1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD, 4D review from North America
"A fun, hot looking vehicle, but little more than that"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission problems began at 40K miles. After being towed back from the mountains three times, due to the cooler line blowing off, and the overflow valve gushing with transmission fluid, I had to have the tranny rebuilt. Chock up $2000 for that little problem.
A week after I bought it the electrical system failed, and cost me $400 to have it revamped and one window motor replaced after the system fried it.
I've replaced the thermostat twice.
I added an external cooler to keep the engine running at an ideal temp.
Put new brakes on at 20K.
Tie rods went bad.
U-joint shot.
T-case has had multiple issues. As anyone that has ever driven in 4-low in a Jeep knows, it's a huge pain to shift the T-case. I've had mine serviced 4 times (every 10K miles) and still have little kinks and pops from time to time when shifting in and out of 4WD.
General comments?
I've owned some vintage CJ's and a TJ, and I've had nothing, but problems with Jeeps. They're fun and very capable off-road, but they just don't keep going long enough to truly enjoy them. I may keep this one as a strictly off-road vehicle, but its done as a daily driver, which is disappointing because it's a relatively new vehicle with low miles. My advice to anyone considering buying any Jeep, would be to drive it like crazy before making the purchase. Research who owned it before you, and make sure that its been serviced. Unfortunately, I was lied to by the dealer that sold me the car, or he was lied to by the person who traded it. Either way, this little gem of a deal I got, has turned into a total lemon.
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| Worst purchase I have ever made. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Date of Entry | 23rd June, 2004 |