David,

I considered a Cherokee for about 10 minutes. Reliablity and size were the downfalls with the former being a huge issue. We were on my wife's client's Toyota lot getting her the new 4Runner and they had a newer Cherokee sitting there. The sales guy saw me checking it out, acknowleged that they may be good off road, but said that he'd recommend the extended service plan with towing and rental car coverage, and asked if I minded being stranded occasionally. Ironically, he used to work at a Chrysler Jeep dealer and said that he, a car salesman, could not sell that vehicle in good conscience. Ha!

As far as the brake line abrasion recall, I had heard something about that as well, but I do not recall if that was a Gen I, Gen II or universal issue. Mine are tucked nicely up and out of the way, so either they fixed it on the '97, or mine were 'tacked' back after the prior owner took it in on the recall. Check it out on your new one.

Just out of curiousity, you didn't buy it sight unseen did you? I guess that's where the 30 day guarantee comes in, huh? Let us know when it arrives! Oh, and nice sig, by the way - still planning on holding onto the beast for while? We'll see if the new Monty makes you think otherwise . . . .

Take care,

Jim