The CAR WIZARD shares the top JEEPS TO Buy & NOT to Buy
2024 ж. 24 Мам.
721 658 Рет қаралды
The CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ shares the top JEEPS to Buy and which ones NOT to Buy.
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I can listen to a mechanic talk about poorly engineered cars all day long.
He could probably talk about sweeping the floor and I would lose another 30 minutes of my afternoon. He does such a good job :)
Blessings all Psalms 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's./inspiration+ "Youth is wasted on the young!" How true is that statement! The older we get the more we long for the days of our youth, when we were more energetic and our joints didn’t creak every time we took a step. When we look into the mirror and see a new wrinkle or gray hair, we wax nostalgic for the days of smooth skin and shiny locks. In this passage, we are told that youthful vitality is not lost to us, not through God. He will renew us as the "eagle." Eagle. Not sparrow, or swallow, or hummingbird. But the strong and mighty eagle, who can fly up to 10,000 feet, who has over 7,000 feathers to keep it warm and dry, who has exceptional eyesight and seems to soar effortlessly. The eagle is a symbol of strength and grace. Through God, we have the ability to maintain our own strength, stamina and vitality. Through God, we are renewed. Through God, we are made young again./prayer+ Father, I thank You for giving me the strength and stamina of the eagle. I thank You for restoring to me the vitality and energy of my youth. Let me use it to better serve You. Amen.
@@GracUntoYouColonel Sanders: I’m too drunk to taste this chicken.
@@JohnsAmerica repent and seek the Lord's face for a new heart my guy
@@GracUntoYou Ask about our fried pickles.
Jeep philosophy Every part that breaks is an opportunity for an upgrade
My 2015 JKU's shocks were going out soooooo LIFT KIT :D
@@JSXSProductions My springs were sprung after 330K miles. Excuse for a lift kit!
Big facts
@@abstract1dea Leaf springs?
@@SI0AX XJ has leaf springs in the rear. Easy to replace. So, time for a lift kit! Death wobble? Adjustable track rod and heavy duty tie rod and drag link.
Got a 2000 Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 and selectrac transmission. The first repair I had to do was the radiator fan at 280k miles. It now has 327k miles and it's time for a few suspension components to be replaced. Total cost will be under $800. I think I've gotten my money's worth out of it so far.
Same. Noticed the fan was vibrating and just neglected it until it shattered and took out the radiator on a road trip. Dealt with all that and my 2001 is still hauling 246K. I'd like a bigger truck to haul my trailer but I can't bear to part with it.
Damn you had for a long time!!!!!!!!! mines a 2008...189k miles paid $2350 so im hoping i can make it to 300k miles ... what all did u fix to keep it goin?
The 4.0's are the great ones I'm from a jeep dealership these new 4 cylinder parts made in China a junk
I had a 1996 ZJ with 250K miles, so good and reliable very comfortable and 4x4 good off-road on the beach and in the mud, sold it and got a JKU, but I wish I could keep it. It was a great Jeep.
@@coexist1018 those 4 cylinder engines are built in Italy, not China. But you're right, they're junk.
We have a 82 wagoneer, love it. Paid $400 for it 24 years ago, my husband rebuilt the transmission about 5 years ago, no other problems. Good purchase.
Would love a Wagoneer!
That's a cryin shame that we have to go back 20-25 years to get a decent jeep model. And even if you do find a jeep from the good years it's probably rusted out high mileage junk for $5-8k lol
The good news about Wranglers is that they pretty much never lose value after you get to a certain point. If you buy one for $8k today, it will still likely be worth $8k, or more, in the future too.
that i agree with. I spent countless hours for a year before i bought my 2000 jeep wrangler back in 2016 and i found one with only 76000 miles and basically no rust except a couple of spots on the body and i fixed them. The only problem I had was the frame and it looked great when i looked at it at the dealer but after 2 weeks the rust holes started to show up on the frame and so i took it back to the dealer and they fixed the frame on their dime.
@@bretthibbs6083 Yep... Frame and front fender rust are both strong in TJs. But, if you put the money in to fix them you'll get it back at resale time too.
@@TheBrokenLife true and I have put time into it after i got the frame fixed the old undercoating that the previous owner put on is peeling off so for the last 4 years i've been scraping it off as it comes off and i've sprayed rustoleum on it to keep it from rusting anymore and i've also been using fluid film on the inside of the frame. Last year I fixed a small rust spot on the driver's front fender myself.
@@bretthibbs6083 Lacquer thinner usually works pretty well on old undercoating.
I raise you the Jeep renegade...had that as rental for a week....good Lord brand new it felt like it was made by Walmart. Plastic cheap, power train felt like a weedwaker.
its just a rebadged fiat 500 shitbox
yes we rented one of scotty's recommended twas a cammry TOYota we've driven crappy cars even my wife says it was one of the worst. Scotty says Hertz maintains their autos, so how come no service record and the oil change light can't be reset WoW 36K with no service cancels any warrantee and kind of wears a lot of things out.
@@johnditch6357 A Camry is better than any FCA product, I have a 2008 Camry
Anyone who has bought a "Jeep" SUV shitbox from the mid 2000s to now... Tell me why?? They don't look all that great, interiors are plastic junk, drive like crap, no power, and horrible reliability. WHY!!!!!!!??? I live in Toledo just a 10 minute drive away from the plant where they churn out that junk so they're really popular here. I cringe just thinking about how many people get suckered into buying those. I have a friend who had an early model mid 2000s Jeep compass, second owner, previously driven by her grandma. The trans blew up last year at just 65k leaving her stranded in a crowded intersection. I would never buy a new Jeep no matter what model. I have heard too many horror stories to even think about it. And unfortunately the older, well built ones are always clapped out, rusted to shit, and overpriced up here in OH/MI. There's just no winning with Jeeps anymore. Which is a damn shame since the wranglers are very cool cars.
