Originally Posted by stonedstooge (Post 9462743)

This one looks good


http://static.cargurus.com/images/si...pic-20068.jpeg

Originally Posted by gblowfish (Post 9462746)

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 225,000 miles. I have the 4.0 liter straight six engine.

All the old beat to shit Jeeps you see on the road (even the old square body Cherokees) have that straight six engine. That engine design goes all the was back to the original Hudson Hornet automobile. Except now, they're fuel injected.

Jeeps are hard on batteries, brakes and are prone to electrical issues. I've replaced three of the four power window motors, had problems with the instrument cluster for windows and mirrors on the driver door, had to put in a new seat -the power seat frame is notorious for breaking, bad welds. But the power train has been great, and haven't had any spots on the body rust through.

Gas mileage on a six is actually just a couple miles better than a V8, but the engine is much more reliable and easier to work on.

Unless you plan to tow something, you really don't need the V8.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462880)

Ugh. How bad of gas mileage are we talking here?

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462754)

225k and no transmission issues? That's what really scares me with any Chrysler product.

Originally Posted by Buehler445 (Post 9462887)

My biggest problem with Jeeps is they never have enough room to cram my big ass in them. I've never once ridden in a Jeep with adequate leg room. IIRC, you're not that much shorter than I am. Make sure you drive one good and far before you cut the check.

Originally Posted by gblowfish (Post 9462895)

On my 2002, I usually get about 18 city, about 21 highway. Mine is leaking a little bit of oil now, lose about 1/2 quart every 5,000 miles. No biggie.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462880)

Ugh. How bad of gas mileage are we talking here?

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9462915)

On the regular Cherokees, the auto tranny is an Aisin transmission and is really solid (also used in some Toyota pickups of that vintage). Don't know if that's the case with the Grand Cherokees with the 4.0L, though.

Originally Posted by Buehler445 (Post 9462887)

My biggest problem with Jeeps is they never have enough room to cram my big ass in them. I've never once ridden in a Jeep with adequate leg room. IIRC, you're not that much shorter than I am. Make sure you drive one good and far before you cut the check.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9462929)

Get a JKU.

U = Unlimited = 4 door. Tons and tons of room in those.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9462920)

Bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport last may. I have to be honest, I was expecting the stereotypical bumpy ride, "it's a jeep, deal with it" type of scene. I am so pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and roomy the Jeep is. It rides smooth, and with the Penstar v6, it has quite a bit of power. On top of that, 4x4ing is a lot of fun. You can get it with nav and power everything, remote start, engine block warmers and all kinds of stuff. If you haven't, take a look at a Wrangler.

I should make a note. The suspension and engine were re-done in the 2012 models. Do not get anything less than a 2012.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462880)

Ugh. How bad of gas mileage are we talking here?

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9462915)

On the regular Cherokees, the auto tranny is an Aisin transmission and is really solid (also used in some Toyota pickups of that vintage). Don't know if that's the case with the Grand Cherokees with the 4.0L, though.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9462920)

If you want a real Wrangler, buy nothing newer than 2006, if you're a pussy and want to look tough but need heated seats and can't put a key in a door, get a JK

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9462945)

Boiled down legit advice from owning several jeeps and other makes:

- 4.0 only, no exceptions, one of the best engines ever produced.
- Everything around the engine and drivetrain is crappy and will probably break, you want the least amount of bells and whistles possible, cause that is all crap you'll need to fix.
- Drivetrain will rarely if ever, let you down if maintained.
- Best value and honestly ten times the vehicle would be Xterra/Pathfinder/4runner of the same vintage, disagree? Eat shit, I have gone from Cherokee/Xterra/Wrangler. You haven't so STFU. Also drive them, you'll see.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9462945)

Boiled down legit advice from owning several jeeps and other makes:

- 4.0 only, no exceptions, one of the best engines ever produced.
- Everything around the engine and drivetrain is crappy and will probably break, you want the least amount of bells and whistles possible, cause that is all crap you'll need to fix.
- Drivetrain will rarely if ever, let you down if maintained.
- Best value and honestly ten times the vehicle would be Xterra/Pathfinder/4runner of the same vintage, disagree? Eat shit, I have gone from Cherokee/Xterra/Wrangler. You haven't so STFU. Also drive them, you'll see.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462961)

Don't disagree. But the decent ones are waaay out of my price range. Those damn things just don't lose value.

Originally Posted by burt (Post 9462960)

I have owned Pathfinder, 4Runner, Wrangler....all fine experiences....but the Wrangler was the best!!! BUT NOT 10 X's.... Just sayin'.....

