1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0 I-6

Faults:

Bought the Jeep used with 110,000 miles on it. So far has needed cracked radiator repaired and a new switch/motor for driver side power window. Leaks water on passenger side floor during hard rain. There is an annoying buzz/rattle in the dash, the trim pieces vibrate when travelling over bumps, and the catalytic converter buzzes at 1300 RPM. The Jeep now has 115,900 miles many of which have been in difficult off road situations. I have noticed some body flexing when the vehicle is articulating. The headliner has dropped off the ceiling and I have had to staple it to the pad.

General Comments:

I love this car and I am buying a 1999 Grand Cherokee tomorrow (keeping the Cherokee). I love this car; it looks great and the paint and wheels always manage to rub out to a nice shiny finish.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 1999

5th Jan 2001, 14:23

I bought my 1989 in 1998 (October, 170,000 miles).

Have had new water pump, fuel pump, clutch kit, CCV unit, valve cover, radiator, hoses, manifold, alternator, battery, transmission mount, O2 sensor, throttle body, coolant resevoir, and some electrical stuff to get the backup lights, fog lamps and dash lights to work right.

The clock is good.

I still need a new front seat, muffler and paint.

The funny thing is, after all of this I could have had a nice new car, but I still love my Jeep. Maybe it's because I feel that I gave birth to it. It's a mind set, and we all need professional help.

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1989 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 liter I-6

Faults:

The paint - Actually, it is the clear coat finish over the paint. Ours is a dark blue. Before it was a year old a white film seemed to appear down the center of the hood and roof. It quickly spread to every flat horizontal surface.

The dealer told us it was 'acid rain' and not their problem. The dealer couldn't explain how our vehicle was acid rain damaged but not any of our neighbours cars.

Our Jeep now looks like crap. Anytime cars are talked about we mention this defect.

We have also noticed other Jeeps of the same color with nearly identical paint/finish defects but did not make an effort to contact them or any others.

We have been very happy with the performance and reliability of our Jeep, which now has just under 90,000 miles. I would consider another Jeep / Jeep product, but I would demand a specific, better warranty on the paint for no extra charge.

At the time we paid a premium price for our Jeep because it was the only 4-door American made vehicle in it's class at the time.( the 1997 model year end prices were within $500.00 +/- of what WE PAID in March 1989 ). For the money we paid, I certainly expected the paint to last longer than a year!

I also have a 1988 Ford truck with nicer, original paint than you will find in a showroom. And it's a work truck.

Thank you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th June, 1998

1st Aug 2003, 06:57

I too am a Jeep Cherokee owner, this 1988 Limited is my third Jeep, and I really do like the look of the vehicle and performance aspects, however, I have the same problem with the paint job! A white film has spread over the hood, the roof, and other parts of my Jeep Cherokee. It's a brown maroon color, and the white film really makes my Cherokee look old and junkie... any idea's of what this could be? Is it possible to remove/fix this problem with the paint myself?

Thank You!

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