@@d47000 cause they are cheaper new and second hand. That's the simple answer. Many of the mass public don't realize the Jeep quality has gone down hill. You still see the crazy high priced grand Cherokee and think "it must be quality for the 50k" and you compare the regular Cherokee to Toyota and Honda and its two and a half thousand dollars less why not. I know it's crazy, I have a buddy bought the cheapest new 3 row SUV Chevy traverse instead of 2 year old reliable brand...because it was the only three row SUV right at $30,000 new. But it's depreciating faster then a pinto and I hear it's not reliable for him either. Reliability always wins
I bought my wife an '06 Wrangler. Last year of the 4.0L inline 6 cylinder with the 6-speed transmission. It has been an absolute rock. Regular maintenance is all we've had done to it. 150K miles of camping, fishing, trails, and other adventures, she is just purring along.
I have a 05 with 174 still going hard in minnessota best car for snow 😊
'97 4.0 with 190k, best wishes for your next 50k!
Ive got a 2010 Jeep Patriot. Bought it in 2012 with 20k miles. It currently has 196k. Maybe I just got lucky, but it's been great. Just figured I'd share my experience.
I have a 2016. Got it brand new. 70k miles and still looks and runs great. Love it
Brand new 2017, 69K miles on it now, also no problems. Except, I did change out the spark plugs when it started misfiring once in a while.
Built on a Wednesday.
I just brought a 2014 Jeep patriot good on gas mileage. 103k miles it runs great.
Mine is at 204k now and still runs great
Matt's offroad towing and recovery :)
His jeep is badass
I'm a viewer and yes his Jeep is awesome
Big fan
thats one hard working cherokee!!!
If I ever part with my CJ I’m buying a banana
Replaced every window motor in my ‘03 Grand Cherokee 5 times. That’s 20 window motors
Lube the window tracks and the rubber seals with used motor oil. Mine haven’t gone in 5 years
had a dodge, each window had the window motor replaced atleast 3 times
In our 04 grand cherokee, we replaced driver side window regulator a month ago... then within a week the passenger AND back driver side broke. Back passenger side has been blocked up for years. All of these have been replaced either two or three times over the years. Terrible design.
I have a 04 LX470 still on original window motors all autos on all 4
Michael s Bro, I’ve been tying to talk my wife into an older LX for years. I love them
Have an 07 commander sport 4.7 no sun roof. I love it. No problems at all. 230K miles. Still runs great. It is all about doing the maintenance.
You're lucky it's not and 06 lol
I love my '99 Jeep XJ. I've owned it for about 7 years. Lots of upgrades, lots of road trips and heavy off road use. The floor is rusted and needs replaced, the 4.0 is noisy but still holds good oil pressure. I've pushed the limits of this jeep over and over again and it brings a smile to my face everytime. I'll never get rid of this Jeep for as long as I live.
Patriots & compasses were built @ the factory I work at. Built on a Dodge Caliber frame, same factory they built Dodge darts. All 3 were junk
The Dodge Caliber was plastic junk.
Belvidere?
qxANGELxp Belvidere indeed
Who, in their right mind, actually goes car shopping, and with the wide and vast selection of good vehicles out there, picks these vehicles as the pride and joy they want to outlay tens of thousands of dollars on? The internet is filled with reviews and recommendations, and yet people continually make poor choices to spend their hard earned dollars on. It's almost shocking.
They was based on the Mitsubishi platform
Buy: Jeeps. Dont Buy: FIATs
Bingo
@@patrickyell309 yep, jeep isn't what it used to be. Jeep was once loved for it's simplicity, reliability and ease of doing the work yourself on them when needed. Now they are just some fiat cars with jeep bodies.
Don’t buy either.
Just like the RAM trucks !
@@patrickyell309 and the eco diesel is a fiat engine and they are POS’S
The jeep commander is actually a decently reliable vehicle my sister put 200k miles on a 06 base model with the 3.7 v6
Must have kept great maintenance or dumped more cash in it than oil
@@BarcelonaBlitzer regular oil changes 1 alternator 1 battery replacement 2 sets of break pads 1 serpentine belt that's it the 3.7 and 4.7 will both go way over 200k only two things you need to do 1 put a 180 degree thermostat in it they don't like to get hot and change your oil every 4k miles to keep from building sludge they are videos all over KZhead of these engines going the distance
@@enjoythesho1992 You take care of it and it will take care of you. Glad she was able to get plenty of life from it
Good video, Wizard. Thanks for your knowledge. I've owned 3 XJ Cherokees, but only 1 that is in the '97 - '01 years. Great vehicles. Never get tired of seeing a clean XJ rolling around.
The jk keep story was like a therapy session for the wizard.
"Show us on this scale model where the Jeep hurt you and your family...."
😂😂
The 2.5 litre 4 cylinder in the YJ was crazy reliable but you'd better not be in a hurry.
so my stupid 2.5 liter foresters actually do all right by me, but mom's 91 loyale is one of those, "i got to think about it" ones
Yeah lol
We bought a Jeep Cherokee Chief 1985 new (ordered it! remember those days?) with the 2.5 litre 4 banger with 5 speed manual and one-barrel carburetor, and 4WD. Slow as F but never burned a drop of oil. It was geared tall so wasn't screaming RPM's on the freeway. I stuffed p235's on the wheels which made it look great but even more leisurely. Nice cruiser. Never had a problem. Drove it 200K miles. My favorite vehicle of all time.
