Faults:
The air conditioner died at 80k miles. Hole found in evaporator core, quoted $800 to fix as the dash and steering column have to be removed to replace the core.
The rear window wiper and washer both quit around 70k.
The passenger side front power window switch quit.
The front differential required a new seal, and new front U joints were recently needed.
Valve cover gasket needed replacing.
Has a small oil leak at rear main seal.
Needed exhaust system at 80k.
Rust bubbles formed underneath the rear windows early on.
Glass fell out of driver side rear view mirror.
4WD shift lever makes annoying vibration noise at idle in 2WD.
Always smells of burnt oil under the hood.
Hood latches need constant lube to lock and unlock.
Since new this Jeep has constantly pulled to the right, despite multiple front end alignments.
Tires wear out quickly.
Check engine light comes and goes, shows code of cylinder misfire.
Changed plugs and coil pack, no change with light.
General Comments:
Compared to the many other cars I have owned, I would rate this as an average to below average vehicle. It's best attribute is it's unstoppable in the snow. It was relatively reliable until about 70k, now it seems like one thing or another goes wrong with it once a month. I expected some problems after 10 years, but there are only just over 80k miles on this and it has been very well maintained, yet it's just been falling apart at a very fast pace, like 70k was a time bomb and I have to set $200-300 aside every month to keep this running.
The engine has plenty of power, and the tranny shifts smooth. It's uncomfortable on the highway as the engine is noisy and the pulling to the right always seems to be present to some degree. I have only been using this Jeep around town as a winter vehicle since the A/C died, it's all it's really good for any longer, and I will likely dispose of it if any other major problems occur with it. By contrast I have owned Toyota pickups that had double the mileage of this Jeep with less than half the problems.
1st Jul 2014, 13:10
You should have bought a new car.