Education on Jeep

[TM87]

So, my brother in law needs a car for a year or so. He needs something cheap but yet reliable. It has to be SUV type of vehicle. I was talking him into a sedan, but he doesnt want it.Something to do w knees.
First thing that came to my mind was Jeep. I know Jeeps are one of TCL darlings and i was wondering how good are they?
He isnt into maintenance and upkeep, thats why he isnt considering a newer car, but yet he doesnt want some POS. V8s are out of question aswell. This is a transitional vehicle that will be used till june-july, or he figures out which newer car he wants.
Which Jeeps should i look into and which should i avoid?

Few examples on CL i found:
http://hartford.craigslist.org/ctd/3322075826.html

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/3328845765.html

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/3328421983.html

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/3282019283.html

[1985Jetta]

Even though we have one, ZJ's can catch on fire if rear ended.

[Cousin Eddie]

Even though we have one, ZJ's can catch on fire if rear ended.

Good thing i'm lifting mine to ensure it goes up real good.

O.P. i'd personally look at #2 and #4 with rust being the biggest determining factor.

[BlakeH00]

We have an '01 TJ and it's awesome. We beat it to death, just have to change fluids. Initial price is quite steep on them.

[syntrix]

If it's not square and running well, don't do it. There's some round ones up there, those are the devil in most cases!

[VegasJetta]

XJ all the way. Watch out for 4.0 head problems on the late 99-04 (XJ, WJ, and wrangler all had this problem).

[syntrix]

XJ all the way. Watch out for 4.0 head problems on the late 99-04 (XJ, WJ, and wrangler all had this problem).

Did someone mention a TJ here? LULZ

[B3passatBMX]

Did cherokee prices fall hard in the last two years? I paid $2500 for my 96 with 174K on it two some years ago and it was a deal in the area and was a bit beat . I want that 99 sport!

[Impeccable]

XJ all the way. Watch out for 4.0 head problems on the late 99-04 (XJ, WJ, and wrangler all had this problem).

I don't think he'll have problems getting head

[hal2814]

I personally love the 97-99 XJ. It has the 4.0L without the faulty head issue. It has an AW-4 automatic transmission or an AX-15 stick. The ones I've seen all have the Chrysler 8.25 rear though I hear some have the Dana 35. It's a lot less finicky than the TJ while having a drivetrain far more reliable than the PowerTech/Torqueflite combo found in most Grand Cherokees. If you could take the top off of it, I'd probably still have one today.

[TM87]

After about a day of researching andlooking for Jeeps, I got a call "We saw a Pacifica ans Equinox, I think I want one of those".
One is 2005 Pacifica awd 62k for $7999
The other 2007 Equinox LT 74k for $9,900

I guess we are going for a test drive on sat.

[Cousin Eddie]

Well this took an interesting turn towards two p.o.s. vehicles.

[TM87]

Well this took an interesting turn towards two p.o.s. vehicles.

Yup. Pacifica , from what I saw on the net, isn't bad. Actually it might fit him fine.
Equinox is a POS. I was happier w a $2k Jeep, probably more reliable then the Chevy.