Faults:

A/C compressor after 25 years.

Original alternator at 100,000 miles or so.

Rear end is howling a bit and needs wheel bearings, but it's been dipped in salt water for 15 years launching boats.

Power steering pump at 150000 miles.

Original water pump at 90000 miles - second one still works fine.

Injectors leaked and were replaced at 110000 miles.

Many steering stabilizers in it... they really help keep the front end tight - replace often.

Typical brakes and shocks.

General Comments:

BEST VEHICLE I EVER OWNED! Can't bring myself to sell it.

Seats look brand new still and SO comfy to sit in.

Power windows all STILL WORK 28 YEARS LATER.

Make sure you get the thermostat with the little hole in it (pressure equalizing?) that keeps this motor from overheating pulling hills in summer. Most auto parts stores sell the WRONG ONE!

Use Chevron or other quality gas my Jeep expert says. They carbon up easy with poor fuel. I use Lucas injector cleaner/upper cylinder gas treatment. Keep the tank full or water gets in tank = fuel pump failure. Mine has the original pump still!

I barely get 20 MPG on highway is the main complaint I guess? Bearings bad in the rear may be causing some drag.

Faults:

Apart from normal wear and tear, such as brake pads, drums, spark plugs, gaskets here and there, my major repairs include replacement of body sill channels (the roads here are heavily salted in winter causing rust damage), replacement of engine water pump, and a new crankshaft sensor (the only thing that ever left me stranded).

Paint quality is poor. The top coat is damaged in many parts; not chipping or peeling, it just disappears in patches, mostly on the bonnet and roof most exposed to sun.

Because of the monocoque structure, the body bends if off-roading, potentially causing the windscreen to crack.

General Comments:

The XJ must be one of the most versatile vehicles ever built. Even in stock configuration, it goes everywhere I dare to take it. After off-roading, you only need to drive through a car wash and you're ready to go to the theatre. Thanks to the engine's enormous torque, 126 kW power, light overall weight and snappy transmission, overtaking on the highway is child's play.

Now in its 27th year, the truck is like an old leather jacket — a bit worn, but a joy to wear (drive). It will never be for sale.

(BTW, the reason I answer 'no' to the question 'Would you buy another car from this manufacturer?' is that after the XJ, Jeep quality has gone down. But another XJ — any time.)

Faults:

I've replaced the water pump 4 or 5 times since 1988.

The heater fan has been replaced twice.

One window handle broke off.

The thermostat has been replaced twice.

The vinyl part of the drivers seat is worn, torn & scratchy.

The lock on the glove box is broken.

The rear windshield wiper has been "fixed" and now makes a screaming noise when it's turned on.

When I lived in a rainy area of Oregon, the Jeep was not in a garage and did not start many times due to moisture in the? Can't remember what the problem was.

General Comments:

When I bought this Jeep in October 1988, it had only 7 miles on it and I paid a total of $19,000 (with the finance charge etc.). It now has 367000 miles and still runs like a champ! I sure did get my money's worth from this vehicle!

I have not had the engine overhauled, and it runs beautifully!

I have never had transmission problems in 23 years -- and it's an automatic!

My Jeep and I are on the Daimler-Chrysler Wall of Fame in their main headquarters for reaching close to 200,000 miles. The Vice President called me and asked me for a photo & brief story and sent me gifts! Soon I will be contacting Chrysler Corp. to tell them about my Jeep reaching 400,000 miles!