info for free from wrenchers and wheelers.

[Pushead2]

even Pathfinders fall into the range I'm looking for too...

[Sofa King]

whatever you do, don't buy an exploder (explorer)... you'll regret it... those things were the biggest piles of crap.

[Inspector]

I have a '98 4runner with 56,000 miles on it that I use for winter snow driving. I was making fresh tracks through 2 foot drifts this morning. It's still runs and looks like new and is worth it's weight in gold during times like now.

They may run a little more but the one I have sure seems like a high quality vehicle. Of course it has had impeccable care throughout it's life so that probably also helps.

Good luck on whatever you end up with!

[penguinz]

Depends on what year for the Cherokee. Model switched I think in 98. 97s have a lot of known issues. Look it up on jeep forums before you buy.
*edit* It may be the Grand Cherokee (ZJ) that switched, at any rate go to a Jeep forum and see what the jeepers there say about whatever you are considering buying. Good info for free from wrenchers and wheelers.The only real changes in the Cherokee is that they moved to a low pinion and in the 2000 and later there a few problems with the head cracking if it over-heats. The head is not not a big deal if you check it first and then maintain the jeep correctly.

[Chief Roundup]

I owned a 98 Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0 Litre 6 cylinder. The only trouble I had was normal maintenance i.e. alternator, water pump. When I traded it off it had 287,000 miles on it and still didn't use any oil or smoke. It was an excellent vehicle. Just a little hard on gas.
I have a truck that has a 4.3 V6 in it and it is one of the best motors GM has ever made. Very dependable with enough power to pull a bass boat or a couple of yards of dirt for the garden. I get 18 to 20 in town and 24+ on the highway.
That said I am not a fan of the blazer or the explorer. The explorer is one of Fords worst vehicles. JMO

[Wyndex]

mid 90s explorers were crap and late 90s blazers were also crap

[Pushead2]

I have a 2009 Acura TSX & the Saturn, but the Saturn had it's run but it's starting to crap out.

it seems a lot of people here are high on the Cherokee.....

[trndobrd]

4Runner for what I'm looking for is way out of my price range. atleast 4-6k.


With a little searching you can find mid-90s 4 runners around $3000. A quick glance at NY Craigslist showed four in the NY area for under $4k. It's definitely worth the effort.

[Pushead2]

With a little searching you can find mid-90s 4 runners around $3000. A quick glance at NY Craigslist showed four in the NY area for under $4k. It's definitely worth the effort.

I looked as well, I'd like to get one but I'm weary from a past purchase with a car over 140k in mileage.

You think it's worth a look if the car seems maintained properly? I appreciate the help.

[WV]

What about the passport/rodeo?

My parents had a Rodeo that my sister still drives to this day. Great vehicle.

[Pushead2]

My parents had a Rodeo that my sister still drives to this day. Great vehicle.

my neighbor has one too & he swears by it.

[WV]

my neighbor has one too & he swears by it.

My sisters has nearly 100k miles and it still has the original brakes.

[Sofa King]

My sisters has nearly 100k miles and it still has the original brakes.

I'm gonna need pictures of your sister to confirm.

[Pushead2]

I'm gonna need pictures of your sister to confirm.

ROFL

[trndobrd]

I looked as well, I'd like to get one but I'm weary from a past purchase with a car over 140k in mileage.

You think it's worth a look if the car seems maintained properly? I appreciate the help.


Absolutely worth a look, they have plenty of miles after 140k. I bought my 4Runner for $1700 with almost 250k on it and it still runs like a champ (after some new plugs and wires). The body was a little rough, but I just use to haul stuff or on days I don't want to get the Infiniti out of the garage.

Edit: I've been very pleased with mine, but I don't think my results have been especially atypical for a 4Runner that has been reasonably well maintained.

[WV]

I'm gonna need pictures of your sister to confirm.

She'd chew you up and spit you out young man....I wouldn't wish her on a lot of my enemies!

[gblowfish]

I've had two Jeep Grand Cherokees with the 4.0 litre straight six engine. It's one of the best engines ever. The design goes all the way back to the 1940's Hudson automobile. It's very simple, reliable, and trouble free. Jeeps are hard on brakes, electrical and batteries. And they don't get good gas mileage. But in the snow they are the best vehicle ever.

[notorious]

I've had two Jeep Grand Cherokees with the 4.0 litre straight six engine. It's one of the best engines ever.


This.


And.....

My wife's Jeep Liberty completely blew away the Chevy T-Blazer we test drove in every catagory except useless electronics in the dash.

No comparison in 4WD and power, even though the TBlazer supposedly has a bigger and more powerful engine.