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462961)

Don't disagree. But the decent ones are waaay out of my price range. Those damn things just don't lose value.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9462920)

Bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport last may. I have to be honest, I was expecting the stereotypical bumpy ride, "it's a jeep, deal with it" type of scene. I am so pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and roomy the Jeep is. It rides smooth, and with the Penstar v6, it has quite a bit of power. On top of that, 4x4ing is a lot of fun. You can get it with nav and power everything, remote start, engine block warmers and all kinds of stuff. If you haven't, take a look at a Wrangler.

I should make a note. The suspension and engine were re-done in the 2012 models. Do not get anything less than a 2012.

Originally Posted by gblowfish (Post 9462939)

Grand Cherokee has the basic Laredo, then Limited, then the super nice one is the Overland. I don't think they made the Limited or Overland with the straight six. I think both of them were V8 only.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9462945)

Boiled down legit advice from owning several jeeps and other makes:

- 4.0 only, no exceptions, one of the best engines ever produced.
- Everything around the engine and drivetrain is crappy and will probably break, you want the least amount of bells and whistles possible, cause that is all crap you'll need to fix.
- Drivetrain will rarely if ever, let you down if maintained.
- Best value and honestly ten times the vehicle would be Xterra/Pathfinder/4runner of the same vintage, disagree? Eat shit, I have gone from Cherokee/Xterra/Wrangler. You haven't so STFU. Also drive them, you'll see.

Originally Posted by Exoter175 (Post 9462988)

I disagree here slightly, the suspension and brakes in stock form

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9462927)

Can't do the Sport. I have driven them and the doors are too small, I have trouble getting in and out of them.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9462987)

I'm bored and like hunting shit down, give me range and location and I'll see if I can dig up any finds.

Originally Posted by Exoter175 (Post 9462952)

In the regular cherokees the only Aisins were Manuals, the Autos were Chrysler. Actually I take that back, I think there were a few model years with the 4 series aisin in it, probably the 92-94.5 model years, somewhat similar to the grand cherokee.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9463003)

Sport only refers to the version of the model. For instance:

Sport
Sport S
Sahara
Rubicon

The further down the list, the more features you get, with the Rubicon being best if you plan on off-roading at all.

The current Series model is the JK (as opposed to CJ, YJ, TJ). I think when you say Sport, you're thinking of the 2 door model, like I said in a previous post, take a look at the 4 door model (JKU), it has a lot more room in it.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463001)

You're probably a little more mechanic oriented than me, I meant drive train to say basically anything under the body. We're the same guy, 2000-2002 is the ultimate year if you're going non-rubi.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9463003)

Sport only refers to the version of the model. For instance:

Sport
Sport S
Sahara
Rubicon

The further down the list, the more features you get, with the Rubicon being best if you plan on off-roading at all.

The current Series model is the JK (as opposed to CJ, YJ, TJ). I think when you say Sport, you're thinking of the 2 door model, like I said in a previous post, take a look at the 4 door model (JKU), it has a lot more room in it.

Originally Posted by Exoter175 (Post 9462988)

Uh, no. If you buy a wrangler, you buy one fromt he mid/late 90's and no newer than early 2000's, after that, the drivetrain becomes dominated by Chrysler and they turn into mall crawlers with bells and whistles that people don't need for what the Wrangler was built for........driving over shit.

I had a 2004 TJ Sport with option Dana 44 in it, it was literally the BEST combination in the world with that 4.0 liter straight six. The only downside is that I had the 6 speed Chrysler Manual in it, which was "meh". I never got stuck in that thing. Went rock crawling, mudding, swamping, you name it. With the 6 inch lift and 35's, never got stuck. I sank that thing in a swamp and was a little over waist deep in the absolute sloppiest swampy mud scenario you could find, kicked it in 4 low and go out. It was awesome. The new jeeps on the other hands, are for people with vaginas.



Overland? You're talking new jeeps now, and new jeeps are bad.



I disagree here slightly, the suspension and brakes in stock form are very good when you put them to the extreme pre-sissy jeeps. In my 04 the brakes should have seriously faded on me on many treks but they didn't, as much shit that was put through them, they worked like a champ.

Completely agree with you on the 4 runner mention, anything Toyota and 4wd is worth the money, especially older 22RE trucks.

