I just drove off the Jeep off the lot. I'm going to wait to write a full review, just to see how the car is running. If the engine falls out, I'm gonna be pissed.
Christmas time 2016, I feel like I was watching a loop. Every parent was coming to this location with the same story: "We're looking for a good Jeep for our teenager"
My story is different. My youngest is starting his 2nd semester of college and is driving my Wrangler. I tell my son lets look at a used RAV 4 or a Honda CRV? He says, dad should I also wear my Ugg boots to school?! (Whatever that means, teenagers) Daaaaad, I wanna 4 Wheel Drive Jeep! But not another Wranger, I want a Cherokee! Well, they don't make the car anymore. He always liked the Cherokee body style and this is what he wants. Lemme start searching...
I find Auto Expo on the internet and see on the website a forest green Cherokee in pristine condition. (A classic bait and switch) My wife & I drive to the location and speak to the manager. No that particular Jeep was sold. We have a few in a back, take a look and let me know what you find. Lots of older Cherokees that I'm looking for but with high mileage. I find all the way in the back a 2000 Cherokee with low mileage, clean interior but rough paint. Just knowing what I know about this car and my Wrangler:
bulletproof 6 cylinder engine
Japanese transmission that is indestructible
Dana rear end
And my wife is acting this is like shopping for a new Audi! Where you get coffee and doughnuts in the waiting room. The muddy parking lot snaps her back to reality. The sales guys aren't polished, they're as a matter of fact. This is the price. We'll take care of everything for you: rotors/brakes, fluids, everything will be working and we'll have the Jeep paint touched up nice for you. Now I have lotsa personalities to deal with. I have my wife saying, sounds great, see you in a few days. (The car wasn't ready before Christmas) Now my wife is all pissy.
I have these two sales guys who have negative Yelp reviews. I like the body style and just know with any Jeep, when you put it in 4WD low its like driving a Mars Rover. It can tackle anything.
The car is all prepped last week (after Christmas) and I tell the sales guy I want to take the car for a long drive. I'll come back with a certified check. Instead I bring it to my trusted auto mechanic in Miller Place. We put it on the lift and see a few things that need to be addressed. I bring the car back, show the sales manager the report and say, I ain't buying this car until you fix these items. The owner is called, we discuss fixing the items and I'll come back when all said and done.
A few days later I'm told the Jeep is fixed. I picked up the Jeep today. So far, so good. I'm not gonna jump up and down saying these guys rock. 3 stars isn't bad, I'll write another review after the car is used for 30 days. read more