I will never purchase or suggest a Blazer or Trailblazer, and I am a GM fan.

[stevieray]

Cherokee.

not even a contest..find a 2000/2001 with 70/80k..change the oil..you'll get 200k plus.

[DeezNutz]

I've had two Jeep Grand Cherokees with the 4.0 litre straight six engine. It's one of the best engines ever. The design goes all the way back to the 1940's Hudson automobile. It's very simple, reliable, and trouble free. Jeeps are hard on brakes, electrical and batteries. And they don't get good gas mileage. But in the snow they are the best vehicle ever.

What years, dude, if you don't mind? I was doing a bit of browsing at some recentish models and would be interested in some first-hand reviews.

[Radar Chief]

Of those you listed I'd look for the Jeep but I'm biased.
And I like the plain Cherokee, XJ, more than the Grand Cherokees. Not that the Grand's aren't fine rigs but the XJ's have a solid front axle and a lighter chassis for the 4.0L to move around.
Of course the Grand's can be found with injected V-8's if you need more motor, so there is that trade off.

[Predarat]

Cherokee
Blazer
Explorer

[CoMoChief]

Get a Jeep with a 4.0L Inline 6 engine.

One of the best engines ever made by the hand of God.

Had one all through HS and another one all through college up until recently....drove each for about 60K each, never once had any problems with the engine.

I problem I have with Jeeps from 98-02 (or '03 when they stopped making Cherokee's) is their cooling systems/AC are fucking junk. Each one of the Jeeps I had, had problems with the cooling systems and AC.

[ModSocks]

Heh, go with the Jeep.

When i wrecked my T/A a few years back, we had it chained down on a trailer, which was attached to my boss' 2003 Dodge Ram Extended Cab. We decided to hook a chain to the frame of my car and use the jeep to try and pull the frame out a bit so we can remove the battery.

Well, not only did the frame pull out enough to remove the battery, but it also pulled my T/a, the trailer, and the truck that it was attached to a few feet before we stopped.

Enough said, eh?

[COchief]

99-01 Cherokee by a mile, seconding whoever said change the oil and you're good to 200K. We bought one two years ago to pull behind our RV and for snow days. The thing is rock solid and a great vehicle. Take your time finding one if you can, we drove 10+ before pulling the trigger on the one we bought, they tend to be beat on a little bit, at least in Colorado.

Happy hunting

[Brock]

Jeep.

[gblowfish]

What years, dude, if you don't mind? I was doing a bit of browsing at some recentish models and would be interested in some first-hand reviews.

I bought a 1993, the first year the Grand Cherokees came out with the new body style, put 110K on it, then sold it. The guy who bought it in Independence is still driving it. Then I bought a 2002 with about 20,000 miles on it back in 2003, and still driving it. Got 175,000 on it, and I just drove it on road trips about 1500 miles over the past two weeks and it ran great.

Inline six engine is a great engine. Very reliable if you take care of it.

[Chieficus]

I've been reading weary things about 4.3 engine though, did you own one?

I had a GMC Jimmy (same as a blazer but with a different name) from that era with that engine. Had 116,000 miles on it when I bought it. Had one engine issue with the egr valve--I had to get it replaced and the system flushed (~$500 back in 2001). But that was a one time thing, and the engine ran fine up until the end (then it finally started having major issues), but that was 10 years later with a total of 240,000 miles on it.

I would certainly recommend a blazer or jimmy from that timeframe. Good cars, as long as you take care of them--as someone said.

[ModSocks]

I had a GMC Jimmy (same as a blazer but with a different name) from that era with that engine. Had 116,000 miles on it when I bought it. Had one engine issue with the egr valve--I had to get it replaced and the system flushed (~$500 back in 2001). But that was a one time thing, and the engine ran fine up until the end (then it finally started having major issues), but that was 10 years later with a total of 240,000 miles on it.

I would certainly recommend a blazer or jimmy from that timeframe. Good cars, as long as you take care of them--as someone said.

Engines these days are rarely the issue IMO. So when people ask, "Is it a reliable engine?" i always tell them that the engine is the last thing they should worry about.

For the most part, most engines are pretty reliable.

Transmissions, fuel pumps, electronics, AC components, power steering pumps, CV axles, interior quality etc is all stuff i think I'd be more worried about.

[Silock]

I currently have a 1998 Jimmy for my winter beater. 225k miles, and running strong. Interior quality sucks, but mechanically, it's just fine, which is all I care about.

[Chieficus]

Engines these days are rarely the issue IMO. So when people ask, "Is it a reliable engine?" i always tell them that the engine is the last thing they should worry about.

