Hi all,
I am looking at a 2003 2.5 CRD Cherokee and decided to join up here and see what they are like.
Am I right in saying there doesn't seem to be any specific problems, just irritating small stuff, and some really big stuff if routine maintenance is not carried out.
Just comparing issues with landrover s etc and they seem to have a whole lot more problems.
Anything I should look out for????
Cheers,
Shane
I have the 2002 Export CRD 2.5.manual. The 2003 came out with disk brakes at the rear and ABS if you are lucky.
Check what transfer case this one has...the better is a "Select Track' which has the ability to run in 4X4 permenantly as there is a differential between front and rear axles...the "Command Track" that I have can only be driven in 4X4 in very slippery conditions and only at low speed as there is no diff between front and rear axles.....my KJ spends 99% of its time on the open highway so I am normally in two-wheel drive in any case.
Check what rear diff this 20003 model has....some come with a form of LSD called "Trac Loc" which is what I have.....this has a bit of a bad reputation but if maintained properly ie. replace rear diff oil in time
and add the required Mopar friction modifier then there is no issue with them....there should be a label on the rear axle drivers side stating what diff you have.
The early Export 2.5/2.8 CRDs have a good reputation....the fixed-vane turbo may not put out as much power as the later variable-vane turbos but they are simpler and pretty reliable. The cam-belt is critical and needs to be replaced about every 100,000 miles depending on how you drive...if this 2003 has not had its cam-belt recently changed then walk away from the deal.
Check for rust if your roads get salted in winter otherwise I would say it is a good vehicle...I am very happy with mine!:gr_grin:
