1988 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer review from North America
"No regrets whatsoever buying it!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The original clutch gave out after 202,000 miles. The second clutch was replaced at the same time the engine was, and had 397,000 miles on it.
The original engine was replaced at 599,000 miles, mainly because it was leaking oil out of the rear seal as fast as I could put it in.
The original starter failed almost 11 years to the day I bought the vehicle.
The front axle has been rebuilt twice.
The clear coat finish started to peel after a few years, and is now completely gone from the hood and roof.
On the average, a water pump has lasted two to three years.
The belt idler pulley seized after 20 years, causing the belt itself to break. I replaced both after having the vehicle towed home that same day.
General comments?
When I bought this vehicle, I said there was no reason I couldn't put 300,000 miles on it. Well, it's got 669,000 and is still rolling along!
It still has its original muffler and exhaust system, and the muffler has the old American Motors logo on it.
The transfer case, transmission and rear axle are still untouched. I've been running synthetic gear lube since 1989-90.
Although most of the front suspension has been replaced, the ball joints are still original. I grease them whenever I change the oil - every other month.
I've averaged 90,000 miles on a set of tires. Two sets lasted over 100,000 miles. I'm on my eighth set now.
The biggest surprise has been fuel economy. Most of my driving is on the highway, and I generally average between 25 and 28 mpg depending on the season.
Most of the engine components are readily accessible.
Recommended reviews
| 1988 - Cherokee 4.0 straight-six Always there, through thick and through thin |
|
| 1988 - Cherokee Laredo 4.0 Straight 6 cylinder A bargain for the amount of money I have invested |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1988 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 Liter inline 6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 31 miles |
| Most recent distance | 669300 miles |
| Previous car | AMC Gremlin |
| Date of Entry | 24th April, 2009 |