Faults:

Front brake rotor disk corroded and consequently snapped off, causing brakes to fail. This part was later recalled by the dealer.

Simultaneously, it was discovered that the emergency brake cable had stretched significantly and was ineffectively loose.

Dome light stopped working due to short.

Front right sway bar link broke.

General Comments:

This car has been one of the best investments we've ever made. The problems listed above all began at approximately 150,000 miles (only routine maintenance - for the most part - before hand), and it's still running strong with a little repair work.

The original V6 engine continues to run fantastically.

Comfort is not bad at all for a base model Jeep.

Entire interior (no carpeting) is still in perfect condition. The vinyl interior floors are unbeatable for spill and general "crud" clean-up. No cracks in dash, and minimal wear on the front seats.

Body and exterior (white) are still in perfect condition with only a couple of small rust spots which have been easily repaired. Not bad for an 11 year old off road vehicle!

4-wheel-drive still performs like new.

Spare parts are readily accessible and relatively inexpensive.

Faults:

Have replaced most of the normal items that wear out including:

The alternator

The U-Joints and shocks

A few batteries

The water pump

The thermostat.

The only "uncommon" repair I had to make was the transmission flywheel at 160,000 miles.

The leather seats have started to crack and tear.

General Comments:

I love my Jeep. It has taken me everywhere and never left me stranded. The repair costs have been moderate and it has more than paid for itself several times over.

It is very quick and has decent towing capacity.

My only negative comment is that the road noise is substantial at highway cruising speed (70 MPH).

Faults:

Surface paint has eroded down to primer on body ridges at the sides.

Heater switch & blower repaired at 88651 miles.

Replaced fuel pump @ 111389 miles.

Replaced water pump, temp sensor @ 144362 miles.

At about 158000 miles the heater control valve (plastic) broke.

At about 162000 miles the right front vacuum operated hub wouldn't disengage. Some frisky forward/reverse action knocked it loose. No problems since.

Most recently, I had to replace rear U-joints. I'm surprised I hadn't seen these replaced in the maintenance log (4WD's are notorious for U-joints) but then I had neglected to lube them since I owned it (never again!)

General Comments:

One of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. At 168000 miles the engine still uses much less than a quart of oil between changes and doesn't leak a drop of anything.

I bought it from a friend who bought it at a Missouri Conservation Dept (first owner) auction (I was there). As such it had every scrap of paperwork from dealer purchase on, including every drop of gas and every single repair and service. My buddy kept the "vehicle expense report" maintained and so have I.

The mileage isn't great (4WD, remember?), but I don't worry when I get out to pass, either. And this baby'll take me wherever I want to go.

Handling is exceptional for a 4WD. Police road tests showed this vehicle almost impossible to roll over compared to other 4WDs even under severe handling conditions, and I'm here to testify to that. I've had to make several hard maneuvers since I owned it and it always did what was required.

It's hard to get a good deal on one of these, partly because they are so popular and partly because the person who owns it loves it (like me). I paid retail book on mine and have never regretted it (guy I bought it from wants it back : fat chance). I use and depend my vehicles, regardless of looks or prestige. This answers my needs perfectly.