I had that in my YJ with the 5 speed. Even before 5th gear broke (common), I hardly used it, even on the highway! What do i need "overdrive" for, if it barely goes in the "drive" gears? LOL. I digress, that little 2/3 of a 4.0 surprised me a few times on the trail.
YJ rode like shit.
Those early JKs have the same problem the 3rd gen Tacoma has. Too tall a final drive. If you regear to 4.88 or 5.29, a JK they become so much more satisfying to drive. Minimal loss of mpg too.
Agree, only the Rubicon came with ok gearing at 4.10 to get away with bigger tires. Kinda an unfair knock on the JK....
And or just get the tacoma tuned cost was only like $400 with with a kd maxx pro a lot cheaper than regearing and gives you back that higher performance with the low end torque. Really strange and crazy that toyota updated tunes would not do it, but never the less more than satisfied with my 17 trd orsb 4x4 now a days, also did the seat jackers mod only regret should have done it sooner. Maybe I'll look into regearing to either 4.88 or 5.29 if I ever jump up to 35" tires and add a bunch more weight to it. Otherwise I'm pretty happy with my upgraded 31.5" falken wild peaks at3w for now tho. My only regret with my truck is I should of got the long bed lol. Pros and cons to everything tho you know.
My TJ, 155k miles with the straight six is one of the smoothest, most reliable engines on the planet. Decades ago, I had a AMC wagon with the same indestructible motor. Horsepower optional, Torque standard.
Sounds like my '06 with the 6-speed manual. Just those 4.11 axle gears. Highway mileage suffers a bit but will climb a tree.
My ‘06 TJ has 217,000 trouble free miles on its 4.0 with the 6 sp manual. I’m not giving it up anytime soon.
I had several XJs will the straight six. They are great running engines. You might have other component failures but the engine itself will last forever.
Love my XJ! It is a 1994, 4.0L 5 speed with 306K miles on the clock. Manual trans, manual, door locks, manual windows... not much to break and it cheap and easy to fix when it breaks.
what a sweetheart of a truck
Xj's are a great offroading platform. Lots of flex in the front. A really good size for tight spots. Only downside is unibody but that's not an issue for most wheeling. Enjoy!
You should name her "Manual"
I’m so sad I sold mine. Completely stock and devoid of modifications. I should have kept it.😭
power ashtray?
How to avoid the transmission problems: Get a manual clutch.
Yes Yeap oh Yeaaa !!!!
Except all those XJs, YJs, and TJs have plastic slave cylinders that wrap around the input shaft of the transmission. When the slave cylinder fails (and it will) you have to pull the transmission.
@@TheRetarp WTF kind of antiengineering is that!? SMH! 😯🤔
@@HiroNguy Cost cutting + more compact packaging. Ford used Mazda designed M5OD transmissions in the F150 & Ranger which have the exact same issue. $1000 labor to replace a $40 piece of molded plastic. Just like heater cores.
@@TheRetarp Just like the Ford F-150 with the manual transmission.
The 4 speed automatic transmission in the xj for most of its lifespan was actually the AW4 from Asin-Warner (Toyota) and they’re not actually that unreliable, most people just beat the piss out of them on the trail.
That transmission is actually pretty rugged mechanically. The actuators, tcm, and tps which work together to control shifting often fail, but the transmission itself is solid.
there's this elderly man near where i live and he bought a 1997 XJ brand new and has been dailying it in the Rhode Island rust-haven problem free
How much can you beat out of a glorified unibody mini van?
So true
I own and drive a 2007 Jeep COMMANDER V6 and I can tell you that it's a dream car to drive and maintain. No problems working around the engine, plenty of room , power, speed, rugged and trail ready. I couldn't ask for a better 4 wheel drive...!
Sadly the commander is on the internet “bad boy” list. Mine has 207k with the 4.7 and it’s been fine, but for the alternator.
The decline in quality for the Jeep brand, started when Daimler bought up Chrysler and has gotten worse under Fiat ownership.
Well, even if Daimler hadn't bought out Chrysler, the quality would have started deteriorating as soon as Chrysler started developing replacements of all models that were originally designed by American Motors. Of course we know the XJ was a joint AMC/Renault design. The ZJ Grand Cherokee was originally an AMC design as was the YJ Wrangler and the SJ Grand Wagoneer. When the SJ was terminated, Chrysler did not replace it in the Jeep lineup. The ZJ was intended to be the successor to the XJ, but the XJ proved too popular to cancel, so Chrysler kept making them until they replaced it with models like the Liberty and the Patriot. (Conversely, the Patriots with the CVT use CVT units made by Jatco, which explains why those are junk.) And the ZJ would be replaced by the WJ, but it shared a lot in common with the ZJ, so while it was technically a Chrysler design, it still used a lot of AMC elements. It would not be until the WJ was replaced by the WK that we saw a design with essentially no remaining AMC elements.
I wrote service for a Chrysler/Jeep dealership for a little under a year (06-07). I left because I couldn't believe the pieces of shit they were. WINDOW REGULATORS!!!! FIGURE IT THE FUCK OUT!!!!! LMFAO At the time I was driving a 96 Accord....that had less problems than most 05 Jeeps. It also seemed like every car had warped brake rotors...... Gotta admit, the SRT8 300 was pretty bad ass....as well as the SRT8 Cherokees. I was even amazed at the SRT4 Neon. If only the designer of the Grand Cherokee drivers seat designed the whole car.....those were straight up la-Z-Boy chairs, pulling around a fast car that leaked everywhere....
@@Sahadi420 you left because they are such junk? as a service advisor, thats a good thing.
