First timer - 2004 Jeep Cherokee 2.4 petrol

[OdramaSwimLaden]

Any assistance and good advice will be more than welcome.

I've narrowed a search to a 2004 - 2005 Jeep Cherokee 2.4 and will buy on condition and not mileage etc, etc...

Never having had a Jeep before, and not too worried about cosmetic stuff falling off, if serviced well and generally looked after, how reliable are they mechanically/electrically?

I will be doing no more than 10k a year in the car and will not be towing or off roading. I am ok doing a reasonable level of repairs myself, but engines, gearboxes and electrical is way out of my comfort zone.

Are they strong or are there inherent faults that everyone knows about but me?!

[sawman]

Don't know about the 2.4 but we have had a 3.7 2003 Cherokee for 5 years and it's been great, just routine maintenance, Although door mirrors Seem to be a weak link both of ours lost their fold capability and then went floppy so have been epoxied into a decent position as the cost of uk spec replacements were huge, I would check that the 4x4 system and low ratio works as they should and check for oil leaks in transmission

[scrwright]

2.4 is a reliable unit, bit under powered for the KJ though, but if no towing involved not an issue. Safer bet running costs wise over the CRD (they aren't cheap to fix, I run one for wifey) You are only going to see 25mpg average on the 2.4 compared to 28 for the CRD and 18-20 for the v6.
Interior is a bit flimsey, other than that a good truck

[OdramaSwimLaden]

Thanks guys. I'm off to see a few this weekend.

What's been said corroborates with what I think I thought and what has been said elsewhere.

[Rum Runner]

Don't forget to look at Grand Vitara 2.0 5door....good value and similar ability on and off road.

[pcn1]

I viewed a couple of these but settled on the Grand Cherokee, as the extra leg room and boot space was what I needed. It was a bit more expensive to purchase, but no real difference in running costs as I could see.