Hey everyone,

Let me preface this message my stating I have never owned a Jeep. I have always wanted a Cherokee Sport (2 door) but they don't make them any more.

Anyway, when I look on the road I see old Cherokees and Wranglers going strong. I really don't see old Grand Cherokees (don't know how long they have been in production).

With all the new drive-train technology (Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation) as well as FD1 or FD2, do you see these Jeeps on the road for a long time.

Thanks!
tbpt

Hey everyone,

Let me preface this message my stating I have never owned a Jeep. I have always wanted a Cherokee Sport (2 door) but they don't make them any more.

Anyway, when I look on the road I see old Cherokees and Wranglers going strong. I really don't see old Grand Cherokees (don't know how long they have been in production).

With all the new drive-train technology (Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation) as well as FD1 or FD2, do you see these Jeeps on the road for a long time.

Thanks!
tbpt

Hard to say. There really has not been any Jeeps like this previously. I think things like the front suspension/axles need to be carefully watched since this is the first crop of front drivers offered. Not to make a direct comparison, but what older FWD SUVs are still on the road now? Don't really see alot of Trackers or the like. Can't think of any FWD SUV from the 80's right now besides the Tracker.

Just a note: Older Grands (ZJ's particularly) are very stout. Mine was at 140,000 miles when I sold it...still going strong! :) I also had a lifted KJ that gave me zero problems.

I have owned 7 Jeep vehicles so far...(YJ, Liberty, and Grand Cherokee)

I, too see a lot of the old Cherokees and Wranglers, as well as old Grand Cherokees/Wagoneers (which were in production starting in 1993-1998---2nd Generation 1999-2005 + 3rd Generation 2005-present)...

...one of the hallmarks of a Jeep product is its' durability....this is not a vehicle that you worry about slamming doors....to close them, sometimes you have to slam them!....Personally, I see the Patriot as being on the road a long time due to its' Jeep heritage, traditional, classic styling (not unlike the Cherokee) and value for the money so young buyers will most likely be looking for and able to afford used ones...

My Wrangler has 130k and it is good for another 100k before any engine, drivetrain, or major structural problems become apparent. There are lots of little things that have broken like the exterior mirrors have sagged and the some of the instrument lighting has failed BUT this Jeep is second only to a Mazda 3 series in terms of durability for any vehicle we have owned. And the Jeep has parts availability second to none. My Cherokee did not match the Wrangler for reliability but it's body and engine were strong - The automatic transmission was suspect.

As for the Patriot - I would and intend to look it over. I suspect the Patriot is a good 150k vehicle Now the new Wrangler looks like it will live up to the legend.

You know, I've noticed the very same thing lately. Maybe it's just because I've retrained my eye to really take notice of the Jeep form now that I'm so intent on getting one, but they're everywhere!! I secretly wonder if it's all part of some grand plan...are Jeep owners plotting to take over the roads? If so, please wait till I have mine!! :D

Of course part of the reason you see a lot of Jeeps on the road is that Jeeps have very long production runs. Most cars have runs of 3 to 5 years before a major restyle or redesign. Jeeps have runs twice as long or more. The Cherokee ran for 17 years with only minor exterior changes.

Jeep mechanicals are for the most part straightforward and available at Jeep and other parts stores. With the long production runs you can have relatively cheap parts for your Jeep stocked for 20 years or more. Any Renault Alliance owners? Within ten years it was cheaper to junk the car rather than repair it.

Any Renault Alliance owners? Within ten years it was cheaper to junk the car rather than repair it.

Haha...it was my first car. Lasted an incredibly long 4 years before junking. :D

You know, I've noticed the very same thing lately. Maybe it's just because I've retrained my eye to really take notice of the Jeep form now that I'm so intent on getting one, but they're everywhere!! I secretly wonder if it's all part of some grand plan...are Jeep owners plotting to take over the roads? If so, please wait till I have mine!! :D

...Jeeps taking over the roads... That would be nice! :D

Of course part of the reason you see a lot of Jeeps on the road is that Jeeps have very long production runs. Most cars have runs of 3 to 5 years before a major restyle or redesign. Jeeps have runs twice as long or more. The Cherokee ran for 17 years with only minor exterior changes.

Jeep mechanicals are for the most part straightforward and available at Jeep and other parts stores. With the long production runs you can have relatively cheap parts for your Jeep stocked for 20 years or more. Any Renault Alliance owners? Within ten years it was cheaper to junk the car rather than repair it.

I agree. The XJ exterior was restyled only once in 17 years. And only had minor year to year changes in the interior. Under the hood is a different story. Early XJs had V6 and Diesel options. Even the veteran 4.0L I6 received yearly improvements. And I can't remember how many different transmissions have been under the XJ. The difference with Jeep is they redesign what needs to be redesigned. 'If it ain't broke. Don't fix it.'

My XJ had 293,000 miles on it when when my wife and I decided I it was time for a new Jeep. It still ran fine but needed a lot of work. If I had the time, money and space I would have fixed everything and built it up (lift, tires, axles, etc.). Now I have a TJ. Got it with just under 40,000 miles. I'm just over 62,000 miles now with only very minor problems.

The key to long life in any vehicle is maintenance. Change your oil and rotate your tires every 3000 miles. Check your oil level and tire pressure/condition often. Get your transmission, tranfser case and differential fluid changed every year. And check ALL your other fluids (coolant, power steering, brake, windshield washer, etc.) regularly. If you take care of your vehicle it will take care of you. :D

If you do the maintenance a Jeep WILL last you 300,000+ miles.

Haha...it was my first car. Lasted an incredibly long 4 years before junking. :D

When I first opened the hood of a girl friend's Renault Alliance, I saw what looked like a 1932 sewing machine.

I have had a 1998 Cherokee and a 1997 Grand Cherokee, and honestly the Grand Cherokee (which is the one i have now) is not nearly the quality the 1998 Cherokee is. I only hope now the durability/quality has improved, i have not been impressed with the quality of this GC at all. Its actually been bad enough to make me want to go back to a Cherokee or a Ford Explorer

I remember hearing from a friend a few years back that you never see Jeeps in a junkyard.They just stick plows on them and use them to clear driveways when they are old and rusty.With resonable care,why wouldnt they be reliable?