@@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell LOL to a point!!!! The problem was dealing with people who were under warranty....going through numerous things before the car hit 20K miles. I even remember a Mrs. King, who had the top-of-the-line Pacifica.....that literally was a electronic nightmare. Not to mention, the dealership prices were uber expensive. In my time there, a battery out the door was $212!!! (They charge .5 hr to install it.) My mom can install a battery in 10 minutes. "I could have gone to Autozone for less than half that". It was everything for me not to say "THEN WHY THE FUCK DID YOU COME HERE???" lol And telling a Cherokee owner his car had A leak was one thing......telling him it's leaking in 5 spots was another. Shit failed simply because they were shit parts.....I don't make money selling people shit. Simple as that.
yes Damned Near a Chrysler mitsubishi drive trains weren't too bad got 256K our of a crappy van and may still put it back on road. the canadian and german parts craped eaely.
I have an 04 grand cherokee with the 4.7. it has almost 300k miles! Original everything!
Everyone hates on the 4.7. I had one also with 300,000+ miles. Ran like a champ
I'm surprised by that, I had a bad impression of those too. Maybe I just think it's a shame they replaced the 318 lol. Plus one person I knew had her WK catch fire and melt, but that's anecdotal. I did always think the 4.7 sounded awesome though.
Yeah I love the 4.7 it is a great engine
I also have an '04 Limited with the 4.7. Had one of the timing chain guides go on the front of the motor, caused a terrible miss in all cylinders, couldn't rev it past 2500rpm. Cost quite a bit to fix but once the new timing set was on it, it ran like nothing had ever happened. I've nearly ran it out of oil and beat on it pretty hard and it's still going and running smooth.
Anecdotal evidence. I had an 06 Grand with the 4.7. Bad valve seat and blew the head gasket at 100k miles. My brother had an 03 Grand 4.7 started knocking at 150k. Junk.
Another great video Mr. Wizard. Love that you speak your opinions and experiences without being completely biased. I've been thinking of getting a new daily/run around car, my full size V8 truck spends just a little too much time at the gas pump to be practical. I'd definitely love to get my hands on a 2 door XJ with the 4 liter, if I can some day find one at a reasonable price, no idea how good it would be on fuel mileage, but I'm sure it'd be an improvement.
Remember the last time he made a video about what not to buy...he turned around and bought a car with the Northstar engine he's selling in this video 😂
I love my northstar 119k still going
@@RageHP-RageHorsePower 119k is not a lot miles 😋 some folks hit that in 5 years under power train warranty 👍
@@xephael3485 your very right but it depends on if the owner is maintaining the engine as well I use mine harder than others tho 300hp is fun
He's a mechanic though, he can fix the crappy Northstar for free if he so wanted.
He did the same thing with his honda video. Said honda sports cars suck then he goes out and gets a Prelude!
Funny my 79 Wagoneer does trails in the desert when it's 100+ out and it's super easy to work on. Also cost 800$.
Awesome car! I take m 2005 Land cruiser out in the desert too and that does everything flawlessly but that’s no surprise for an LC. I do have 283,000 miles on it tho
It's a keeper
I don't understand how or why that's funny.
can't say mine was that cheap but it's very reliable and nice. Love it. Will probably keep it forever
@@mattdonna9677 I’ve got 3 of them myself and quite frankly they are the best damn vehicles I’ve ever owned!! I’ve got an 85, 87, and a 91 and those trucks will go absolutely anywhere!!
I have 2 older style Grand Cherokees and love them. My 94 ZJ has the 5.2 V8 Magnum in it, and the 02 WJ is an Overland edition with 4.7 HO V8 fully loaded with best trim package. Absolutely love it! The 4.7 can be a trainwreck if not maintained, but mine is sludge free and running great at 168k miles. Great vid! Would looooove to get Grand Wagoneer.
Got a jeep patriot 2016 since new. 70k miles and still looking brand new and runs as the day I bought it. I've done all my maintenance on time directly with the dealer. Don't regret buying this car.
They have 6 speed autos instead of cvt since 14-15, not sure what year so yeah
It probably has the KIA automatic in in. Those were actually not bad vehicles for the the price but they only made them the last few years and only on certain packages.
I bought a 2016 Patriot Latitude last summer. Just turned over 80,000 miles. Love it so far. I don’t drive it rough, have heard of all the potential problems.
Wizard you are one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever listened to . I trust everything you say. Please don't tell me to jump off a bridge. I might
Another one I'd recommend no one EVER buy is any Jeep vehicle with the MultiAir engine. Transmission problems, oil consumption, hard cold starts, countless check engine lights, you name it. Absolutely terrible. STAY AWAY!!!
Thanks for the advice. Do not ever get a newer Jeep with that newer engine.
i haven't had any problems so far with the 2.4 in my 15 dart gt it has 48k on it and it is a manual
@@ChrisN85420 Not a bad choice for a vehicle.
@@md2k8 thank you and it's really not to bad it gets pretty good gas mileage and it's pretty fun to drive with the 6spd stick and the uconnect system is very easy to use
I had the MultiAir Dart in 6 speed. That transmission is absolutely awful. Traded it for a lovely optioned Passat.
that 4.0L 6-cylinder is legendary for reliability... my 2000 Grand Cherokee with that engine made it to 275k miles before the transmission finally bit the dust in 2018 and I dumped it... but the engine was still running strong. It made many, many visits to the shop for various reasons, especially coolant system over-pressurization rupturing various hoses and clamps... but the engine itself never even gave a hiccup, even with all the cooling system issues making it run way too hot for the last 2+ years of its life.
