My first Jeep

[jeepme]

Hi, just registered today. I need some advice... I'm going to be buying my first vehicle ever and I'm thinking about an early 90's Jeep Cherokee 4x4. I'm not wealthy. I have 3000. But I can get 5000 if you say 3000 won't buy it. (My dad is offering a few grand but Id rather not..) Anyway, apparently my dad is friends with a dealer who will take him to one of the dealer auctions to get a good deal. But I won't get to see the car if I do it this way because they wont take me with them. So I have to be really decisive about what I want.
So my question to you all is:

What is the best year for the Cherokee.. that I can afford of course?
Should I use this dealer auction, will I be able to find a good deal elsewhere?

Thanks for the help

 

[firemanharry]

Your Dad's friend would have a pretty good idea of what he's looking at/for at a dealer auction. My suggestion would be to let your Dad go ahead to the auction and see what he can get for your money. I'm sure that he'll chip in some cash if he sees something there that he likes and thinks is worth the extra money. Besides, if Dad buys it for you then he can't complain too much about it later on. I had a 95 cherokee and that was one tough little stock machine. I really don't think you can go wrong with any cherokee that was made in the 90's. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you make out.

Oh, Welcome to Jeepz. 8)

 

[XJNick]

What is the best year for the Cherokee.. that I can afford of course?

Welcome to Jeepz.com! :mrgreen:

I think there are good things and bad things about every model year of a vehicle.

I'd avoid (if possible):
> The Peugeot BA-10 standard transmission. It will give you grief at one point or another. (found in late 1987 and all 1988 model years)
> The Early Bendix/Renix computer systems. These are nice because they are relatively simple, but they store NO trouble codes. What that means is, if you aren't skilled at doing electrical work, they can be very frustrating. (found in early model years, probably through 1990 or so)
> Carburated engines (found in early cherokees with the Inline 4.2 or 2.5 litre engines), probably more trouble than it is worth. I believe Fuel injection began in the 1987 model year.
> Also, I believe the 1996 model year had problems with it's fuel system and some safety recalls. (Not saying it's bad, just check if the vital recalls have been taken care of if considering this model year.)

With all that said, I think any cherokee will serve you well. :mrgreen:
-Nick :!:

 

[mingez]

I managed to get mind for 2700 at a dealership. It's a 93. You should be able to find a nicer one at auction for 3000.

Also, if you can find one with the towing package, you'll be a leg up because it has the bigger badder rear axel.

BTW- Welcome to the board!

 

[Tug-n-pull]

Dead set on a chrokee? If not get a good hard top YJ 6 cyl. 5 speed and you will not regreat it in the long run. ezer to mod, and cheaper too. Unless you are just going to stay close to town and need the extra room. Not that the Chrokee is any less of a jeep or anything I just find more fun and usefulness out of a short wheelbase Jeep! That is just my point of view. tug

 

[XJNick]

Also, if you can find one with the towing package, you'll be a leg up because it has the bigger badder rear axel.

Not neccessarily. My cherokee has the towing package but just the standard Dana 35c rear axle :?. I think only some years came with the Dana 44 rear axle.

Dead set on a chrokee?

Of course he is

-Nick :!:

 

[far_right]

Dead set on a chrokee? If not get a good hard top YJ 6 cyl. 5 speed and you will not regreat it in the long run

so says the man that sold hid YJ for a CJ :mrgreen:

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The Peugeot BA10/5 was used until mid-year '89, so be careful there. If you do get a 5-speed '89 or newer make sure it shifts smoothly, then get the proper fluid in it asap to save those synchros. Use either Redline MT90 (synthetic, it's the best) or Penzoil Synchromesh (not syntetic, cheaper and more readily available, not as good as Redline but okay).

 

[Tug-n-pull]

so says the man that sold hid YJ for a CJ

And regreats it to this day! tug

 

[pinaplebob]

Make sure your dad looks for one with the HO if he gets something in the newer ninetys.

I've got a 92 with a 5 speed and the HO and i love it. I also talked them down too $2300.oo out the door because it was a 5 speed. anyway that is my two cents.


pinaplebob

 

[sparkyshotrods25]

whats up.I personally like the grand cherokees better (not so boxy)but if your going for a regular cherokee than look for the obvious,check everything and I know from experience you want the 4.0L and look for the transfer case that has 2w 4wh 4wl ect be much happier with gasmillage and performance.