1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[sjj84]

Tried a post in general gassing but got no reply, should have tried the offroad section first I guess, so here goes.
Anybody got any experience with the early Jeeps? Around about the '96 age. Have seen a 4ltr one at a garage locally for £900, are they likely to be money pits. Only really interested in it as a bit of a beater to chuck bikes in and take down a few byways. Would also use it on the two snowy days a year. Seems to be the same price as getting a set of winter wheels, with vastly more uses.

[billymctavish]

i bought one (a 1993 model 4.0 limited) for the very same reasons a couple of years back. bought for £450 on ebay. a few cosmetic issues, and some water leaks around the screen, gas strut mountings on tailgate corroded etc - tough as old boots though, ran it for 4 months during winter doing DIY and some snowy commuting, changed the oil, filters and plugs, MoT'd it - went straight through no problems. Sold it for a modest profit. Heavy on the juice and road tax but overall - recommended

[Reardy Mister]

Got a 98. Has been a money pit so far but for that money, you could bin it if it played up.

[JakesterUK]

I've had several over the years, they can be money pits, but can also be little gems, the ones I've had had never cost any real money in parts, avioid ones with really high miles 125k+ look around there are some good ones out there and they take some beating as a 'battle bus', oh and yes they will drink fuel.....

[sjj84]

This particular one has done about 130k miles I think. Wasn't at the garage when I drove past this morning so I assume it's sold. Will Keep an eye out for another.

[JakesterUK]

I brought the wife today a '99 cherokee low miles (70k) 1 owner with full main dealer history, its very very tidy and was less than a grand, so they are out there but you have to look hard.

[K50 DEL]

Had a '96 4.0 Grand a few years ago.... was a lovely thing to drive but it absolutely ate front brake discs and pads and was starting to have a few electrical gremlins when I sold it.
I've now got a '99 4.7 V8 Grand (WJ shape) that has been bulletproof.

Given the price you can get a WJ for now, I wouldn't be in a hurry to look at the older Grands

[sjj84]

I'd prefer the WJ to be honest, but they seem to be quite a bit more. If one turns up locally I might just have to buy it!