Used Jeep Grand Cherokee - I need your thoughts

[DeFormula]

In the spring I will be looking for one. I like the size of the GCs, don't like full-size trucks. I'd like to keep my budget to about $5,000. I plan to go south and get a rust-free one. I want 4wd low, so the GCs with AWD only are out. For those of you with experience, let me know your thoughts on the first three generations ie, 93-98, 99-04, and 05-10. I will be using it for occasional very light towing, limited daily use, and two-tracking the up north roads that are way too rough for normal cars, ie. deep sand, mud, ruts etc.

Thanks!

[moneypit]

get one with a 4.0 avoid a 4.7 unless they pay you take it

[Golden]

I had a 96 Cherokee XJ (not a grand ZJ) that I had lifted and put bigger tires on and I loved it. It was very good off-road. I agree with Moneypit, the inline 6 was awesome. I would love to have another one in mint shape like mine was.

[dline]

I can tell you a bumch

[Beigg]

stay with the 4.0. Plan on valve cover gasket needing replaced. Inspect the undercarriage very well for rot (structure, fluid lines, suspension sonnecting points) & operate all the lights, interior components thoroughly. Dimmer switch & radio display likes to be problematic ares to focus in on.

[wikdsvt]

for what you want to use it for, I'd get a cherokee 4.0. Not a grand cherokee.

[moneypit]

if you go the XJ route most of them down south are 2wd,

[DeFormula]

for what you want to use it for, I'd get a cherokee 4.0. Not a grand cherokee.

GC is more comfortable and refined, rides better, better brakes, better handling, same price.

[DeFormula]

if you go the XJ route most of them down south are 2wd,

I noticed. Not just them but everything down south tends to be two wheel drive, at least way more than here.

[DeFormula]

OK guys, so what do you think of the WKs, 2005 to 2010? The six cylinders are AWD and don't have the 4 wheel low option, so it would be between the 4.7 and the hemi. 4.7s are cheaper and you don't have to pay for leather seats and stuff I don't care about. I've read about 4.7s with 300K miles as long as maintenance was kept up on. Any opinions on the WKs? Hard to work on, etc?