Advice needed! :)

mako my day said:

Welcome.
Spend 5k on a 98-99 and then build the f out of it.

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CaliforniaMatt said:

1. How is the XJ's reliability, part availability, and capability to do repairs yourself? I've heard the 6 cylinder and auto trans. are bulletproof, but what about the other components?

All are excellent, but when it comes to reliability you have to consider how many miles are on the vehicle. A ball joint or tie rod end with 200K miles owes you nothing. Given how long these vehicles last, there can easily end up being several things that wear out. I don't consider them unreliable but if you can't or aren't willing to learn to do the work yourself you can quickly rack up excessive repair bills. That being said, I think that the XJ is about as simple to work on as it gets. Unique to you problems are rare and there are several great forums with very experienced people on them willing to help out. Parts themselves are cheap and available pretty much everywhere.

2. What are the differences between the 2-door and 4-door Cherokees? I read that the dimensions are the same, but how do the two compare off-road and on-road? Is there a weight difference?

The number of doors pretty much covers the differences. Also the front seats fold forward on the two door to make it easier to get in the back. There probably are other small differences (weight, not sure what else) but I think the only real deciding factor for you should be do you want 2 or 4 doors.

3. I am looking into building a S&R vehicle for treks in the wilderness. I often go off roading with friends on several day overnight trips, and we've had a fair share of issues out there (people getting lost, stuff snapping, etc.) What upgrades do you guys suggest? I'm thinking a 4 inch lift, snorkel, lots of lights/flashers, hidden winch, off-road tires, upgraded exhaust, and on-board air.

Your on the right track here but an entire book could be written on the subject (and as a matter of fact, Eric Zappe did exactly that, see http://www.amazon.com/High-Performa...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374685369&sr=1-1)

4. How is the Cherokee as a daily driver? How can I make the vehicle comfortable yet capable off-road? Bilstein or air shocks?

Bilstein's pretty much set the standard for comfort and performance. Gas mileage won't be great with bigger tires so fuel costs are definitely a concern but other than that, build it right and you'll have no issues daily driving it.

5. How's the gas mileage? Any modifications to improve it? Chipping it?

With extra weight from lift/tires/winch/etc and the bigger tires, expect 14-17 MPG depending on your driving habits and mix of city/highway. No real way to improve it in a way that'll actually net you a return on the investment. You can do minor stuff (freeer flowing exhaust, better flowing intake, etc, but you're best bet is to just keep the engine tuned up and in good shape.

6. Do you recommend a double-din mod or diesel engine swap from a Patriot?

Do you want/need double DIN? Why do you want to swap in a diesel from a patriot?

7. Insurance and safety?

Cheaper than the truck of the same age I owned, not sure how it compares to others. They are easily totalled because of the unibody construction, but I've been in accidents and seen pictures of accidents where the XJ more than did it's job in keeping the occupants safe.

8. What trim to look for?

Pretty much the last question to ask as it won't come down to this being the only difference. Decide which transmission/transfercase you want then go find one with a solid, rust-free body and buy it. ABS is probably one of the few things that should be already equipped when you buy it (if you want it, many don't). Other than that, interiors can be swapped around, pieced together, etc.

I'm sorry for all these questions, but I'd like to make an informed decision before forking over hard-earned teenager money! I've got $15k saved up in my "car fund," that should be enough right?! :star:

I'd spend no more than 5K on the jeep itself. Then spend money on whatever it needs mechanically (it'll need something, trust me). Drive it for a while to make sure it's reliable in stock form while you research/plan lift/tires/etc. Then buy the fun stuff after you're sure nothing more important will break down.

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