Jeep cherokee 1997/8

From someone I know who owns one

1) running costs high, expensive services
2) Gas guzzler and doesn't perform
3) Various electrical problems.
 
I love my Cherokee, I got a 1998 4L (high output). I wouldn't say it doesn't perform, it's pretty nippy and faster than a lot of cars out there, 0-100 in 9.1 seconds (top speed is limited to 180km/h though). It does use fuel but then it is a 4L 6 cylinder so that goes without saying. I get about 15L per 100km average, that's a lot less than a Toyota Hilux 2.7!

The engine and drive train (is that how it's written?) are legendary, tried and tested. The motor was nominated for best engine of the year back in the day. Just remember it is an import so spare parts are too cheap.

Off road ability is excellent, you can pretty much go where ever any other 4X4 can go.

I wouldn't say it's a perfect car but I've had mine for 2 years and love it more and more every day.

Edit: I just had mine serviced last week, cost was R2000. That is through my mechanic, whatever you do don't take it to Chrysler to service. They will r@pe you and take their sweet time doing it too.
 
dam said:
Edit: I just had mine serviced last week, cost was R2000. That is through my mechanic, whatever you do don't take it to Chrysler to service. They will r@pe you and take their sweet time doing it too.
Click to expand...

Please send you mechanics contact details.
 
dam said:
I love my Cherokee, I got a 1998 4L (high output)...
Click to expand...

Thanks for this!

The figures you have supplied are very helpful.
I am looking at a 2.5 TD so hopefully I can expect slightly better economy (if you can call it that!).
I just checked at Chrysler - they charge R2000 for a standard service on the 4.0 and R2600 on the TD so much of a muchness (unless your guy fixed som stuff apart from filters and plugs).

Are there any 'catches' that I need to be aware of? Things along the lines of a cambelt service for instance (of course a car this old would be well past that stage)?
 
SlinkyMike said:
Thanks for this!

The figures you have supplied are very helpful.
I am looking at a 2.5 TD so hopefully I can expect slightly better economy (if you can call it that!).
I just checked at Chrysler - they charge R2000 for a standard service on the 4.0 and R2600 on the TD so much of a muchness (unless your guy fixed som stuff apart from filters and plugs).

Are there any 'catches' that I need to be aware of? Things along the lines of a cambelt service for instance (of course a car this old would be well past that stage)?
Click to expand...

Interesting that Chrysler also charge R2000, I was told by a friend that I should avoid them cause they slow and expensive (my service was done on the same day) so I never even called them for a quote.

I do know that changing the cambelt is a big job on the 4L since there is no space to work so everything in front needs to come out, may be different with the 2.5 though. Also the manifold (or header (exhaust), I'm no mechanic so not sure of the right terminology) is prone to cracking but again that is with the 4L.
 
My dad has a slightly older one - he loves it...

4L Petrol though, drinks juice.
 
SlinkyMike said:
'96?

@dam: approximate monthly petrol cost?
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95 or 96... he's never had any real issues, besides ones he causes, but the jeep is used soley for offroad use....and he goess offroad as in no roads, never been driven before :D
 
SlinkyMike said:
'96?

@dam: approximate monthly petrol cost?
Click to expand...

Anywhere from R1200 to R1500. Most of that is driving to work and back. The most I spent in 1 month was about R2000 when I did a few weekend road trips. The 2.5 TD should use quite a lot less, and if it's not your everyday car then even better.
 
SlinkyMike said:
Looking at spending under 50k.
Planning to use as a weekender with Eezi Awn tent etc.
Anyone have any comments re:
1.)running costs
2.)fuel efficiency
3.)other 'gotcha's'?
Click to expand...

Dunno where you're going to get one for under R50k...it should be in the sub R65k region depending on mileage and its condition.

I personally like the look of the vehicle, square utilitarian design...probably one of the reasons I also dig those Volvo's from the 90s.

Back onto the Jeep, my friend bought a second-hand Grand Cherokee earlier this year and before he got that one he had seen several Cherokees and a common trait that he noticed on most of them was rust around the area where the roofrack connects with the roof...it might be a Cape Town thing but you need to be on the look-out if you're seriously thinking of parting with some cash.

If you're concerned about fuel consumption you'll be best served driving an UNO.
 
brixton tower said:
Dunno where you're going to get one for under R50k...it should be in the sub R65k region depending on mileage and its condition.

I personally like the look of the vehicle, square utilitarian design...probably one of the reasons I also dig those Volvo's from the 90s.

Back onto the Jeep, my friend bought a second-hand Grand Cherokee earlier this year and before he got that one he had seen several Cherokees and a common trait that he noticed on most of them was rust around the area where the roofrack connects with the roof...it might be a Cape Town thing but you need to be on the look-out if you're seriously thinking of parting with some cash.

If you're concerned about fuel consumption you'll be best served driving an UNO.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'll look out for that rust - as for fuel consumption: fair - an SUV is not where one should shop for economy but having said that you do get heavy and then you get RIDONCULOUS! ...the former I can bear ;)

50k - I have seen a couple around, I think many people are feeling very miff with the cost of fuel and the prices are super low right now.
 
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