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By
EWAN KENNEDY
16 May 2005
Jeep
has iconic status in the world of 4WD users, especially among
the serious drivers who want to challenge themselves and their
vehicles in the really rough stuff. Though it’s the Jeep
Wrangler, rather than the Cherokee, which is the off-road
runner, the Cherokee has a fair bit of Jeep heritage and ability
built into it.
This Cherokee can be divided into two distinct models, those
built before September 2001 and the ones since then. The older
model was positively antique by automotive standards, dating
back to the early 1980s, though there were a couple of
substantial revisions during its life. Official Australian
imports didn’t begin until 1994, but there was a fair number
of private imports before that time.
The Jeep Cherokee from 2001 is a much improved vehicle in
virtually every respect, being more spacious and having better
on-road handling.
Jeep's Cherokee is a station wagon, unlike the buggy-style
Wrangler. It’s a nice size and is easy to drive in traffic and
park. Many say the better forward view in a vehicle like this is
the reason they choose it. Certainly, the Cherokee is one of the
best in this respect.
It has monocoque construction so isn’t as strong as a
ladder-framed 4WD. Nevertheless, it’s more than capable for
the needs of the typical suburban 4WD owner who will only ever
put it to light and medium-duty off-road use. As a sign of the
times, the 2001 is slightly less capable off-road than the older
one, the emphasis being on on-road handling and comfort.
The overall design of the pre-94 Cherokee is on the crude side,
with many American touches such as a poor driving position
(slightly improved in 1995), uncomfortable seats and indifferent
build quality.
An old-style 4.0-litre petrol six is smooth, has plenty of
torque and isn’t overly thirsty. Turbo-diesel engines were
imported from September 1997. With four cylinders and a capacity
of 2.5 litres they don't have enough grunt to satisfy the many
Aussie off-road drivers. Much better are the 3.7-litre V6 petrol
and 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels offered with the new
2001 Cherokees.
Drive is normally taken to the rear wheels only but four-wheel
drive can be used on bitumen as well as off-road. That gives the
added safety of extra grip if used on wet roads. The two-speed
transfer case can be shifted without stopping the Jeep. The
central differential can be locked to improve off-road traction.
Cherokee was updated a number of times, before getting an
all-new body and revised mechanical components as the KJ series
in September 2001. These are greatly improved compared with the
long-running older Cherokees, but still don’t come up to
Japanese standards in build quality or on-road feel.
Then again, the sheer character of the Jeep is something that
the Japanese just don’t come close to.
Jeep imports to Australia have been erratic in the past, but
have finally settled down as the local branch of the company is
now run directly by head office. Models older than the 1994 one
are probably best left to the Jeep enthusiast. They are few and
far between and spare parts and servicing can cause real
headaches.
These are relatively easy vehicles to work on, with good
underbonnet space and a relatively simple mechanical makeup.
Spare parts prices are about average for a 4WD in this class and
the dealer network, while not huge, works efficiently.
Insurance is seldom over expensive and we know of no real
differences from one major insurer to another as far as premiums
are concerned. As always when shopping around for insurance,
it’s important to know what you are getting, and not getting,
for your money.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check under a Jeep Cherokee for signs of damage caused by
off-road driving.
Check for salty-tasting sand, the latter indicates beach use and
may mean heavy rust is on the way.
Be sure that the engine starts quickly even when cold. Idle
should be smooth virtually from the instant of start up. The
engines should pull without hesitation at all times. None are
all that smooth at the top end of the rev range, but if it
appears too bad there may be troubles. Listen for a rumbling
sound from the lower end of a petrol six. Check there are no oil
fumes from the exhaust or the oil filler cap.
Make sure the transfer-case lever isn’t too heavy and that the
transmission works relatively smoothly and quietly at all times.
Look out for poorly fitted components as build quality is
nothing special, the interior is generally the worst.
Check everything is working properly, even the minor items.
Going through these one at a time using the owners’ handbook
is the best method.
CAR BUYING TIP
Few off-road vehicles actually go off-road, so if you do
find one be very suspicious of it.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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