Best Jeep GC to buy?? Pre-98, or 99?

[1BADGTO]

I know this has been hit on before in previous posts but I want to look at a different angle. I already have a loaded out 95 Grand Cherokee Laredo with leather, 4WDB, 4.0, 2WD and nearly 270k miles. I absolutly love this Jeep but it is my wifes. So, I'm thinking about buying one for myself. I also want the 4.0 and 2WD for gas mileage.

For the money, is a 98-older better? What is the best Pre-98 GC?

What about the 99? I have a co-worker with a 99, 4.0, 4x4 select-trac, cloth interior. It has salvage title but I can not see where it has been repaired. Told it was front passenger wheel and doorpost that was crunched. Nicely repaired based on my fairly quick inspection but I would rather crawl under/around it to make sure. Any problems to look for on the 99 since it is the first year of the restyle? Co-worker is thinking of selling because they only get 16-18 mpg average (mostly lead-foot-lady driven) and I think I could get it for fairly affordable price since it was salvaged (equavalent to pre-98 price). I would think that I could make better mileage because most of mine is highway miles.

Any thoughts/comments are appreciated!

[mthomason]

I really like my '99 4.0L. But, I would not buy one based upon any fuel economy decision.... Actually, if anything better than 16mpg is realized, it must be being towed!.

Otherwise, it is a good rig.

In fact, since the prospective JGC has an R-title, the purchase amount will look very appealing. But, equally so, it would be very difficult to sell because of it.

[glass]

i had a 79 cherokee for 310,000 miles , carved fron steel and 8 mpg , retired it and setteled for a 94 gc limited , 4.o because it s easier to work on especially the fuel filter being outside the tank , could have bought a newer one , but too expensive for repairs to me

[JUSTJEEPS]

99 Grands have some problems.

[a_alyte]

I have a '98 GC & I absolutely love it! This is my 1st Jeep & it's currently at 150k. I havn't had any major issues except for a rear Diff rebuild a month after I bought it.

My Laredo has Selec-Trac & I like being able to switch between 2wd & 4wd.

[mx52nv]

I love the more rugged look of the 96-98's. But I have had minimal problems with my 96. I only have 107k on mine and it is usually my off-road/bad weather vehicle and has served me well.

[jeeperphil]

mines a 95 limited 5.2 w/ quadra. Not real thrilled with the quadra, but love it overall. Have heard of problems with newer models. I used to sell 93 to 95 new and have been to conferences on them. seen them cut up for demo against competitors. JEEPS THE BEST!