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463009)

All 1987-2001 XJ's with the 4.0L had Aisin-Warner AW-4 4-speed automatics. The 4-cyl XJ's used a Chrysler 3-spd tranny.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463013)

Oh, I thought the boxy Cherokees were called the Sport. That's the way most of them seem to be titled in the ads.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463013)

Oh, I thought the boxy Cherokees were called the Sport. That's the way most of them seem to be titled in the ads.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9463024)

New Jeeps are awesome, just because soccer mom's like them, doesn't mean that you can't actually use them for off-roading like I do all the time. Typical BS though "if it's newer than X year, it's not a Jeep. If it's got 4 doors, it's not a Jeep."

You can lift, and mod, and deck out the new Jeeps just as you could the old ones.

Originally Posted by Exoter175 (Post 9463015)

In my opinion you don't get anything better than the TJ really. Which is what? 97-06ish I believe.

You get a 4.0 straight six, at least a Dana 35 if not Dana 44 with 3.73's, and some awesome brakes.

My '04 was just a little too new for my liking.

You see, when I think Jeep, I think lifted, 35's, 33's minimum, top off, doors off. I need a heater, I don't need AC, and a radio is questionable.

That's how I like my jeeps.

Originally Posted by CoMoChief (Post 9463044)

I wouldn't buy anything Jeep/Chrysler anymore

I've had 2 Jeeps and my parents have always had them....they start to crap out after 75K miles.

Now I don't even like the look of them. Always wanted a Wrangler but they're too expensive if you want one that's worth a shit. For some reason those things keep their re-sale value up higher than you'd think.

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9463046)

My "made for vaginas" 2012 sport came with Dana 33's and a 3.73 ratio. The Rubi's come with Dana 44's and a 4.10 ratio with front and real lockers.

It's cool though, I have power locks on my Jeep so it must not hold up to the old ones.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463005)

Omaha area, $5000-ish budget. Did some digging on Xterras last week but haven't really checked out what's around for Pathfinders. And nothing black in color.

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463037)

No, Sport is just a trim level for either 2 or 4 door XJ (mine was a Limited). The whole "Cherokee" thing confuses people. When I was looking for a car for my son, I was considering the small Cherokee (XJ) but it seemed like every add that said something like "2000 Cherokee" was actually a Grand Cherokee. Two diferent vehicles completely. To make matters worse, "Cherokee" used to be a trim level on the big jeeps in the '70's.

Originally Posted by tboss27 (Post 9463040)

I've got a 2000 Grand Cherokee that I'm looking to get rid of soon. 166K (ish) miles, silver. I'm in Wichita, PM me if you're interested. Haven't had any issues with it except electrical as others have stated, needs two window motors replaced but other than that hasn't had any issues.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463052)

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3640516125.html Value if you're man enough to drive a stick as most NE people aren't

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3653902926.html

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3626601286.html

Allright dude, they are everywhere right in your range with decent miles. I would skip the supercharger if I were in the mileage range you're in as they command a premium, go out frequently, and are basically a hamster strapped on to the engine. The X will be sort of a dog power wise, but I wouldn't imagine that you want to stomp around in an X. If it bugs you, find a Pathfinder with the 3.5 as those are glorious engines. Also this might sound dumb, but Xs hide their 2X4 variants fairly well, so look for it in ads before going to waste your time.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463052)

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3640516125.html Value if you're man enough to drive a stick as most NE people aren't

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463052)

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3640516125.html Value if you're man enough to drive a stick as most NE people aren't

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3653902926.html

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3626601286.html

Allright dude, they are everywhere right in your range with decent miles. I would skip the supercharger if I were in the mileage range you're in as they command a premium, go out frequently, and are basically a hamster strapped on to the engine. The X will be sort of a dog power wise, but I wouldn't imagine that you want to stomp around in an X. If it bugs you, find a Pathfinder with the 3.5 as those are glorious engines. Also this might sound dumb, but Xs hide their 2X4 variants fairly well, so look for it in ads before going to waste your time.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463093)

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3640516125.html

Not crazy about the color though but the price is right.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463093)

Heh, I did see that first one last week when I was looking at another vehicle on that same lot, and the place is kinda sketchy. Other than the piece that's missing under the front bumper it doesn't seem too bad though. And I don't mind a manual transmission at all. I'd actually prefer that.

The other two are getting out of my price range. I really like the one in Fremont though.

I did just find this though, might have to go check it out:

http://omaha.craigslist.org/ctd/3640516125.html

Not crazy about the color though but the price is right.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463108)

Mine was that silver, looked clean all the time and was cool in the summers. Plus it looked awesome when I detailed it and shined up all the plastic and tires.

Also general rule of thumb for me, you should be able to kick at least 500-1000 off any vehicle price whether private or dealer. And if you let a stellar vehicle go over $500, you'll probably regret it.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463123)

Whoops, mis-pasted. This is what I meant to post.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/3649400467.html

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463113)

LMAO. Not sketchy at all.