Glad my 07 Jeep Liberty KJ wasn't on the Do Not Buy list. I used to want a Jeep Wrangler JK but after seeing the vid, I'd stay away from that too. 07 Liberty going strong at 179,000 miles with the typical parts to replace ; water pump, alternator, fuel filter canister, ignition key cylinder (Which was a HUGE pain in the butt), but no other major problems. And I learn to fix most myself with the big engine compartment.
"All that and a bag of chips", haven't heard that one in a while!
Bought a CJ7 for 2 grand, then sold it 10 years later for 2 grand.
👍🏽
i bought a 1985 CJ 7 for $3500 in 1991, sold it for $3500 in 1994. They hold there value. i bought a 2007 Wrangler Unlimited new in 2007, still have it no major problems (altenator, water pump, and sway bar) 134,000 miles. love it
Yeah! Bought a CJ7 in the early 90's for $14,000 sold it now for $8000.... they hold their value
Bought my 04 TJ 5 years ago for 8 grand. I'd maybe consider selling it at 8 grand, but why would I? Makes me think I'd only take 10k+ for it.
I love WK2s, XJs, and ZJs. Pretty much any Jeep to avoid would be any that have transverse-mounted engines and the Commander. And I actually kind of liked how the YJs looked with square headlights.
Commander Limiteds came with the most capable 4WD system (three locking differentials standard) produced. And ran straight into a market which wasn't looking for a really capable 3 row SUV. We've got two of them. Yes, they can be a pain to work on, but they work very well.
@@anvilsvs The fact that the Commander isn't all too roomy inside was one reason why they weren't liked. So it's not necessarily that the market wasn't looking for a capable 3 row vehicle, but it had to be practical, and the Commander simply wasn't.
Currently sitting in my TJ rubicon. Absolutely love this thing.
I have a 91 Jeep Comanche. LOVE it. I've had it nearly 4 years and I will never sell it. I'm in the (slow) process of fully restoring it. Interior is almost done, paint and body hopefully later this year! The Comanche is like the XJ Cherokee but cooler :-)
I recall the youtube channel, The Fast Lane (TFL), bought one of those Comanches. It was nicely fixed up since it had a bad manual transmission along with upgraded off road suspension and large tires. Finally after the year, it was sold for around $10k.
Sweet truck! Damn those are cool. MJ I think is their code. You'll definitely turn heads at any Jeep event or off-road park or really any car meet with that one. Glad it found its way to someone like you who will not only take care of it but return it to its former glory!
I saw a girl driving a Jeep Commanche around my town, and chased her down to talk about her truck-- and ended up making her my girlfriend. Great trucks!
@@LittleMikeStarCraft damn - now that's an awesome story
Ayyy, same! I'm throwing a new trans in my '87 right now. Interior and paint will come soon
Got me a 97 grand Cherokee. Been the best vehicle I could ever ask for. Gets me anywhere I need to go and then some
My favorite vehicle was a 1997 Grand Cherokee Laredo. I ran that forever. Those 4.0 6 cylinders are damn near bulletproof.
I got a 1998 cherokee back in May, I love it especially with the 5 speed manual.
I've had several Jeeps over the last two decades, from a Cherokee with the 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engine (highly recommended) to a 2001 Grand Cherokee, a 1999 Grand Cherokee, and now a 2005 Grand Cherokee with 213,000 miles on it. Running perfectly, after a new engine and transmission. The Grand Cherokees are actually very comfortable and reliable, but do make sure you check the maintaince history and have it thoroughly checked out. I expect to keep my current Grand Cherokee for at least another decade or so.
I love my 2007 Commander I bought it in 2009 with 15k miles now today 2021 it only has 90k I do all my services on time and it doesn't have any issues at all. I won't sell it any time soon it's been very reliable.
I've got a 98 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited, and it's a beast. ZJs are awesome, and decently cheap.
Only had thing is the gas mileage on the 5.9
I had one of those in white I bought it off a DR. In Long Island that was getting divorced years ago. That thing was unstoppable had very low miles bought it for $4k drove it for several years had fun with it, it was bone stock when I sold it it had close to 100k miles on it and I got $6k for it almost immediately when I posted it back in 2013
Great ZJ.
I'll just stick with my '79 J-10.
I have a 94 YJ. I have owned it for 28 years. It has 176,000 miles on it and is in very good condition. Has been fixed up for rockcrawling and yet, is still my daily driver for all these years. Hardtop with the 6 cylinder and a 5 speed.
Great video. Very honest. Probably the only honest and reliable auto mechanic out there besides my personal mechanic, who's about to retire within the next year. I had a 01 JEEP Wrangler, which I really enjoyed driving until I had a local Meineke shop do some suspension work on it, and the JEEP was never the same since. Other than that. great video man.
I have a 98 Cherokee with the 4.0 and automatic transmission and I love it! It's very reliable and reasonably comfortable too. It's a little cramped inside, but that was because it was designed as a Jeep, not a minivan. Being a 20+ year old vehicle, it does have some things that are wearing out on it, but generally, everything works well. It's quite capable off road and we've taken it to Moab a few times to run some trails. I think the thing I like most about it is the simplicity of it and how it's just easy to work on and fix things when they do break.
I’m planning on getting one that’s the same year and configuration. I agree that Jeeps are cramped. Since I’m single that’s something I can look over, glad I don’t plan on having backseat passengers either because there aren’t any headrests. I’ve always been a Ford truck guy when it comes to SUV/truck vehicles but my coworker is selling the Cherokee for $600 supposedly, without any major issues.
Did you have the free trailer hitch recall installed?
When I check the NHTSA website with my VIN code, it doesn't say that my Jeep qualifies for the hitch recall. I think the recall was oddly specific in exactly which units received the recall.
