Hello All! just found this site and read posts for quite some time.
I just have a few questions. I am hoping and will be very appreciative if some of you can help me on my making a decision on buying a 1997-1999 CG. Reading through the many problems that come up with these vehicles, which problems seem plenty and seem to vary, and being of the mind that most problems don't happen with the proper maintenance...what are common problems?? and I apoplogize if this is an annoying post.

I can't decide wether to go V8, because I'm old school and believe in V8 power, or a 4.0L I6 for the mileage side of things and knowing I'm not out there racing. I have to add that most GC's available are in the 70k to 120k mileage range.

are cooling systems, transmissions, brakes, and PCV valves really that notorious?? I see quite a few GC's that have new trannies and such, but not all of them. What about timing belts and such?

What are major V8 concerns or I6 concerns, and auto tranny concerns for the mileage range l wrote above? These ranges seem high, but most of my Nissans and toyotas have been very high mileage cars (200k +), but we know those cars run forever, haha! what about Jeeps?

I'm fairly good at looking over engines as far as oil, coolant, heavy sludge build-up on the inside of valve covers, checking transmission fluid for color and odor, people trying to hide leaks and such.

any special areas I should focus on??

many thanks in advance!!

Stay away from the 99, it was the first model of the new body and first year models are notorious for problems. The 4.0 I6 is a better engine for longevity. If the person took care of it and kept the fluids clean the tranny and engines should be in good shape

I would say if you are looking for power, get a 98 GC with the 5.9 or any year before with a 5.2. I have a 93 GC with a 5.2 and it has 146,000 on it and the engine and tranny are running strong. As long as the owner took care of it, it should be no problem. The one problem the v8 transfer cases have in the GC's is that they are all time 4 wheel drive and if the owner never changed the transfer case fluid normally, the viscous coupler could be burnt out and it be stuck in 4 wheel forever. It is not a big deal if you want to hear a tire squel around the corners. Other than that, I am not too crazy over the 4.0 breathing system due to the fact that they do not have a PCV Valve and that I had changed Two 4.0 GC engines within a year at my shop a year ago and they were around 120,000. There is not really too much of a difference in gas mileage cause my 93 is getting about 12 to 15 depending on what gas I put in it. Hope I help you out.

I have two GC`s one 94 with v8 the other a 96 with 6cyl.Believe it or not I get the same milage with both trucks.The v8 has much greater pick up and does not have to work as hard I think this is why they get the same milage.Tows the boat or car trailer with no problem.In my honest opinion they are great vehicles.I also owned a 88 and 91 wranglers.These both went over 280,000 miles and both ran well when sold.I never had any of the problems others have complained about.But I also take good care of my vehicles and that helps a lot.Good Luck and enjoy your Jeep. :evillol: