Tips for a cherokee/Grand under 10K

Dont be in a hurry. Before you start shopping, find a good jeep specialist to do a full mech inspection on the one you buy.

I'd be surprised if you could find too many Cherokee's as high as 10 grand. However, that would get you a pretty good Grand Cherokee.

If you go for the Grand, make sure the fancy electronics and display systems are all working. Those can be expensive to fix.

Look underneath to make sure the suspension hasnt been trashed. The underneath should also be clean and dry without even the slightest leaks--another sign of poor maintenance.

If it has a sunrooof, check it in a carwash for leaks. Another expensive repair.

Engine choices on the Grand are the I-6 and the V-8s. The I-6 will have a minor bit of difficulty climbing the mountains at full speed east of you, but has plenty of torque and power for any trail you'll find anywhere near you and can cruise at 90 mph all day. Either will benefit from a nice cat back exhaust, e.g. Gibson, etc. A set of Edelbrock IAS shocks makes them ride a lot better, as does a set of Michelin M+S or LTX AT-2 tires.

I picked up a used Grand for 10K about a month after 9-11 when dealer salesmen were doing not much but sippping coffee and it is still going strong at 140K miles without a single fluid leak or major subsystem problem. But I do tend to do a lot of preventative maintenance rather than waiting for stuff to break.

I picked up a GC over the summer when gas prices where over $4 . Has the

318 in it and i love it. This summer going to use it to tow my Yj to the trails . I'll buy anouther after i run this one into the ground.

Later Mike