I need a test driver in South Carolina

PDBreske · 11-09-2009, 01:38 PM

Hello, Jeep enthusiasts! I'm brand new to this site, but I have owned a Jeep in the past and am trying to acquire a new one.

Two weeks ago I totaled my car (I was lucky—not a scratch). In a few days I'll get a check from my insurance company and while I wait I've been researching used Cherokees. Finding a Cherokee from the 90s is easy enough. Finding one with a 5-speed manual tranny is another story.

I found two in South Carolina. Trouble is, I live in Miami. I really need someone with a little Jeep knowledge to take a look at these before I decide to fly up and buy one. Here's a link to one of them. This dealer is listing another similar truck on AutoTrader.com:

1998 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

Does anyone live in or near Lexington or know someone who does? I'd really appreciate the help. Thanks!

**RogueSpear2023** · 11-11-2009, 03:04 AM

Why do you want a 5spd the auto AW4 in Cherokees was one of the best automatics ever designed. Plus there are certain advantages to an auto off road. Your also not going to see any real mpg difference between the two.

PDBreske · 11-11-2009, 05:47 AM

I knew I would get at least one of these responses.

Because I hate automatic transmissions. That's why.

takethisride · 11-11-2009, 06:35 AM

My brother has a 99 Jeep Cherokee 4 door Sport he is trying to sell. It is a 5spd 4x4. Has a fairly new clutch, about 4 months old. Power dr locks, windows and mirrors. It also has the tilt steering wheel, Alpine head unit and Boston Acoustic speakers. It has a 3" Rough Country lift with brand new 31" BFG All Terrain tires on some 15" wheels. It is actually one of the cleanest Jeeps I've seen. Interior is 9 out of 10, Exterior is 9 out of 10. No major dents and only a couple of dings and some small scratches. Paint is in awesome condition, could use a wax. It has seen some off road but nothing too extreme. We do a lot of hiking, so the off-roading is mostly small trails. It has about 220k miles on it, almost all are highway miles. If im not mistaken hes asking $5800 obo. The only setback is the power steering pump has gone out, so it has no power steering. Reason why hes selling it so high is because the 5spds are rediculously hard to find, almost impossible. Let me know if your interested. Location Greenville, SC

PDBreske · 11-11-2009, 06:43 AM

Yes, the 5-speeds are very hard to find.

I'm looking at one in Jacksonville, FL right now. I'll let you know if it isn't what I'm looking for and I'll keep your brother-in-law's in mind. Thanks!

**RogueSpear2023** · 11-11-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDBreske

I knew I would get at least one of these responses.

Because I hate automatic transmissions. That's why.

Well sorry for trying to help, you don't need to be an @** about it. I just ask why because some people don't realize the mileage is not going to be any different or some other weird reason that's pointless.

t-bird · 11-11-2009, 06:21 PM

i live like 2 minutes away from Lexington..i could check it out this weekend if i get a chance

**TJsport33s** · 11-11-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDBreske

Yes, the 5-speeds are very hard to find.

I'm looking at one in Jacksonville, FL right now. I'll let you know if it isn't what I'm looking for and I'll keep your brother-in-law's in mind. Thanks!

I am in Jacksonville. If you get ready to buy and will if it checks out let me know and I may be able to help you out. I live in the Mandarin area of town
I-95 and I295.
Kirk

PDBreske · 11-12-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t-bird

i live like 2 minutes away from Lexington..i could check it out this weekend if i get a chance

Hey, I'd really appreciate it. If the car turns out to be very nice, I might be able to justify the cost of plane tickets to SC. There is no way I'd spend over $400 to fly up and only then find out that the truck isn't as good as it looks.

I'll PM you with my phone. Feel free to call me if you get a chance to look at the vehicle.

Thanks!

PDBreske · 11-12-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJsport33s

I am in Jacksonville. If you get ready to buy and will if it checks out let me know and I may be able to help you out. I live in the Mandarin area of town
I-95 and I295.
Kirk

Thank you!

Here is the Jeep in Jacksonville: 1997 Cherokee 4x4

It needs paint and it's not as clean as the two in SC, but it's also $1000 less than either of those. If it runs well and doesn't need any major body work, I'd be inclined to buy it if only because the car won't need to be re-registered in FL after the sale.

**TJsport33s** · 11-12-2009, 04:25 PM

I could not reply to you PM because your mailbox is full. Message did not go through. I think us newbies have a max of 5.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDBreske

Thank you!

Here is the Jeep in Jacksonville: 1997 Cherokee 4x4

It needs paint and it's not as clean as the two in SC, but it's also $1000 less than either of those. If it runs well and doesn't need any major body work, I'd be inclined to buy it if only because the car won't need to be re-registered in FL after the sale.

PDBreske · 11-12-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJsport33s

I could not reply to you PM because your mailbox is full. Message did not go through. I think us newbies have a max of 5.

Boy, you ain't kidding. Regular members only get 5 messages. I deleted a few, so there is a little room now.

If I do get a Jeep I'll definitely upgrade my account. (Kinda hard to justify it unless I actually own a Jeep. LOL)

PDBreske · 11-17-2009, 11:36 AM

Thanks to all who volunteered their help. I found another Cherokee closer to Miami and it's beautiful. A little more than I planned to spend, but it already has all the suspension mods I was planning to do and the mileage is crazy low. I'll be sure to share pictures once it's in Miami.

Patriotic_Giant · 11-20-2009, 07:47 AM

Wish I would have thought about something like this before I bought my '86.

would have saved me a lot of traveling

PDBreske · 11-27-2009, 03:03 PM

Well, I bought an automatic. I would prefer a manual, but this particular Jeep was too good to pass up. 1999 with only 73,000 miles on it. NP242 transfer case, Chrysler 8.25, RE 3.5" lift, 31x10.5 tires, interior very clean and exterior also very nice. Loaded with everything including what I think is the factory tow package (waiting on the build sheet from Chrysler).

As automatics go, this is just about the best I've ever driven. The lift kit is exactly what I was planning on adding and the previous owner also put in a SYE. Other than bumpers and a roof rack, I can't think of anything to add!

Here she is:

Thank you to everyone who offered to help in my search. This one was also within easy driving distance and that played a big part in my buying decision.