1986 Jeep Comanche 4.0L from North America

Summary:

This has been an amazing vehicle, and just won't die

Faults:

Its only clutch replacement was at 190,000 miles.

I replaced the alternator twice, which is kind of normal.

The dome lights work for a little while until the fuse blows, so I don't bother putting bulbs in or using them.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

For this short bed 2WD version, it has carried 1500-1800 pounds many times without complaint and does not look like it's dying like a few other truck brands. Remember I have 230K on this truck so it can definitely take it.

The only time it broke down on the road was when my brother was driving it, so I don't count that as breaking down on me. It was just the alternator and he had to walk home 5 miles.

This truck is well powered with the 4.0 liter engine, is light, and I am always hauling material or stuff on the weekends.

Even though it has always been in the northwest of the United States, it has a little rust in the bed and I've always parked it outside.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2009

1986 Jeep Comanche X 2.8L from North America

Summary:

Best bang for the buck

Faults:

Water pump and radiator, along with all hoses, gaskets and thermostat replaced due to overheating.

Recently started seeing a leak from the slave cylinder.

Rusted out drivers floorboards.

The carburetor is in need of a rebuild.

General Comments:

This is one of the best trucks I've had the opportunity to own. I bought this truck for $400 and have used it for work (telephone technician) and only once has it let me down.

The 2.8 V6 coupled to the 5 speed manual transmission gives me good mileage at reasonable engine speeds on the freeway even with the carb needing rebuilt.

I'm thinking of changing the carb over to either a Weber aftermarket model or going with multi-point fuel injection.

This truck is extremely reliable. I was driving it daily with a clogged radiator and no pressure in the cooling system for three months and never had it overheat. The only thing I had to avoid was the freeway. Since then I have rebuilt the entire cooling system.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2006

1986 Jeep Comanche 4X4 from North America

Summary:

The truck is awesome

Faults:

The only thing that I've had to do is adjust the idle speed.

General Comments:

I bought this truck for $1000 about two years ago and it is the most reliable machine I've ever encountered. It has never broken down.

Will handle anything I put in its path.

I have a 6 inch lift kit on it and some old mud tires I got for free with the truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2005

13th Sep 2006, 13:38

I have a jeep comanche that I bought for $300 and never had troubles.

1986 Jeep Comanche X 2.5L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great truck and goes anywhere

Faults:

Knock in the engine.

Front axle was bent.

Hydraulic clutch problems.

U joints in the front axles were bad.

Fuel gauge works when it wants to.

Vacuum actuated 4wd was in shambles when I got it.

Rear brakes replaced.

General Comments:

I bought the truck for $500 a year ago. Since then, I've replaced more things than I can remember. I now have approximately $2500 invested.

Two months after I bought it, I began tearing into it. I started by pulling the engine and rebuilding it completely with the help of a friend who ran an auto shop. Total cost: approx. $1500.

We then tackled the 4wd system. The vacuum hoses were all messed up and the actuator didn't work. Finally got it working, but over the next 6 months, broke 2 actuating forks. And since I only used the 4wd twice, that wasn't too good.

During daily driving the track bar mount in the front end cracked due to a minor tear in frame causing the truck to be virtually unresponsive when trying to steer. Track bar was removed and welded. Frame welded and the truck had solid steering again.

Finally I took it to a 4x4 shop and they discovered that the front axle was bent (this was probably due to abuse from previous owner). Total cost $850.

These are the major problems I've had, but the truck is mechanically solid now and I only have a few more kinks to work out. Then it's going to the paint booth.

All-in-all, I love the truck. It's fun to drive, especially in the mud. It keeps up with the "big dogs"!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2004