1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4 (vehicle, auto, gasket, SUV) - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram - City-Data Forum

Pfhtex · 03-26-2013, 07:33 PM

Hello -

Yes, I searched the forum for posts first.

Thinking of buying a very, very clean 1996 4-door Cherokee Sport 4x4, w/the 4.0 inline 6. Just hoping it's as good under the hood.

146k miles. $3500.

Typical issues?

Me007gold · 03-26-2013, 07:34 PM

No real issues. Those 4.0's will run forever, the 00/01 head head gasket issues, . Enjoy it

Check out jeepforum.com lots of good info there

TrapperL · 03-26-2013, 07:42 PM

Yeah, the 4.0 inline was a great motor. It was installed in a POS vehicle but the engine was great. Expect electrical gremlins like the PWs, PDs, the computer chipped taillights, and over heating from a far too small radiator. Expect brakes AND rotors every 30,000 miles as they are far too small for the weight of the vehicle. This is the poster boy for the Vehicle Most Likely to Nickel and Dime you to death. But the engine is good.

City Guy997S · 03-26-2013, 07:45 PM

Auto tranny's suck in Jeeps of that vintage with the big 4.0 motor.

hitman619 · 03-26-2013, 07:59 PM

The Cherokee sport is Bullet Proof SUV but like some said upgrade the brakes when you can.

Pfhtex · 03-26-2013, 08:14 PM

Thanks - I will check it out, get it warmed up, see how the thing shifts and holds up after a while on the highway. Radiator fan, brakes aren't too much to ask!

For that price-point ($4k) would you go with a Pathfinder over this? Any other 4x4? thx

Hemlock140 · 03-26-2013, 09:15 PM

We had a 1989 and later a 1996, both made it to over 180k before we traded them in and they were still going strong.

StealthRabbit · 03-26-2013, 09:35 PM

Looks a bit high after doing a nationwide Craigslist search.

If it is a virgin (no lift / cannibal fenders / performance), NOT in Rust Belt (anywhere north of TX and east of Rocky Mtns) AND it is a MANUAL tranny and ONE OWNER by OWNER (no dealer). Should be OK IF you do the usual diligent vehicle survey.

As mentioned the engine is probably not what you need to worry about.

hitman619 · 03-26-2013, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pfhtex

For that price-point ($4k) would you go with a Pathfinder over this? Any other 4x4? thx

1st generation pathfinders are not a bad choice either(stay away from the 2nd/3rd generation pathfinders)

HandsUpThumbsDown · 03-27-2013, 05:32 AM

Rust, rust, rust. That's your enemy. 4.0 is a great engine, better if a 5 speed. The auto transmissions are OK but clunky.