My really only vomplaint with the XJ is the electric windows & locks. They sure can be a headache when you run into problems.
Also don’t get any Jeep Renegade, since they’re essentially Fiat 500 with a different design. (Fix It Again Tony)
its actually a rebadged Fiat Panda. but same thing, really.
Jeep CJ7 Renegade is the real Jeep. Got one and love it.
@@MinecraftPro97k Are those the Pre Fiat ones??
Got a 2014 jk 2 door manual. It's not bad for what it is. Been reliable to far (knock on wood), the 3.6 is a decent engine. Puts down power well with 3.73 gears, even with 285 33's. Sure it wanders a bit and the ride is rough but its a fun vehicle
Wizard, I'm living your dream. I live in Western Montana and my main vehicle is a 2001 XJ. Can't agree with you more, except for your comment on the transmission. The AW4 automatics have a very good reputation as long as they are kept cool. The transfer case, the NP231 is bulletproof as well as is the entire powertrain.
I have a 97' ZJ with the inline 6. That thing is a beast. Turns over instantly. Love that thing.
Same i have a 94 cherokee xj n a 97 wrangler both with the 4.0
Same.
My 97 ZJ is a tank!
The 4.0 and the rest of the old AMC engine family AKA the 232 and 258 are quite possibly some of the best 6-cylinder engines ever made. I have had them in Ramblers and jeeps and I love that engine.
I have a 96 Cherokee with the 4.0. Best car I've ever had with something like 600,000 miles on it. I love my old Jeep!
Hi Car Wizard, I actually own a Jeep Patriot 2014. This was the 1st year that they went with the 6 speed automatic transmission (Hyundai 6F24 automatic) not CVT transmission. This little Jeep has been a very reliable vehicle can't really say that my experience hasn't been bad. I was a bit hesitant on buying a 4 cylinder Jeep because it does lack the power of the V6, but it's been great with gas mileage and surprisingly has more cargo room that what you would think. We gone Skiing in the mountains, camping on the beaches. It's really fun little Jeep to drive. I know that it doesn't compare to Wranglers but I just wanted to let people know that the 2014 Patriots with the Hyundai 6 speed transmissions are not bad at all. - Cheers !!
I have a 17 patty riot in the collection., it's a good jeep wagon, gets down the smallest trails , some decent mud holes , turn radius is insane. It's fun to drive and will be sought after in time as a old jeep. I think the patty is the last jeep that still has a AMC look like the XJ
I own a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ which I'm the only owner. This vehicle has its weaknesses but I've done most of the work on it and now it has over 300,000 miles on it. Its 2 wheel drive (wish it was 4x4) but its working and driving. Things that I replaced over the 21 years I've owned it: Window regulators, radiator, fan, water pump, alternator, various hoses, coil packs, heater core (very hard requires removing entire dash board), radiator fan relay change. New valves & lifters at 200,000 miles. I use synthetic 10-30 oil. I replaced all fluids with only factory recommended fluids. Its been a decient vehicle and still works good. I would recommend this model it is a 4.0L Straight 6, I still drive it, the transmission still feels ok and it has enough power to keep up with traffic up fairly steep grades. Like all cars you need to keep up on the basic maintnance recommendations in the manuals. Anyone can drive a car into the ground but to drive a car long term takes a lot more then just changing the oil and filters.
Loved my '01 and '99 XJ. Beat the crap out of both of them. Now we have a '06 liberty as a family rig and it has been surprisingly reliable and does well for mild off road driving.
I'm looking into one of those rn
Libbey is a good Jeep
The ZF8-speed transmission in the newer Grand Cherokees (started in 2014) is proving to be an excellent transmission. It probably helps that the dame transmission is used in so many other vehicles. It's a proven transmission and i wouldn't hesitate to buy one.
I love my 93 Cherokee xj its my dream car. I even bought a second xj fixed it up and sold it saved a xj from the scrap yard I am very proud of that.
just picked up a 99 xj 2door (been looking forever for a clean one) physked !!
I bought a 2004 jeep liberty in 2014 with 135,000 miles. Now at 190,000 I'm proud of my purchase 👍
I bought my 2000 WJ back in 2012 and I loooooove it. I got 248k out of the original 4.0, then swapped another one in after a little knockity knock (who’s there?). I installed a front locker and long arm suspension, too. I’d pick my Jeep over any of the new ones.
Interesting observations and recommendations. I guess the Liberty KK and KJ are in the middle models for you. I had a KK and it drove me mad that in Low gear and 1st gear it wouldn't stand a steep down slope as it always ended up in 5000 RPM and 10 mph and getting the brakes hot of trying to slow down, even with the down slope assistance button it was bad. I think the KJ did way much better.
I just Baught a 2014 Jeep Compass 2.4 with the Auto, not CVT. I love it so far and since that engine was around for awhile and not Fiat I figured by 2014 most of the kinks have been worked out of it. From the research I did it seems like a solid engine. I just hope the vehicle and everything around it can last me a long time and be reliable
we had an early 90's jeep cherokee and while it had issues with its heater and with its fan for the cabin, even had a minor engine fire, it was a trooper. also makes me feel better that you suggested that modal, even if its a more recent iteration as i have been looking at some recently
I had 2 xj’s. 92, 04, both with the 4.0 Had a YJ did a 350, 700R4, 8.8 swap. Had 4.88 gears, 35’s locked front and rear. If i were to get another. It would be a TJ. The coil spring suspension makes a huge difference on and off road. Much better road manners. Much more trail worthy because of much more flex. Grand Cherokees are absolutely gorgeous vehicles! They were the first luxury upper class, original SUV back in the 80’s.
