2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Is it worth it to fix up a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 if it will cost 4000$?

• Is it worth it to fix up a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 if it will cost 4000$? My husband bought a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 at an auction last week for 1900$ (Canadian. Plus taxes and fees it came to 2220$). He figured it would need some repair (all we knew is that though the battery was almost dead, it did run and has passed an e-test (emissions test for those who don't live in an area that does that) just before the sale) but didn't figure on 4000$. According to the mechanic, it needs the rear axle replaced (repaired?); steering linkage replaced; hole in frame (from rust) fixed; break lines, hoses, calipers, pads and rotors (all wheels) replaced and CV joints replaced. The engine was replaced at some point (maybe at 100,000 km) and the transmission seems ok (hasn't been checked at this point). It now shows 285,000 km now. We bought this vehicle to replace a 2002 Kia Spectra that has a broken driver's window (the window doesn't go up and down, that is), needs a new muffler, has some electrical problem of some sort and blew the fuse connected to the daytime running circuit and the fan adjustment knob for the heater and cruise control (meaning you can't turn off the heat or use the cruise or it will short and since we live in Southern Ontario, we have to have heat) and the A/C is broken. Also the doors freeze in the winter and won't open/close. We do not have much disposable income. We're getting by but can't afford to just spend an extra thousand dollars here and there. We need a second vehicle and wanted the Jeep because it can tow a fair bit and we're hoping to get a used trailer next year for camping vacations. Does it sound like it's worth fixing the Jeep or should we get rid of it and try to fix the Kia or what? Any suggestions (helpful ones) would be greatly appreciated. My husband feels pretty bad about this and doesn't know what to do. He's not a mechanic by any means but he's considering keeping the Jeep and trying to fix the things he can fix over the next 6 months (and getting the mechanic to do the 'hard' stuff). Thanks!

• Answer:

  Hi, congratulation of getting a vehicle with much pedigree. It has a huge following everywhere in the world so I guess you've made a good choice (i drive a 94 Cherokee btw..) so I am biased but my recommendations will be solid backed with years of offroading experience in many types of vehicles albeit in Tropical conditions... ( I live in Malaysia) but I know of the conditions there because went to college in Michigan (FSU, Big Rapids) way back in 84'-89' so here goes:- As quoted by you :- "According to the mechanic, it needs the rear axle replaced (repaired?); steering linkage replaced; hole in frame (from rust) fixed; break lines, hoses, calipers, pads and rotors (all wheels) replaced and CV joints replaced. The engine was replaced at some point (maybe at 100,000 km) and the transmission seems ok (hasn't been checked at this point). It now shows 285,000 km now." Rear axle replacement Unless its warped or severely rusted, it can be repaired. But if the gears inside are damaged, then I guess a swap from a junked Jeep will be best. You have many options for replacement as the Grand has many options when offered for sale. some hunting around should get you a decent axle to swap (you can sell yours scrapped to the junk yard where you bought the axle from.. offset some of the costs..). In general, the axles of ANY jeep are really rugged units. I punish my jeep regularly on severe hard core rain forest trails in Malaysia and have had no axle problems so far (touch wood...) even after it being submerged overnight while I was stuck in a river crossing... all it needed was a decent drying out and fresh oil. Steering Linkage Replacement This is worth the money as it isn't too expensive compared to a NEW axle... more often than not, you may just need to change some of the steering components. Rusted parts Change/Repair what you need as it is important to keep the vehicle as rigid as possible. More often than not, if your budget is limited, you may need to tackle the major rusts first then go on to fix the less critical areas later. If need be, just a DIY fix will suffice till the financial situation improves. Just scrape the rusted parts till you get to bare metal and use spray paint with undercoat to temporarily seal off the affected areas. Brake Lines, Hoses, Calipers, pads etc Don't mess with your brakes!! Change as recommended. More often than not the calipers will just need to be cleaned and serviced, the brae lines purged to get rust/gunk out. Rubber parts needs to be replaced and the brake servo will need a brake repair kit to rectify any problems. Get new pads for the brakes but the rotors can be skimmed down if it isn't rusted through. That will save you a bunch. CV Joints The U joints on the Jeeps are designed to last but if it has been sitting too long, you may need to replace them. Transmission Get the unit serviced and put in fresh transmission fluid. The transmission on the Jeeps are Bullet Proof... its meant to take abuse but it needs some TLC in the form of fresh fluids... As for the KIA... what can I say... replacing it with a Toyota (also good pedigree...) will be the best. Owning a Jeep is much like owning a dog..or a child... you'll need to work with it...Youe husband will have a new love in his life when he gets into the DIY stuff while fixing up the Jeep... this is one other lover that you'll never be jealous of... well at least not until when he starts doing mock up work on the Jeep to "Spruce" it up a little... it can go very FAR indeed...my guess is that the gold bracelets will be replaced by the bling wheels and oversized mud tires... The best I can say is that... contain him!! I know as it is in my experience that we men WILL go overboard, what with such a canvass of a Jeep Grand Cherokee!! the things we can do.... Have fun with your new member of the family, love it and it and it will love you back with great ride comfort, reliability and most of all, with such safety when traveling those slippery ice slicked road in the dead of winter..MYTWO CENTS WORTH