Modern(ish) Jeep cherokee, anyone had one?

[joem83]

Going to have a look at a 2001 Cherokee Sport, 3.7 Auto with lpg conversion next week but I know nothing about them, anyone have any experience of them?

[squonk]

I have a 1999 Grand Cherokee that has been in the family for about eight years and it has been nothing but trouble. Currently off the road with an engine that won't start due to sensor/ecu/wiring problems. Other issues it has had have been siezing calipers, random battery discharge, lack of willingness to engage top gear on the auto box, failed coil pack, failed body control module, excessive rust etc etc etc......

I would not touch another Jeep product ever again!!!

[heathrobinson]

We had a Cherokee Orvis that was so bad we bought another to check it wasn't an anomaly. It wasn't, they were both awful. No centre diff in a full-time 4x4?!? WTF?!

[joem83]

Isnt sounding great lol.

It's this shape:

[paulmakin]

not had one of this generation but had several of its predecessor - the XJ - and also a couple of the previous generation Grand Cherokees.

the XJ's gave no bother at all and the blue one had a very hard life indeed. I have heard of some rusting away and possible locking/immobiliser problems but none of mine were afflicted. the High Output is nigh on 200bhp in some markets and the switchable 4x4 allows for some tail happy antics. not as big as you first think and very easy to drive. "classic" status is pushing prices up though.

the Grands had more electrical issues, less power and permanent 4x4. most I had to do in 3 years for MoT was change a tyre, tighten a front wheel bearing and a new rear box though.

I am looking at these now but personally prefer the XJ series

paul

[bmcnut]

I worked at a jeep garage for a while, i drove lots of them and my favourite was the XJ series, though to be fair they are all nice to drive. But id never own one, or any chrysler of that age, they were always in the workshop with somesort of problem. Id steer clear.

[squonk]

Jun 11, 2017 11:40:04 GMT joem83 said:

Isnt sounding great lol.

It's this shape:

A friend of mines wife had one of this type. She was quite badly injured in a crash in it. Surprising as it got 4 stars for occupant safety from NCAP.

There are most definately better 4 x 4's around than these, primarily from Japan. I'd look at something like a Mitsubishi Shogun Sport. Similar in size and the same market position. If you have the money a Toyota Land Cruiser is pretty much the best 4 x 4 on the planet but prices do tend to reflect this!! However, the choice is vast.

[joem83]

Cheers chaps, I'm not after a 4x4 just something with a certified lpg install that isn't far away. This is the first one that's come up for sale, it's actually a mate selling it lol.

[squonk]

A point to bear in mind about LPG certification: There is no examination or training process to achieve LPG certification. UKLPG is nothing more than an association that anyone can join and then claim to be UKLPG certified. UKLPG does produce a set of guidelines for installations but there is no laws or anything like that that states they have to be followed!! They claim that they regularly do random checks on installations but I don't know of any company that has been subjected to a check. Think of it like joining a golf club. Just because you have joined doesn't mean that you can play golf!!

I have seen and fixed some horrific certified installations, some bordering on being a mobile bomb waiting to go off. I would advise you to take someone with you that is well versed in LPG installations to examine any vehicle you find, don't believe that just because it has a certificate it is well installed and safe.

Also bear in mind that LPG systems are not just "fit and forget". They need regular servicing just like the car does. Check to see if there is any history of servicing the system when you look at the car. Do not assume that the service history of the car will also include the LPG system - most garages won't touch it at all.

From the drive lpg web site:

UKLPG Approved Autogas Installers

All installers sign up to Terms & Conditions and a Consumer Code in respect of conversions they undertake. UKLPG carries out checks regularly and randomly to ensure that the Terms & Conditions and Consumer Code are being adhered to.

Notice that there is no mention of training, examination or qualifications to back up the installers certification.

www.drivelpg.co.uk/advice-and-information/code-of-conduct/