I had a 94 & 98 XJ the 98 was a manual. Absolutely loved them both.
"What Jeep is your favorite?" The 2000 & 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4 X 4 Seen several of these with over 300,000 miles still running strong. Friend has one and we've gone places that my Yukon could only dream of . Granted, his Jeep has a lift kit and larger tires, but it still has no problem with power or climbing. He had a Ford Raptor, but it was just to big plus had repeated problems with the power steering pump blowing up. The Jeep never struggled in the sand at the beach, climbing the mountains nor the large rocks by the rivers. Been looking for one myself, but they don't come cheap around here. VT247
Love the video I am jeep freak and was a little sad that the Zj grand Cherokee didn't make the to buy list they bullet proof and are nicer to drive then the xj
He's right, I got a '99 Cherokee Sport, 2x4 with just over 176k mi, and still running strong. In 4 years of ownership I haven't spent a single penny on anything having to do with suspension or transmission, just the regular maintenance care makes this XJs unstoppable.
Man auto ?
The jk 3.6 is decent but the rockers fail but easy fix.. my yj has been bulletproof besides a crap ton of blow by. Out of my 3 Jeeps my wj is my favorite with the 4.0. Great video wizard!
Resale on Wrangler is crazy. I never knew until I started looking. The Wagoneer was really fun. It was part of my formative teenage years.
Before watching this video, I'm guessing that the Jeep Renegade is in the "Don't buy" section.
I would say it should be in the do not buy category. My 24 year old son has one. It's a 2 wheel drive and it is still not good
I predict also Compass and Patriot, being that they were reskinned Dodge Calibers
Bryan Liguori I actually used to own a 2014 Jeep Patriot sport. Bought it with 33k on it being 2 years old, it was a used rental car. So thankful never had an issue with the cvt transmission. I did get rid of it at about 50k miles so probably a good choice on my part
The Jeep Renegade is definitely a do not buy.
@@atx-cvpi_99 Agreed
Over a year later YJ’s are just as valuable as TJ’s . Square headlights and front leaf springs! What more can you want!
A family member of mine has covered 70,000 miles in a jeep patriot 2010 before it needed a new transmission. Before that just general things like brake pads, new tyres and general inspections for long drives.
Most 4.0L Jeep XJ Cherokees had the Aisin AW4 transmission. It's extremely similar to what came in a 4Runner of that era. Mine has 255k on it, and despite a torque converter clutch issue, still shifts fine.
I have always loved the look of the Commander
I have a 2006 with he 3.7, it’s a dog.
@@TheSchmed oh I’m sure. The hemi is the best option
I bought an 06, 5.7 v8 hemi quadtrac with 177000miles. For$ 5,300. Needed front diff, control arms, front axel, pads, rotors, and calipers. It runs strong! Love it, but expensive!!
I owned a 2007 Commander Limited with the 4.7 V8 for about a year and had the roof leak and a transmission that drove me crazy. Constant and erratic upshifting and downshifting. No mechanic could find anything wrong with it. It got 14 MPG going downhill. I always loved the boxy look of the truck and wanted one. I was so mad that it just sucked as a vehicle. I wanted so bad to like it, but I sold it for about what I bought it for.
Had a 2010 JK, my biggest beef with ot was how it was undriveable in the wintertime. The defrost is horrible, 195 degree heat out of the vents but it still iced up all the glass...
I had a 99 XJ 4.0 auto with select tracks. Bought it new. Drove it for 13 years. 220,000 miles. It needed 2 or 3 radiators, head gasket(my fault, easy fix though), front u joints, 3 front steering stabilizers and 3 sets of tires and alternator towards the end. They gave me $2000 towards a trade in. Awesome little truck.
Hi Wizard, Can you please do top Toyota To Buy & NOT to Buy? I've heard bad things like Toyota white paint issues, frame rust issues, 3rd gen Tacoma Automatic not shifting properly, etc..
And 2AZ-FE head gaskets and oil consumption.
I realize this is an old post, but the XJ Cherokee when you're not to buy is the one with manual Peugeot 10/5 transmission, they will hold up if you keep them on paved roads all the time but under hard use they will break and nobody works on them. That being said I love jeeps and especially the XJ Cherokee with the 4 liter inline 6, take care of it and it will last forever. My last one was a 1999 sport and had over 289,000 miles when I sold it, and I had seller's remorse almost as soon as it was gone.
I love that model of the Cherokee. Perfect for off roading and cheaper to build than the wrangler.
I bought a 2017 Patriot Limited (last year made) with the CVT in it with 76k miles in like new condition for the wife (was a great price). I was weary of the CVT and did some research, apparently the later model year CVT's in the Patriot ironed out most of the issues. Even so the first thing I did was a complete fluid/filter flush and plan on religiously maintaining the transmission at every interval. So far it hasn't been a bad car *knocks on wood*. Now I'm looking at the Grand Cherokee with the v6 eco-diesel to tow my camper around for myself.
Keep your patty riot , I have a 17 in the collection and is a good, does well off road and fun to drive and not made any more, so down the road it will be worth something. My only complaint is wish it had a 6 .
You should do one of these for Mazda. They tend to have a reputation for being reliable cars plus they have some fun interesting stuff you can talk about. Also Hyundai and Kia (newer brands but increasingly popular)
As a mechanic he would have very little experience fixing them LOL, M zda 5 and Mazda MX-5. Zero issues with either.