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463087)

That one seems fishy as the price seems much lower than it should, unless the manual knocks it down that much.

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463135)

That one isn't as nice. It doesn't have the 3.3 3.0L V6 or the automatic 5-speed manual transmission.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463142)

It doesn't say anything at all about what engine it has in it, which is another pet peeve of mine. I just went on a rant in the random thought thread about these idiots that post these ads.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463138)

Ha, welcome to America sir. People here are fat, lazy, and want the path of least resistance while simultaneously stuffing their faces with big macs and a gallon of coke. Especially in NE (grew up in SD so I can say that).

Kind of kidding, but also kind of not

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463146)

He's F-ing with you, X will only be 3.3 with supercharger or without.

That car joint screwed up and put 3.0 instead of 3.3.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463123)

Whoops, mis-pasted. This is what I meant to post.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/3649400467.html

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463156)

stuff.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463168)

Also dude, I knew exactly what you were doing. Don't want to be snarky, but I probably shouldn't have had to tell you this specifically.

Originally Posted by COchief (Post 9463159)

Here is my philosophy and you can agree or not.

Spend 4K on a high mileage X and most likely have something go. I mean these are reliable as hell but you're gambling with anything approaching 200K. Then you end up spending 1000-1500 and have a legit vehicle again for 5-6K.

Or

Spend 5-6 right off the bat, get a 110Kish vehicle and know nothing will be go wrong if you know how to find a car.

Option A $5k 176K mile vehicle (after something goes, you could have nothing, it's always a gamble)

Option B $5k 110K mile vehicle

Originally Posted by kaplin42 (Post 9463024)

New Jeeps are awesome, just because soccer mom's like them, doesn't mean that you can't actually use them for off-roading like I do all the time. Typical BS though "if it's newer than X year, it's not a Jeep. If it's got 4 doors, it's not a Jeep."

You can lift, and mod, and deck out the new Jeeps just as you could the old ones.

Originally Posted by Hoover (Post 9463205)

I don't want to squat on this thread, but my wife is wanting a new car and wants to get a Honda Odyssey. I'm not a fan of mini vans, but I've never had one. The other problem I'm having is that I think its crazy to spend 42K on a decked out mini van when we could spend the same amount and get a AWD suv. I'm trying to talk her into a Highlander, Pathfinder, or something similar.

What say you guys?

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463189)

Mostly agree when it comes to imports, but when it comes to domestics like the Grand Cherokee as far as I'm concerned anything can go wrong after 100k. So I'd rather go low end and bank the extra money, and be well prepared for any problems.

I'm assuming you meant 6-7k for option B, but going that high is actually a bigger gamble because that would deplete my savings to the point that if something major still goes wrong with the more expensive vehicle, I'd be risking wiping out what I have left.

It's all a freaking crapshoot really.

Originally Posted by Hoover (Post 9463205)

I don't want to squat on this thread, but my wife is wanting a new car and wants to get a Honda Odyssey. I'm not a fan of mini vans, but I've never had one. The other problem I'm having is that I think its crazy to spend 42K on a decked out mini van when we could spend the same amount and get a AWD suv. I'm trying to talk her into a Highlander, Pathfinder, or something similar.

What say you guys?

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463189)

It's all a freaking crapshoot really.

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463185)

I wasn't actually talking to you. I was piggy-backing off of your post.

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463238)

The used car market really, really sucks right. Stuff is either so expensive that you might was well spend a bit more and go new or it's clapped out crap that the seller thinks is made of gold.

We ended up going with a 2000 Impreza with 120K miles for $3600. I'm still going to have to put about $1500 for new clutch, timing belt and A/C compressor. I would have preferred to just get the cheapest new car I could but the insurance was insane.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463257)

Well the problem is I just lost my job so financing something right now is completely out of the question. And even without that issue I don't like making car payments. Plus the additional licensing and insurance costs like you mentioned, it's just becomes too damn much money for something to drive. I hate to buy anything at all right now but my current van is on borrowed time and I don't want to have to drive my truck on a daily basis.

Originally Posted by Hoover (Post 9463205)

42K on a decked out mini van when we could spend the same amount and get a AWD suv.
What say you guys?

Originally Posted by Frosty (Post 9463267)

Sorry to hear about the job.

Originally Posted by Bugeater (Post 9463272)

Eh, it's not that big of a deal, I'll find another one and I can work independently and still get by in the meantime. But for some reason banks are kind of funny about handing out loans to people without a steady source of income. :)