To Buy, or Not to Buy
rcjr
08-29-2005, 08:19 AM
Hi everyone,
I'm considering buying a '94 Cherokee Sport 4.0 4wd with 180k for $1500. I need something to get me around this winter (live in Maine), and this seems like a good deal, considering that the KBB for this truck is over $3000, even with the mileage. The body's in good shape, the interior's decent and all the power equipment works. The mileage is what concerns me, though. I'm wondering what the average useful life is for this model, how many more miles I can expect to squeeze out of it, and how much and for what I should expect to pay to have repaired. Any input much appreciated.
Guess I should mention the dealer bought the truck at auction (which also concerns me a bit; I've been told to steer clear of auction vehicles) and just put new tires on.
I'm considering buying a '94 Cherokee Sport 4.0 4wd with 180k for $1500. I need something to get me around this winter (live in Maine), and this seems like a good deal, considering that the KBB for this truck is over $3000, even with the mileage. The body's in good shape, the interior's decent and all the power equipment works. The mileage is what concerns me, though. I'm wondering what the average useful life is for this model, how many more miles I can expect to squeeze out of it, and how much and for what I should expect to pay to have repaired. Any input much appreciated.
Guess I should mention the dealer bought the truck at auction (which also concerns me a bit; I've been told to steer clear of auction vehicles) and just put new tires on.
Ace$nyper
08-29-2005, 01:29 PM
for that price and knowing how well 4Ls hold up i'd say go for it.
if anything comes up its often minor and cheap.
if anything comes up its often minor and cheap.
MagicRat
08-29-2005, 08:42 PM
Read through this sub forum and you will get a good feel for what goes on these jeeps.
Also look at www.carsurvey.org for lots of owner reviews of their Jeeps
Lots of people get 300k to 500+k on Jeeps.
The drivelines are very reliable. 1 or 2 pretty cheap sensors go on the engines but they last a long time, although older ones do start to make the odd rattle-clunk noise, but still last a long, long time, even when noisy.
Front wheel bearings and CV joints seem to go every 150k miles or so.
Stock exhaust manifolds are notorious for cracking, but you can find aftermarket ones that don't do this.
The electrical stuff is a bit funky, power accessories like window motors, rear hatch wiper occasionally cause problems, but nothing major.
Read the posts on 'death wobble' Lots of Jeeps never experience this, but it pays to keep the front steering and suspension in good shape. Some Jeeps get this when certain combinations of front end components wear out and get loose, especially if they are lifted.
There are about a zillion aftermarket parts for jeeps, too.
BTW if I found a decent $1500 Jeep like that around here, I would buy it tonight.
Also look at www.carsurvey.org for lots of owner reviews of their Jeeps
Lots of people get 300k to 500+k on Jeeps.
The drivelines are very reliable. 1 or 2 pretty cheap sensors go on the engines but they last a long time, although older ones do start to make the odd rattle-clunk noise, but still last a long, long time, even when noisy.
Front wheel bearings and CV joints seem to go every 150k miles or so.
Stock exhaust manifolds are notorious for cracking, but you can find aftermarket ones that don't do this.
The electrical stuff is a bit funky, power accessories like window motors, rear hatch wiper occasionally cause problems, but nothing major.
Read the posts on 'death wobble' Lots of Jeeps never experience this, but it pays to keep the front steering and suspension in good shape. Some Jeeps get this when certain combinations of front end components wear out and get loose, especially if they are lifted.
There are about a zillion aftermarket parts for jeeps, too.
BTW if I found a decent $1500 Jeep like that around here, I would buy it tonight.
Saudade
08-30-2005, 12:54 PM
Ditto on MagicRat's comments.
It really depends on how well it was taken care of and what kind of driving the previous owner did (clearly, you can't find out). Don't be afraid to crawl underneath and have a look around and grab onto things and give them a good shake. If it seems to ride well, you may have found a decent deal.
It really depends on how well it was taken care of and what kind of driving the previous owner did (clearly, you can't find out). Don't be afraid to crawl underneath and have a look around and grab onto things and give them a good shake. If it seems to ride well, you may have found a decent deal.
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