Water Pump replaced under warranty
O2 Sensor
Transfer case leaks, main seals replaced twice.
Have had annoyances with brake bads and rotors at a pretty steep expense.
Currently have a small oil leak near front of engine block.
My 1997 Jeep Cherokee Country has overall been a solid performer. While it's approaching its 10th birthday (mine was manufactured in April 1997) I still love it. It still looks great for its age, and it often gets mistaken for a newer model year. Despite its minor problems, it has never left me stranded, and has always been fun to drive. The 4.0L In line 6 engine is pretty peppy and gets this SUV moving quickly. The interior is a bit cramped with 5 passengers, but that's kind of fun I guess--I always said the Cherokee was a Wrangler with a permanent hardtop in terms of space. Sure it was innovative back in 1984--it was the first SUV designed around 4 doors--but even with the 1997 redesign it does feel a bit dated. That said, I still think my Cherokee looks great compared to some of the current SUV trends, and Jeep should be ashamed of the new Compass. The new Jeep Patriot is what the Liberty (the Cherokee's successor) should have been in terms of appearance. I still love my Cherokee Country, and I hope to drive it far into the 100,000 mile range. If other Jeeps are any indication, I should see 150k and 200k without any other major problems.
The engine will make it well past the 200K mark no problem, but as for the rest LOOK OUT!
Chrysler basically ruined Jeep, I had an ‘86 Cherokee (the last of AMC) and wow, what a GREAT vehicle that was, in fact it gave me less trouble (cost me WAY less money) in three years and 40,000, then the ’97 has in nine months and less than 2,000 miles. The vary reason I sold my ’86 was, Chrysler’s P.O.S. transmission was ready for it’s second overhaul.
If yours is still clean enough (rust free) then in the name of all things sacred GET IT UNDERCOATED!!!
They rust REALY bad, REALY fast.
I connect the first one being the best vehicle ever made, and the “new” one being an unsalvageable money pit with, A: Chrysler’s “planned obsolesces” and B: a make it cheaper Cheaper CHEAPER attitude.
A prime example of this was/is the ’86 had full steel/chrome wheel lugs, the ’97 has the (oh 3 cents apiece) cheaper steel/tin-cap lugs, so basically if they skimped there what else did they do (or not do).
Don’t think by all of this, I’m saying don’t buy a jeep, I’m just saying be VARY weary of the “half-Jeep” Chrysler examples.
Right now I’m looking at a “Colorado-clean” 1981 AMC-JEEP Cherokee, if I get this “Rig” I’ll probably have less trouble with it if I keep it THE REST OF MY LIFE, then I’ve had with this W.C.R.J in only nine short months.
W.C.R.J = worthless Chrysler rip-off Jeep.
My 97 Cherokee has 305k miles. I have had only minor problems with it. Currently I need a new gas tank which has a hole in the top of it, which is acceptable at this mileage I'd say.
I have a 1999 Cherokee sport with 243,000 miles. I got mid 20s (mpg). It is bullet-proof and so far nothing went wrong. It was unstop-able in the mud, snow, rocks and fields. That is, until I rolled it on a patch of ice. I searched around for a new vehicle and there is nothing out there that excites me. So, I am likely going to spend the $700 to patch together my jeep.. and drive on until someone makes a better car...
Wouldn't understand whut?
Why making it to 150K miles or even 200K miles is some great accomplishment? Hell, the majority of cars built in the last 10-15 years can make it to at least 150K miles with little problem.
Your right, I don't understand...
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