HI, Owned jeeps my whole life. My 1989 cherokee is just about done and I am asking for input on what I should get next. Looking to spend maybe 8000 total.I tow a 16'mfg boat maybe 6 times a year,live in CT and only offroad to hunt,fish,ect.I would love to get another cherokee,2000-2001 with low miles but these seem hard to find.I have no experience with the Grand Cherokees but there seem to be many available.I am hoping to find out what to look for or what to stay away from,years,motor combo,ect.The 4.0 in my 89 was ok to trailer my boat,I have a small lift,front 2" spacers,redone rear springs,and quality shocks.If anyone has any help for me it would be greatly appreciated, Thanks, Ernie

IMHO, any of the Grand Cherokees will server you well.

The V-8 will provide better towing performance.

Howdy Ernie
Around here eight grand would buy a 2003/04 Grand cherokee 4x4 with 80K or so miles.
Get on Craigslist.org and see what is available in your area. Or you could look in areas where you have folks or an area where you could fly in and drive home in your new ride.
A year or so ago I bought a Ranger off of craigslist in Atlanta. The owner met me at the airport and I took it for a test drive.. Then I looked at his title and paid in cash. Drove that little gem back to Texas..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

OK,I guess I will be looking towards the Grand Cherokees as my next project.I know the v-8 would be better for towing but I see an awful lot with the 4.0,was this motor considered undersize for this truck or is it a decent match?Which is the better 4x4 system with either of these combos and should I try to find any special package that was offered say 2002-2005 year models.I am wading through alot of info trying to get what I need and I know many people have more knowledge about these than I do Thanks, Ernie

It is a descent for many uses considering the horsepower to weight ratio.

The v-8 does provide a little better HP and low-end torque.

That is an advantage when trying to pull hills or to pull a boat and trailer out of the water.

Look for one equipped with a tow package or off-road package.

You need this! We all need this!

Love my JK. No kids so I don't need a 4 door.
Chrysler is giving away the 08/09 Wrangler lease returns for around 12 grand with 10K miles on them.
I sprung 2K for the 7 yr/70,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and paid 16K out the door.

If you have your heart set on the wagon I'd stick with the 97 to 01 Cherokee Sport. The Limted is nice but has a ton of electical switches that hate water and dust.
Stock 29 spline 8.25 rear end is good for up to 33" tires.
I believe all the 4x4 models come with the select trac transfer case which is pretty stout.


Grand's have terrible reputation for engine and electrical problems and weigh 1,000 lbs more than XJ's.

OK,Sorry for the delay in responding but I finally found my next jeep.Got a 2000 grand one owner with 75,000 miles.Been treated well,best of everything,was the first new vehicle the old owner ever bought.I think it has everything I will need ,Except for good brakes.Glad I talked to Nick @ Kolak,Have new Stillen rotors (4x),Akebono calipers for the front,metal matrix pads,and new adjustable shocks on the way.Thanks to everyone,especially Nick.Will send pictures when its'in use. Ernie

Howdy Ernie I think you will find that with the damn antilock systems we have today no rotors are any better than stock with these new vehicles. Before antilock came to pass the weak link was the tires, even then the stock brakes were more powerful than the grip the tires had on the pavement. Slotted or drilled or whatever rotors might cool quicker on a track where the brakes are used hard every 30 seconds.. but for a street vehicle no difference from stock should be noticed.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Makes sense,However my main concern was heat,I do tow and being from New England there are an awful lot of hills here.