Oh heck, I've bought a Jeep
Discussion
The combination of snow, the need for a snotter, and a yearning to do a bit of gentle off-roading led me to thinking a cheap 4x4 might be a good idea.
So, anyway, I went out on Saturday to test drive a couple of Discos and the like and accidentally ended up striking a deal on a 1998 (S reg) Cherokee TD manual with two owners, less than 90k miles, a FSH, a few months MOT, good tyres all round, and in pretty good condition for the money. Collecting on Saturday!
Anyway just wondered if anyone on here knows much about them? There's a couple of minor things to sort out in the very short term (namely, the heater blower only works on full speed and the rear electric window won't open). Also, the front seems a little more bouncy than expected - but then I had just got out of the Mini...
So any hints on the above, or tips on other key issues to look out for, much appreciated. (And yes, I realise that this is a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has made a run for it, but I got carried away and fancied an "impulse buy").
And I'm not sure it's had the drive belt changed. Anyone know if this is a big / expensive job on these?
And finally - anyone know of specialists in and around London who specialise in these?
So, anyway, I went out on Saturday to test drive a couple of Discos and the like and accidentally ended up striking a deal on a 1998 (S reg) Cherokee TD manual with two owners, less than 90k miles, a FSH, a few months MOT, good tyres all round, and in pretty good condition for the money. Collecting on Saturday!
Anyway just wondered if anyone on here knows much about them? There's a couple of minor things to sort out in the very short term (namely, the heater blower only works on full speed and the rear electric window won't open). Also, the front seems a little more bouncy than expected - but then I had just got out of the Mini...
So any hints on the above, or tips on other key issues to look out for, much appreciated. (And yes, I realise that this is a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has made a run for it, but I got carried away and fancied an "impulse buy").
And I'm not sure it's had the drive belt changed. Anyone know if this is a big / expensive job on these?
And finally - anyone know of specialists in and around London who specialise in these?
TD's are known to have problems with cylinder heads, there are 4 separate heads on the VM engine and these can be pricey to fix. Best thing to do is make sure the cooling system is flushed and full of new good quality coolant and there are no leaks, I'd be tempted to fit a new radiator if it looks in the least dodgy!
The heater fan sounds like the resistor pack has packed in, a new one should be available from a dealer for not too much.
Rear window could be a broken wire or the motor. Lots of Jeeps getting broken and scrapped at the moment so should be quite easy to get a replacement motor.
Other thing to look out for is saggy rear springs, a new set will cost about £150 from a specialist/ebay.
Probably worth saying too, don't use it in 4x4 on the road, it has a 'part time' 4x4 system which locks the center diff and can destroy the transfer box if used wrongly!
Register with one of the Jeep forums for more technical help. (Birty Dastards, Jeep Club, Difflock etc)
The heater fan sounds like the resistor pack has packed in, a new one should be available from a dealer for not too much.
Rear window could be a broken wire or the motor. Lots of Jeeps getting broken and scrapped at the moment so should be quite easy to get a replacement motor.
Other thing to look out for is saggy rear springs, a new set will cost about £150 from a specialist/ebay.
Probably worth saying too, don't use it in 4x4 on the road, it has a 'part time' 4x4 system which locks the center diff and can destroy the transfer box if used wrongly!
Register with one of the Jeep forums for more technical help. (Birty Dastards, Jeep Club, Difflock etc)
Edited by John MacK on Monday 9th February 14:40
John MacK said:
Probably worth saying too, don't use it in 4x4 on the road, it has a 'part time' 4x4 system which locks the center diff and can destroy the transfer box if used wrongly!
Mine (2000 4.0 Cherokee) has both part-time and full-time. As you say - don't use the part-time setting on the road but full-time is fine.IainT said:
John MacK said:
Probably worth saying too, don't use it in 4x4 on the road, it has a 'part time' 4x4 system which locks the center diff and can destroy the transfer box if used wrongly!
Mine (2000 4.0 Cherokee) has both part-time and full-time. As you say - don't use the part-time setting on the road but full-time is fine.(unless the transfer case has been changed)
Excellent - thanks guys. I knew about the transfer box / 4x4 point already, but thanks for the reminder. And the other info is hugely appreciated. I will get it checked over by a friendly mechanic asap.
I took it for a fairly long test drive and kept an eye on the temp guage, which stayed central (or just below) at all times, but I'll certainly take up your advice on getting the coolant flushed through. Thanks
Quite looking forward to it!
I took it for a fairly long test drive and kept an eye on the temp guage, which stayed central (or just below) at all times, but I'll certainly take up your advice on getting the coolant flushed through. Thanks
Quite looking forward to it!
Darkslider said:
Asking questions about the motor after you've bought it... classic 
I'd better not tell you that a disco is vastly superior in every respect now you've handed over the cash
Well this is Pistonheads: "Speedy decisions matters" I'd better not tell you that a disco is vastly superior in every respect now you've handed over the cash
And I did look at a few Discos but... erm... bought a Jeep...
Yeah yeah yeah. Whatever. 
Seriously, though, the Discos I looked at of a similar age were more expensive, seemed in poorer condition, had saggy roof linings, wet boot floors, rust, smoked, rattled, handled like tankers, were slower, more cumbersome on the road and smelled of dogs.
I really, really went out with the intention of buying a Disco but kinda got distracted...
Seriously, though, the Discos I looked at of a similar age were more expensive, seemed in poorer condition, had saggy roof linings, wet boot floors, rust, smoked, rattled, handled like tankers, were slower, more cumbersome on the road and smelled of dogs.
I really, really went out with the intention of buying a Disco but kinda got distracted...
John MacK said:
TD's are known to have problems with cylinder heads, there are 4 separate heads on the VM engine and these can be pricey to fix. Best thing to do is make sure the cooling system is flushed and full of new good quality coolant and there are no leaks, I'd be tempted to fit a new radiator if it looks in the least dodgy!
John - I've just heard back from the dealer who serviced it over the last three years. It seems it had a new radiator fitted in June 07, which I guess is good news. Is a coolant flush still necessary, do you think?Cheers (and thanks for the help so far!)
Wrighty
61JASON61 said:
simple answer to your problem, get rid of the jeep and buy a decent 4x4, like a landy!!
why did you buy a yank tank for the love of god
I suspect he didn't want a brum bucket,being the pinnacle of reliability that they claim to be...You did just say decent and Landy in the same sentence?Freak!why did you buy a yank tank for the love of god
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