Topic: Which is Better Offiroad: Brand New Cherokee or a $600 Craigslist XJ

[Jeffy]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/uJLH0gokWwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/uJLH0gokWwE</a>

[jfrabat]

Cant say I am exactly shocked at the result...

[Jeffy]

Cant say I am exactly shocked at the result...

I get the feeling the reviewer doesn't really know what he's talking about.  The same rhetoric was spouted when the XJ first came out.  It took a long time for the XJ to lose the 'grocery getter' moniker.  I think Rubicon Express really helped the XJ.  But it's cool to hate on the new platform.

The RTI ramp means very little in the real world.  It also doesn't matter how much more it's able to articulate if it can't put the power to use.  The KL has lockers and lower overall gears.  It was also able to get up the hill where the XJ struggled.

It will be interesting to see where the Aftermarket takes the KL.  If they embrase the platform, it could go just as far as the XJ did.

[neale_rs]

Time will tell if the KL drivetrain will be durable.  Other than that, the aftermarket could make it pretty capable.

[VA_YJ]

I vote for the XJ - mine was $500 with 34" tires.  Of course, it needs some love to be full bore.

[Jeffy]

I vote for the XJ - mine was $500 with 34" tires.  Of course, it needs some love to be full bore.

Price makes for a huge bias.  You run into many of the same choices if you go back to 1991.  1991 was the first year for the HO 4.0L.  Problem is, the SJ Grand Wagoneer was also available, though this was it's final year.  You still had 28 years of SJ's to choose from.

I think only time will tell but with the Dakar Concept gave us a glimpse if it's potential.