Cherokee vs Subaru..

[tjts1]

Try sleeping in the back of a Cherokee some time. Unless you're planning some insane offroading the outback is just a better vehicle in every way. Why would you want to spend your time in that jeep punishment box? Everybody keeps bringing up the 4.0 but the rest of the truck is still a fucking chrysler.

[tfritz]

There is not much sleeping room in the back of a cherokee and the gas mileage isn't the best. BUT, the jeep 4.0 is almost bulletproof. When I was 17 I bought a cherokee with a buddy for $500, drove the crap out of it, ramped it, flogged it in the mud, drove it while over-heating til it died, started it back up to get it home, next day it started and ran fine. I just sold a 2001 cherokee lifted on 33's and I loved that thing, except the 11mpg due to the big tires. If you plan on doing any off-roading, deep snow driving, hauling a bunch of gear, I would say the cherokee for sure. The only downside as stated before is the gas mileage(stock jeep around 17town/20hwy), and not much room to sleep. Otherwise I would go with the suby...

[Bimmerman325i]

Both are great options. It'll come down to which you like driving more.

I'm a Subaru fan and have an older Legacy (and gave you input in your original thread), and it's a great car. The Cherokee is also great. Find the best example within your budget and figure out which one you like driving the most.

[vivalegreg]

both are reliable cars as long as they are up to maitenance. ive owned both and been around both my whole life. ive seen turbo wrx's last 250k+ still ticking on original engine and trans (on a 2.0 at that!), but then again ive seen cherokees run with wholes in the block soo...tough call. reliabilty will have to go to the 4.0 in the cherokees..but at the same time subarus are cheap and EASY to work on...i find it way easier to maintain..subaru is gonna be much better on gas, unless you get a modded turbo car...you may end up paying the same for gas. that being said if that was the case id still rather spend the money into the subaru (fun factor). dont get me wrong jeeps are tight and VERY practical...but subies just plain kick ass.

[devon.818]

get an IX

problem solved

[blefevre]

An Ix will fail very quickly getting to the trails.

[UNHCLL]

With no roof rack, and a steady foot at ~70mph you'll see ~17mpg in the Jeep.
I get this with my A/C compressor disconnected (It runs 100% of the time if you have the HVAC set to blow to the windshield/feet).

A Cherokee can be had cheap, and with your budget... you can get an almost mint one.

I bought mine 2 years ago. It's been dead reliable. All the service I've done is preventative, with the exception of a fuel pump & pressure regulator that went bad.

I'd personally feel better in a 4wd than an AWD vehicle for what you want to do. The possible higher ground clearance, and the fact it's American makes getting places and fixing it on-the-spot if it breaks a much easier proposition.

Enjoy. Sounds like a phenomenal adventure, one I always wanted to do!
-Chris

[wannaBMthree]

If your staying mainly on roads or gravel roads subie will do. If your gonna explore the moab...

Toyota 4runner/tacoma > all else

[vivalegreg]

i actually comment on this thread with out reading the op, and now that i read it i think your best best is a cherokee...unless you find a subaru that has had a good amount of maitenance, forester would be nice..but for your budget..your gonna find a nicer jeep then you would subaru imho..they made 4.0 cherokees from later 80s to 01..so youll find them cheaper..then any subie in decent shape.

[Vtec?lol]

I would vote Jeep. Those 4.0's are amazing and they feel like they're unstoppable. It's a crazy feeling. Every time I would get behind the will I felt like I was in a lifted muscle car because of all the torque. Put that biya** in 4x4 and there is absolutely no path you can't cross. Just keep a spare crank sensor, those things go super haywire and you cluster starts looking all fubbed out. I really liked mine and it was spacious.

Key points, as long as you don't go all dumb assed with huge wheels and suspension upgrades, you can tame that thing to get 22mpg on the highway. My jeep was lowered about .5 since it never had any off large obstacles to come across, I used it mostly for driving on sand or gravel. Probably the coolest purchase I've ever made.

Chrysler's 4.0 will last forever. mine had 260k when I sold it.

[Clutchkicker]

Get a jeep you can tow with it I just got this one for $2300

A/c came with rubicon wheels and mud terrains 4x4

This one is my brothers

I had that white one for 3 years and gave it to my young brother for his birthday when I got my wrangler

[KirkerBezerker]

If your staying mainly on roads or gravel roads subie will do. If your gonna explore the moab...

Toyota 4runner/tacoma > all else

Independent Front Suspension FTL!

[diegom6]

Get the XJ all the way! You can't compare to the funny Subaru dinky car @ lol

[87-325ic]

thank you everyone! there is really good advice in here.

i think i will just keep looking around and seeing what there is available. i will also try and test drive as many as i can to get a good idea of what ill be getting for the money.

keep the advice coming!!
and also, other vehicular suggestions are welcome!

[rich4rdee]

If you ever plan on towing anything, I'd put my money into the Cherokee. I drove a 03 wrangler with the i6 for a few months and loved almost everything except for the city mpg. They're also very capable offroad even in stock form.

I've only driven an older 4cyl non turbo legacy wagon which seemed anemic at best, so I'm not sure if I'd choose it over a purpose built SUV..

Basically, get a 4runner. :)