Questions about Wrangler vs Cherokee

[amp2286]

Hey all,
I've been looking at Jeeps for about 2 months now, looking to get my first one. Mostly I have been looking at wranglers, but have recently started looking at Cherokees also. I have found a 98 Cherokee with a 4.0, auto trans, and 87k miles. I'm wondering whether to seriously consider this, or to just keep looking at wranglers. I have come to love the lifestyle that comes with owning a Jeep (at least what I've read about). I have some hesitations about this that I was hoping y'all could help answer. As far as fixing cars, I know nothing, and I was excited to learn with a wrangler because of their simple set up. Will I be looking at a similar set-up with the Cherokee? I don't intend to do much serious off-roading, but I do want to ride some trails and such, what might I be giving up or gaining by having the Cherokee for this? What are the argument for/against the frame of the Wrangler vs the lack of frame with the Cherokee?

I want to thank eveyone now for any responses, I really do appreciate the help. Also, I am posting this in the Wrangler forum and the Cherokee forum so that I can get opinions from owners of both (which will hopefully help minimize biases and focus on the straight facts). I also understand that some of the reasons for one or the other depend on personal opinion and preference, so I will keep that in mind. Thanks again.

 

[blown XJ]

i personaly own a cherokee. but they are both dang good wheeling trucks. the wrangler seems to have a little better aftermarket support then the cherokee. the front suspension is nearly identical. the cherokee has leaf springs in the back instead of a 4 link.. because of this the cherokee is a little bit cheaper to lift. the cherokee has more interior room so if you wanna bring a few friends and camping gear with you it may be a better choice.. i leave you with that fact is they are both awsome on or offroad.
hope this helped out some

~chance~

 

[volaredon]

I answered this question in the other thread for you.

 

[hzryr61]

How old are you? I'm 40 and the Wrangler (YJ) is getting a little rough in the PA winters with all the extra ventilation. And even rougher in the summers with the no A/C. And even rougher on the highways with all the flapping...

If you're younger, and want to get the full effect of 'the jeep thing', get a Wrangler. It is a blast. Get a TJ, the newer the better, get the A/C and start waving at everybody. I know the Cherokee is a very capable rig, but on the surface (just the surface) it looks like just another SUV.

kevin
(looking for a GC with heated seats!)

 

[RockCity]

We have both. Compared to the Cherokee, the Wrangler seems cavernous inside. The Cherokee is much quieter and smoother driving. They are both equally capable off the road. I guess it all depends if you want to go topless or not. Both great Jeeps. Good luck!:shades:

 

[volaredon]

I'm 42 and still love my Wrangler year round. but when more than 2 of us have to go, the Cherokee is better. it's the wife, 16 yo son and me.

 

[xjmarc]

Never had a Wrangler only a CJ but I like the fact that I can hear my radio and have a conversation going down the highway. My CJ had a hard top but without carpet or anything it was loud.