Help with Jeep purchase

[djm68]

Hello,

This might be a bit off topic, but I am unsure where else to pose this question.

A year ago, as part of downsizing, my wife and I sold our beloved 4x4 Sportsmobile. We are now to the point where we'd like to buy a vehicle that is capable of getting us up to the mountains in winter (PacficNW, Portland OR) for fun snow activities. In the summer, we'd like to be able to access camping in less traveled areas, but no extreme off roading, mostly fire roads that lead to camp sites. We have 1 large dog (94 lbs) and 1 small 25lbs dog.

We'd like something that gets 17-20 mpg, can carry 2 adults + said dogs, and gear for a long weekend and is capable in snow and on rougher fire road trails. I'd like to keep the price under 10k, if possible. I've done tons of research and, for the money, I keep coming back to late 1990's Jeep Cherokees. Am I missing other obvious choices?

Appreciate any input.

DJM

 

[tarditi]

Cherokees (XJ) and Grand Cherokees (ZJ/WK) are both good choices.

 

[Overland History]

The Cherokee is an excellent platform, with a ton of aftermarket parts to support it!

Have you looked at Grand Cherokee's? Specifically the ZJ(1993-1998) or the WJ(1999-2004)? Both have the optional V8, but are a bit heavier and the gas mileage isnt quite as good.

 

[Septu]

I miss my 99 XJ. Might be a tad cramped with a 100 lb dog in there depending on how much gear you want to pack... but they're good units.

 

[Comanche Scott]

WJ fan here!

WJ ('99 to '04 Grand Cherokee) is another great choice. A lot of them have never seen off road, but are very capable!
I had an '04 Overland that was awesome. Girl friend, two 75 lbs dogs, and lots of outdoor activities. Put a long Yakima Rocket box up top, and went all over the place.
Fuel mileage with the 4.7V8 was 18-21 mpg. My buddies Laredo with the I-6 does even better.

When considering any of the used Jeeps, there are some important things to look for. There are forums with specific model sub-forums where you can get a good idea of what to pay attention to during test drive/inspection.

Good luck! Hope to see pictures of your new toy soon. :beer:

My buddies '04 Grand Cherokee Laredo on a snow wheeling trip. Just a budget boost, 31" Falken Wild Peak tires and bumpers he built himself from internet plans.

 

[F40]

XJ, ZJ and WJ are all wise choices, the latter 2 seem to have more electrical gremlins than the XJ though. I think 17-20mpg loaded will be an issue. 18mpg is the most I've squeaked out of my 93 XJ (13-15mpg is more common). My 00 2WD hit 20 unloaded.

I would be be sure to check cylinder head casting numbers on 00-01 XJ's and all I6 WJ's. The 0331 cylinder head is notorious for cracking. You can check the casting number by looking in the oil fill hole in the valve cover.

 

[DEFENDERBEAM]

Jeep Liberty CRD diesel might get decent milage and be fairly priced. BUT, they are pretty small for 2 dog, AND gear.

I always kinda wanted one. since they had them pre-diesel emissions crap.

 

[djm68]

Tons of useful info here, thank you. I had not thought about the size of the XJ with regards to the big dog -- I'll need to look into that. Are the WJ bigger in terms of storage capacity?

Thanks,
DJM

 

[F40]

Tons of useful info here, thank you. I had not thought about the size of the XJ with regards to the big dog -- I'll need to look into that. Are the WJ bigger in terms of storage capacity?

Thanks,
DJM

They are. And coil sprung at all 4 corners so they ride nicer. A little more involved if you want to lift it though.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

How about a 4Runner?

 

[Happykamper]

XJ all the way, I was thinking as I read your thread 4dr 91 plus XJ !!! You want to get that 4.0 HO. It will do all you want and never leave you wanting .
I love these rigs. Have 3 two complete and one 1/2 done . You won't be disappointed . I'm happy to see all the other XJ enthusiasts on here as this site tends towards imports and the occasional JKU , my newest DD expo rig.
Do it !!!!

 

[docwatson]

I've had 2 XJs and they are tough to beat. My wife and I with our two dogs (both 50lbs) regularly packed up the XJ for long weekends. After the lift we were more like 16 mpg but I was 19-21 on trips while stock.

It can be a little tight on space if you aren't light packers but the capability and reliability you get for the price makes the XJ tough to beat.

I would look at R50 (2001-2004) R51 (2005+) Pathfinders if you are willing to sacrifice some capability for space and road manners. Seems to always be good things said about Montero/Montero Sports as well.

And if you want to get weird, the 2004-2006 Touaregs are a horse of a different color and can be had at decent prices. Some even come with rear lockers.

 

[djm68]

How about a 4Runner?

Yes, researching those as well, though the prices seem to be much higher. I am willing to go higher in price if warranted. Years I should consider?

DJM

 

[nwoods]

Montero.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Latest body style is probably the best yet. Trail Edition is the one to look for.