My husband has a Mazda 2 (German version). We bought it as a two years old used with 19000 Km and now eight years later we are going to sell it with 195000 Km. It needed a suspension repair for 1000 € (about the same in $) and had some minor repairs for around 200 in these 8 years. Nice little cars, but for a little car the fuel consumption is a bit to high (5,5 litre on 100 km), which can be expensive in countries like Germany. Also insurance was a bit expensive because cars like these used to be driven by young maniacs. All in all I would recommend the brand if you go for gasoline cars. We decided to go for electric cars, because gasoline is expensive here. the government does a lot of funding for electric vehicles (charging devices for you home, no car tax and so on). All our young friends who can afford it also go for electric vehicles, its mostly the old here who stick on gasoline or diesel.
The sunroof drain issue was present in my 2004 Grand cherokee as well. It was INFURIATING because it didn't happen consistently, but when it occured it soaked the driver seat, the A pillar, steering wheel, dash and floor. The next time I buy an old Jeep I'll be sure to skip anything with a sunroof. I prefer the ZJ because they're usually inexpensive compared to an XJ, but I loved both of mine. I was unimpressed with my WJ.
My 08 JK has only had one issue in 125,000 miles. Never towed or stranded. The computer went nuts at about 80k. Cost $1200 to fix, and that was it. Mine is a two door manual. I agree it's a little under powered, but I have 4:88's with '33's and it a reliable off road beast. It's not a family car... That's why they make Subarus...
Been waiting for this one. Thanks Wizard! Love my Grand Cherokee, btw.
Thank you Wizard! Awesome when my 01 Cherokee gains value overnight!
I had an ‘87 Wrangler with the carbureted 4.2 liter inline 6 and 5 speed manual transmission. That Jeep could not get out of its own way. I also had numerous issues with getting the Jeep to pass emission testing in my home state. My father-in-law had a ‘74 CJ 5 with the same motor, different carburetor, and that Jeep ran flawlessly. I now have an ‘03 TJ with the 4.0 inline 6; 190,000 on it and still going strong.
I’d have to say I have a jeep commander 2008 with a 4.7L and it’s been great I’m the 3rd owner and I put 50k ish miles on it no problem. Vehicle has 219,677 and no issues except the transfer case seal but that’s it for me. Had the original seal from the dealer records. I should mention that it’s been a dealer car since the day it was made and it’s been taken car of. Anyways I’m saying this because everyone has a different experience with any car. Thanks for your input and well here’s mine. Have a great one. :)
I’ve followed you through Hoover for a long time. Man you’ve been awesome! I love your vids. They hit the right points on everything. I’d love to come out and just take a walk through your garage. I’m a nobody lol. I just think you’ve been the best.
I feel you bro, he has that honest voice behind it. Good guy
98’ Jeep Grand Cherokee is extremely similar to the XJ, would highly recommend bought one at 200k and drove it to 237k trouble free besides a $15 sensor and brakes
How's it holding up?
Yep, I have a 96 pushing 400k, it's had it's quirks, but they've been easily fixable, and they've never affected driving
I had an 2011 compass and I loved the cat transmission and I currently drive a 2010 jku and would definitely buy another. Fyi I did change the heater core in my jku , didn’t take me an hour
Loved my 97 Cherokee. There were some issues mostly due to it being a year that they switched from the 96 model years to the 98 model years. When they land in the middle you can't be positive what parts you need. Loved that Jeep.
96s are like that, too.
My son bought two jeeps brand new, his wife’s jeep blew up the motor at 70,000 miles, he got rid of his when the front end started going out
Had a Dodge Dakota (Chrysler), engine blew at ~70K miles as well. My Toyota has been fantastic for 4 years now
@@brianlosangeles I've had a number of Jeeps with over 250K on them. My daily driver is a ZJ with 260,000 miles. If you maintain them, they last.
By a used 4runner or FJ Cruiser instead
Also, buy a used Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5 L Skyactiv four-cylinder. They are very reliable and extremely fuel-efficient.
Curently 6 xjs in my driveway. Love em
You have one big driveway.
@@ultraguy8771 XJs are tiny! 😉
My 01 XJ has 206,000 miles and still runs like a dream 👍👍
Huh. The only Jeep I haven’t had problems with is the Commander with a Hemi 😅
I own one too with 260k on the clock and I love it despite some issues but far from the disaster he’s talking about
@@theclear33 yeah
Same here. The later 5.7’s are power houses and had next to ZERO problems in the drivetrain. I’ve had more issues with my XJ than with my 09 5.7 with the same mileage.
Omg I hate these at work the pinch welds are shit and the car itself is shit there is always something wrong with them
@@malachimarko7963 Not very consistant build quality then.
Don't forget the Renegade! aka the Lemongade 🍋 😩😂
They are junk too. It’s got the dreaded 2.4 Tigershark.
Absolute POS
Fiat 500L
I thought it was HEMORRAIDE
Grand cherokee, wrangler and gladiator are the only real Jeeps they make, the rest are FWD Fiats with a Jeep suit.
Jeeps to buy: Wrangler or Wagoneer Jeeps not to buy: anything that's not a Wrangler or Wagoneer
XJs are the shit
Johnny Maier yes! We have a 91 50th anniversary YJ with 32,XXX miles on it. Almost new condition...sat in the garage of my Aunt/Uncle’s vacation home for 25 years. With the 5-speed and HO 4.0L it pulls nicely.
@Ktube But then again there is the fact that Japan started a war with USA and the Chinese , and the Philippines, and Korea, way back when. Guess they reformed themselves tho.
Woo hoo! My 98 TJ built to the hilt has never let me down!👍👍
Listening to Mr. Wizard on my hour long drive home through the open desert.... I realized.... He is the Bob Ross of mechanical gurus..... One gear, two gears, shifting too and fro.... Red.... Light red fluid flowing ever so gently..... Happy little clutch packs dancing in the flow....