Right now I have Jeep Cherokees (2 x 1987) and am looking to upgrade. I can get a 1994 Cherokee for around $4k if I can find one. I am in Denver area.
Complaints about Cherokee are low power (I drive between 6,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level), not so great mileage (20 mpg on a good day) and poor towing capacity (snowmobile trailer w/2 sleds). Cherokees have about
180-190k miles on them.Chains don't fit well on rear wheels - low fender clearance, low spring clearance (leaf springs).
Engine compartment is tight, cargo capacity is OK. Off-road capability is good.
I am looking for 5-speed manual, maybe a more modern engine (24 valves?) than the straight six in the Cherokee. Cherokee supposedly has 177 HP, newer (HO) engines have 190, I think. At 6,000 feet and above, my 86 SAAB 900 Turbo with 160 HP and weighing 2,900 lbs (Jeep weighs around 3,100) will suck the doors off either of the Jeeps at 231k miles.
It seems the Toyota 4runner is lower power and heavier vehicle, also a lot more expensive. Got a loan of an Izuzu Rodeo and it seemed like a nice vehicle but they are notorious for burning up engines. Don't even talk about the Ford Exploder. Nissan Pathfinder is not impressive. JGC (ZJ) does not come with 5-speed manual, so that is out (although some early ones did but they are hard to find).
Would most power in a light (3,000 lb) SUV be maybe a 94 or so Cherokee with a free flow cat-back exhaust? I seem to keep coming back to Jeep for light vehicle with power and low cost.
I know you guys are gonna favor Jeep but maybe you can say what to really stay away from, besides what I already mentioned. Or what comparisons have you made before buying Jeep?
Thanks in advance,
Charles.