For the most part, most engines are pretty reliable.

Transmissions, fuel pumps, electronics, AC components, power steering pumps, CV axles, interior quality etc is all stuff i think I'd be more worried about.

Even then, with that Jimmy all I ever replaced were the alternator (~130,000), the AC blower fan (~200,000), and the radiator (~150,000); outside of normal maintenance stuff.

Impressed me enough that when I sold it, I turned around and bought a 2002 TrailBlazer this past March and love it so far.

On the other hand my parents have had Jeep Cherokee/Grand C. for years--started out trading them in every 2 years, then they decided to keep the last one (about ten years old now), and it was fine for the first 75,000 miles, but has had nothing but one problem after another since (including stearing issues, AC/heating, breaklights, wheels, etc.)

[Buehler445]

10-15 years old will almost always depend on how each individual model was driven and cared for.

That being said, I've heard of a lot of Cherokees in the 90s having electrical problems.
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[SAUTO]

Gm 4.3 has engine issues. Head gasket and intake gasket. Then the af ruins the bearings. One of my least favorite engines, and they have made me a metric shit ton of money.


Jeep if you asked me
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[38yrsfan]

All 3 of those models had their particular issues.

I'd go with the Cherokee just because of availability and the after-market options are more plentiful, even for that year range.

[Buehler445]

Oh and the other thing is that if you are more than 6 feet tall there is a very real possibility that you won't fit in the Jeep. Those damn things have the most inefficient use of cabin space it isn't even funny.
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[SAUTO]

Ill say this......
I've put tons if ball joints, idler arms, pitman arms, intake gaskets, head gaskets, and engines in blazers.


The explorer ball joints suck too. And its a pos ford. Nuff said.


I have three core vortec engines at the shop RIGHT NOW. I haven't installed three 4.0 jeep motors in the last couple off years.

I had a,98 cherokee 4.0 that had over a quarter million on it. Traded for a 03 with the same engine. It has almost the same with the only issues being a cooling fan relay.

And some 4.0 have head gasket problems when overheated but I would much rather do that job, much easier and cheaper than a 4.3


And again fuck a pos explorer
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[SAUTO]

Il disagree here. I'm 6'2" and weigh 230 right now, no issues driving them. Oh and the other thing is that if you are more than 6 feet tall there is a very real possibility that you won't fit in the Jeep. Those damn things have the most inefficient use of cabin space it isn't even funny.
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[Tylerthigpen!1!]

I looked as well, I'd like to get one but I'm weary from a past purchase with a car over 140k in mileage.

You think it's worth a look if the car seems maintained properly? I appreciate the help.

If you buy a second gen 4runner (90-95) then you are more than likely getting the 3.0 v6. It's underpowered, poor fuel economy, and the exhaust manifold is poorly designed so it likes to blow head gaskets. I would try to find one that has a blown head gasket for around 700-1000 bucks and fix it up. Or find one that just had the hg done.

[penguinz]

10-15 years old will almost always depend on how each individual model was driven and cared for.

That being said, I've heard of a lot of Cherokees in the 90s having electrical problems.
Posted via Mobile DeviceThe Grands had a lot of issues.

The Cherokees had some issues with the power windows/lock. All related to wires getting pinched or worn in the boot between the kick panel and the door. Nothing hard to fix if it happens.

[Pushead2]

hmmmm......it seems that all these SUVs have their problems but most of y'all recommend the Cherokee over the other two.

[Silock]

Well, of the 3 options, it's one of the best. But there are BETTER options out there. You just haven't given us the choice.

In that price range, I'd buy a 5 spd 4Runner in half a heartbeat.

[Pushead2]

Well, of the 3 options, it's one of the best. But there are BETTER options out there. You just haven't given us the choice.

In that price range, I'd buy a 5 spd 4Runner in half a heartbeat.

what do recommend, and I'm not driving a 5 spd lol. This is NYC we're talking about not open highway.

[Silock]

Even an automatic 4Runner would be better than the options listed.

[Pushead2]

Even an automatic 4Runner would be better than the options listed.

I would look into it, they're just a tad out of the price range I'd like to spend on a used truck.

[penguinz]

what do recommend, and I'm not driving a 5 spd lol. This is NYC we're talking about not open highway.If he is looking at 4x4 capability for winter days then the Jeep will out perform it by a long shot.

[Pushead2]

If he is looking at 4x4 capability for winter days then the Jeep will out perform it by a long shot.

I'd like something that I can use for the snow but also something that I could use everyday as well.

It's mostly for my hockey equipment & snow / inclement weather.

[Radar Chief]

Ill say this......
I've put tons if ball joints, idler arms, pitman arms, intake gaskets, head gaskets, and engines in blazers.

The Chevy IFS is crap, it’s just barely up to handling stock size tires. I don’t know anyone that has wheeled their Chevy 4X4 that hasn’t broken a half shaft and had to limp it home at some point.

[Radar Chief]

Ill say this......
The explorer ball joints suck too. And its a pos ford. Nuff said.

And again **** a pos explorer
Posted via Mobile Device

ROFL :thumb:

[Chiefnj2]

I'd like something that I can use for the snow but also something that I could use everyday as well.

It's mostly for my hockey equipment & snow / inclement weather.

Can't you take public transportation to chelsea piers?

[chiefsnorth]

I have an 04 grand Cherokee which I bought new. It has 100k on it now.

My take is that the engine is solid, it should be reliable if cared for, but the interior and periphery stuff quality is poor. Much corner cutting was done in these areas. Typical breaks are door handles, power windows, power locks, interior lighting, and and all switches, dials, and knobs. Also these all have California emissions so there are I think four O2 sensors. Wipers (front and rear) are dodgy and the power mirrors are said to flake around 100k for a lot of people. Seems to go through brakes and tires quickly. Gas mileage is poor, even for the SUV class. 20 on the highway is as good as it gets.

You can easily see why there are a lot of older GC's on the road that look like crap. It will run forever but with a symphony of creaks and squeaks accompanying an interior that isn't made to last.

Still miles better than blazers or explorers from what I hear. 4wd capability is great, esp. Living in a snowy area as I do.

[tooge]

not the advice you seek, but I'd get an F150 4x4 with the crew cab and or a camper shell that locks and you are serving the same purpose but get a truck that is never gonna die at the same time.

[Silock]

If he is looking at 4x4 capability for winter days then the Jeep will out perform it by a long shot.

Its not like he's going to be doing ice road truckers or anything. For winter days and getting around in ice and snow, the Toyota would be more than adequate. And it would be more reliable, which is something that should be factored in to a vehicle that old.

Now, if he we re going to mod it out, it would be a different story. But Toyota SUVs are used quite frequently in areas of the world that have far worse conditions than he'll be seeing in NY.

[cmh6476]

i own a grand cherokee, 2002 and will never buy another one

[bogey]

I have a 94 explorer that I bought in 95. I've beat it up pretty bad, but it still runs well.

[Easy 6]

Gimme the Jeep, you can have the Exploder & Blazer.

[Rausch]

Looking to get a good used SUV, years 1995-2000...

Why?

[Bill Lundberg]

I've been reading weary things about 4.3 engine though, did you own one?

I had one and that 4.3 engine never gave me any problems. It had plenty of juice too. I really liked that vehicle.

[SAUTO]

i own a grand cherokee, 2002 and will never buy another one

why? what engine?

[cmh6476]

why? what engine?

just seems to have had many problems with it. 4.7 liter v8

It still runs well, just stuff kinda here and there all the time to fix. I guess it is 8/9 yrs old, so there is that. Just seems hoses, power steering pump, thermostat, radiator, just thing after thing and the damn this is still leaking either power steering fluid or anti-freeze all over the driveway.

I had an explorer and ranger before this, and a chevy cavalier before those two. I had nowhere near the amount of problems with the fords or chevy that I have the Jeep.

[SAUTO]

I had one and that 4.3 engine never gave me any problems. It had plenty of juice too. I really liked that vehicle.

one of the lucky ones

[SAUTO]

just seems to have had many problems with it. 4.7 liter v8

It still runs well, just stuff kinda here and there all the time to fix. I guess it is 8/9 yrs old, so there is that. Just seems hoses, power steering pump, thermostat, radiator, just thing after thing and the damn this is still leaking either power steering fluid or anti-freeze all over the driveway.

I had an explorer and ranger before this, and a chevy cavalier before those two. I had nowhere near the amount of problems with the fords or chevy that I have the Jeep.

yeah i wouldnt own one that didnt have a 4.0l

[Omaha]

My brother had 2 Blazers from around that time & he had very expensive problems. I've been driving Jeeps since the '90s.

[Pushead2]

Can't you take public transportation to chelsea piers?

Sure if that's where I was playing hockey lol.....

Why?

My Acura is not meant for the snow at all (quite terrible in the snow) but mostly for my hockey equipment that I lug all year round

My brother had 2 Blazers from around that time & he had very expensive problems. I've been driving Jeeps since the '90s.

It just seems that each direction is fucked....:cuss: