Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
The Jeep Cherokee is an American classic that has taken numerous forms throughout the years while remaining one of the finest vehicles on the road. That means that if you are looking for a used Jeep Cherokee, then you are going to find a lot of different model years and options out there. Even if you limit your search to the most recent generation of the Cherokee, there are still certain features and things to look for in order to make sure you get the best vehicle possible. If that seems a bit overwhelming, then it helps to have someone by your side to answer any questions you have and make sure you find just the right used model.
Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, we are proud to offer a wide selection of both new and used vehicles for you to choose from. That includes a wide range of used Jeep Cherokee models from a number of different years, with various trims and features. We pride ourselves not only on the quality of our selection but also on the high level of assistance we provide to all of our customers to ensure you get exactly the right model with the features you need. Come visit our dealership today to find out more, and we will make sure you drive away completely happy with a new vehicle.
The Jeep Cherokee has been around, in one form or another, since 1974, which means there are a lot of them out there for you to find when looking for a used Jeep Cherokee. Not all of these model years are the same, however, so it is important to keep the history of the Cherokee in mind when shopping. This will help you narrow down your search and avoid models that really will not meet your needs.
Its earliest incarnation in the 1970s was based on the classic Jeep Wagoneer, with the Cherokee model acting as a more compact sporty variant. In 1984, the Jeep Cherokee was completely redesigned as a lightweight vehicle that was the forerunner of the modern compact crossover SUV. This model was very successful and remained in production for almost two decades before finally being phased out after 2001.
Midway through that production run, Jeep introduced the larger Grand Cherokee. To avoid any possible confusion, the standard Cherokee was renamed the Jeep Liberty when it was redesigned for 2002. However, it continued to be sold as the Jeep Cherokee in other parts of the world. The Jeep Liberty was sold from 2002 through 2013, with two generations during that time, and was offered as a four-door compact crossover SUV. If you are looking for a used Jeep Cherokee and you want something a bit older to save some money without going all the way back to the start of this century, then look for a used Jeep Liberty instead. You will find a similar overall design and great features, just under a different name.
We got the Jeep Cherokee back for the 2014 model year, and it has remained available ever since. If you are looking for a used Jeep Cherokee with the latest features and options, then you should look for a model from this time period. Although there have been some updates throughout these years, for the most part, you will find a lot of similar features and designs on models from this generation. It is a compact crossover SUV that fits between the Compass and the Grand Cherokee in the Jeep lineup, providing you with excellent performance and design that can fit neatly into a wide range of lifestyles.
The Jeep Cherokee has been around for a long time. Just like any long-running vehicle, the Cherokee has had a few years that were more influential than others. For the sake of simplicity, here are some of the model years when the Cherokee saw significant changes.
2002 was a unique year for the Cherokee because if you lived in the United States, it didn't go by the Cherokee name. You had to live outside of the United States in order to buy a Jeep Cherokee in 2002. Here in America, it was marketed as the Jeep Liberty. Even though it had a different name, this was technically the beginning of the third generation for this vehicle.
This model year was influential because it was the first year that Jeep used rack and pinion steering. Rack and pinion steering is different from the recirculating ball steering that had been used up to this point. The rack and pinion steering gave the SUV more of a car-like feel under acceleration, braking, and cornering. This opened up an entirely new market for the Cherokee, making it a much friendlier vehicle for families and city drivers.
2002 is also the first time the Cherokee offered over 200 horsepower, thanks to its new PowerTech V6 engine. While it may not have worn the Cherokee name here in the United States, the 2002 Jeep Cherokee/Liberty paved the way for an entire generation of quality and reliable vehicles.
In 2008, the Jeep Cherokee/Liberty experienced another pivoting change. This year marks the beginning of the fourth generation of the Cherokee. Since more fuel-efficient Jeeps, such as the Compass and the Patriot, were now available, the Cherokee dropped the four-cylinder engine, which left only engines that were powerful and able to keep up with the demanding performance of a bigger Jeep.
The 2008 Jeep Cherokee/Liberty also experienced a few modern features that increased both safety and convenience. For example, this is the year that side airbags were introduced. This is also the year that rain-sensing wipers, a navigational system, and more were also introduced. In short, if you want an affordable yet still modern Cherokee, the 2008 model year and fourth generation are going to be great options.
In 2014, the Jeep Cherokee entered its fifth generation. This is the generation that reintroduced the Cherokee name to the United States market. Accompanying the new name was a sleek new look that helped transform the Cherokee from a boxy off-roader to a stylish family vehicle. But even though the Cherokee experienced this significant upgrade, this model year and generation are still able to perform with the best of them. For example, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee features 271 horsepower from the new Pentastar V6 engine.
In fact, one of the most notable changes for the fifth-generation Cherokee was the addition of the Trail Rated Trailhawk trim which added another fully off-road capable vehicle to the Jeep lineup. If you want the comfort and style of the Cherokee but the off-roading power of the Wrangler, the Cherokee Trailhawk makes this combination possible.
The Cherokee has always been able to offer both style and power, and the current model year continues that tradition. Over the many model years and generations of the Jeep Cherokee, this iconic model has firmly cemented its status as one of the best compact SUVs on the market. No matter which model year you choose to go with, you're certainly in for a treat and one of the most popular used vehicles on the market today.
Some of the features you should seek in a used Jeep Cherokee include the 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine, 8.4-inch infotainment display, and Nappa-leather trimmed seating. Of course, you are not going to find all of these features in every used Cherokee, but as you are looking at different used vehicles, you should keep some of these things in mind. The standard engine in the Jeep Cherokee from 2014 until 2021 was a 2.4L I-4 Tigershark engine, which is excellent, but the available 3.2L V6 engine certainly adds to the driving experience.
Similarly, a 7-inch infotainment display has been standard on more recent models of the Jeep Cherokee, so that is what you will find a lot of the time. However, an 8.4-inch display has been available, so it is something to watch for when considering various options. Standard seating in the Cherokee is very nice, but leather trim has been available on higher trims like the Limited, so that is something to watch for.
Finally, consider the safety features you can find on these used models. More recent model years will have more safety technology, like a backup camera and blind-spot monitoring. Also look for optional safety features, like a forward collision warning with active braking or lane departure warning. You will find these technologies mostly on newer models, but they have been available since 2014, so you can find them on some older used vehicles as well.
A lot of people are unsure of the difference between the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, but it largely comes down to size, power, and luxury. The Jeep Cherokee is classed as a compact crossover model, while the Grand Cherokee is a midsize crossover. Just remember that the use of the word "Grand" indicates the model is larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. To put this into clear perspective, let us take a brief look at the sizes of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee to see how they compare.
The Cherokee measures 182 inches in length, about 73 inches in width, and is about 66 inches tall. You get seating for up to five people inside the 2021 Cherokee, along with about 26 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row of seats and nearly 55 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the front seats with the rear seats folded. By comparison, the 2021 Grand Cherokee measures about 190 inches in length, about 77 inches in width, and 69 inches in height. The Grand Cherokee also has seating for five people but offers about 36 cu.ft. of cargo area behind the second row of seats and about 68 cu.ft. of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded.
You can see that the Grand Cherokee is a larger vehicle overall, and the difference has become even greater with the introduction of the three-row Grand Cherokee L in 2022. When it comes to performance, the difference is larger. The 2021 Cherokee offers between 180 and 271 hp from either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the 2021 Grand Cherokee offers between 295 and 707 hp from a selection of six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines.
When you bring home a used Jeep Cherokee, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The most important aspect of taking care of a vehicle, whether you bought it new or used, is maintenance. Since used vehicles are older, they tend to need more maintenance than brand new vehicles. Here are some of our best maintenance tips for your used Jeep Cherokee.
This is important for any vehicle, new or used. Keeping your tires maintained will help you get the most out of your tires and avoid flat tires while on the road. How do you know if your tires need replacing? One thing to keep an eye on is the tread. If your tread gets too low or too smooth, it's time to replace your tires. It's also a good idea to regularly inspect your tires for run-down areas or objects sticking out of your tread or sidewall. Remember that 4x4 Cherokees need to have all four tires replaced at the same time.
Another important part of caring for your used Jeep Cherokee is keeping up with the brakes. This includes checking how they feel and making sure they aren't worn out or showing other signs of damage. Some warning signs that there might be a problem include vibrations, strange sounds when braking, and pulling to one side of the vehicle. It's also a good idea to regularly check your brake fluid levels and ensure that there are no leaks.
It is important that your battery stays healthy in order for you to get the most out of it. This means checking how well it holds a charge and checking the battery casing for any damage. It also means keeping your car's electrical system in top shape. Signs of a healthy battery include having a charge that is higher than 12 volts when the motor is off and having clean terminals with no corrosion. If you don't know what to look for, just ask our service technicians for help.
Keeping the interior of your vehicle clean is an important part of maintaining your SUV. If you aren't careful with what you expose your used Jeep Cherokee to, it could end up affecting the value or even working its way into the vehicle's components. The best ways to maintain a clean interior include using mats and liners to prevent staining and using a good cleaner to kill odors, dust, and dirt. Also, make sure your vents are clean and that there isn't any debris stuck in the seats or floorboards.
Keeping your cooling system maintained will help you avoid overheating on the road. There are several parts of your cooling system, so you can't just check one area. Some things to keep an eye on include the radiator, hoses, and fluid levels. You will know when these components are experiencing a problem if you see a change in engine temperature, such as if the temperature starts climbing rapidly while driving or if there are any odors coming from your vehicle.
Keeping the outside of your used Jeep Cherokee looking shiny and new is part of keeping up with regular maintenance. Make sure that you inspect for rust and paint chips. Also, make sure you keep your car clean by washing it regularly, especially if you live close to the coast because, unfortunately, saltwater can cause rusting fairly quickly.
One of the most important maintenance tips is making sure your car is mechanically sound. This means taking care of the aesthetic parts, but it also means checking for things like fluid levels and leaks. If there is damage in different areas of your vehicle, take the time to get it fixed because if you ignore it, it could lead to more serious problems with your used Jeep Cherokee in the future.
Some fluids that need to be checked, filled, or even changed regularly include engine oil, transmission fluid, washer fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Each of these fluids plays a critical part in the maintenance of your Jeep Cherokee. Check your fluid levels often to be sure nothing is getting too low too quickly. If one particular fluid is getting too low too quickly, this could be a sign of a bigger problem such as burning or leaking, and these problems are more easily fixed if they are caught early.
Following proper maintenance tips to keep your used Jeep Cherokee running is important, but just as important is that you know what your service schedule looks like. Service and maintenance are all about a proactive approach: taking care of your vehicle when it still runs well in order to avoid serious issues or problems that require more expensive and time-consuming repairs. We tell our customers all the time that the key to this kind of maintenance is to understand the service schedule for your vehicle and follow it properly.
Remember that this service schedule comes from the engineers at Jeep; it is not an arbitrary routine created just for fun but is designed to keep your Cherokee in the best condition possible. While the service schedule for your Jeep Cherokee will depend on the exact model year you have, they tend to be quite similar from one year to the next. Be sure to check your owner's manual to see exactly what your schedule is, but here is an example for a 2019 Cherokee:
With this schedule––and any other service schedule––it is important to remember that these year and mileage goals are additive. In other words, if you have a vehicle that is six years old or that has reached 60,000 miles on it, then you need to have all of the tasks for every year, every two years, and every three years performed. Major milestones like 8 years or 80,000 miles require a fair amount of service to ensure your vehicle is still in great shape. Note that these numbers are based on when the vehicle was originally sold. If you buy a used Jeep Cherokee that has 55,000 miles on it, for example, then you will need to have it serviced after just 5,000 miles of driving.
One other very important note is that these numbers are for vehicles used in fairly light conditions and moderate driving. If you drive your Cherokee in dusty conditions or you like to take it off-road, then you may need to have your oil changed as often as every 3,500 miles rather than every 10,000 miles. This is also true if you tend to operate your vehicle mostly at low engine RPMs or idling––such as if you use your vehicle as a delivery driver or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. This kind of heavy use requires a more aggressive approach to keeping your vehicle in great shape, but it is well worth it for the peace of mind that comes from proper maintenance.
To say that a vehicle is only as good as the sum of its parts might be a bit obvious, but it is important to remember. Your Jeep Cherokee is made of thousands of different parts that are all working together in perfect harmony in order for you to be able to get to work each day, run errands in the evening, and meet up with friends on the weekend. Proper service and maintenance are great, but if the right parts are not being used on your Jeep, then you are going to have a serious problem sooner or later.
The right parts for a Jeep come down to a single name: Mopar. Genuine Mopar parts are factory components for your Jeep, which means they are the same parts used in your vehicle and approved by the designers and engineers at Jeep. In other words, if you want your vehicle to run in the best condition possible, you should ensure it has Mopar parts in it to avoid any issues with something not functioning properly. This also goes for accessories since Mopar offers a huge selection of upgrades and accessories that you can add to your Jeep Cherokee to customize it and really make it your own.
Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, we use Genuine Mopar parts whenever possible when we provide service and repairs for your vehicle. This is something we believe in very strongly because we want to ensure your Jeep remains in fantastic condition and will keep treating you great for many years to come. Our parts department maintains a large selection of Mopar parts in stock so we can get work done on your vehicle as quickly as possible; if we do not have it on hand, we will order it and get it right away. The most important thing to us is that your Jeep Cherokee remains in fantastic condition with the right parts, so you can enjoy it for many miles to come.
For many people shopping for a used car, the fun part is looking at a wide range of models and finding the perfect vehicle with exactly what they need. However, the less-fun part is figuring out the right financing solution to be able to afford a vehicle. We get it––discussing finances, looking at your credit history and credit score, and talking about your budget is not something a lot of folks really look forward to. But before you can drive away in a Jeep Cherokee that you will love for many years to come, you have to make sure you can fit it into your budget.
This is why it is so helpful to have someone by your side to help you explore your financing options and assist you in finding a solution that is right for your situation. Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, our financing experts are ready to help you with everything you need. For most people, financing a used Jeep typically means getting a loan and then paying that off over the next few years. The terms of the loan you get are very important since the amount you pay back can vary greatly depending on your down payment and interest rate.
We will work hard to help you find the right financing for your used Jeep Cherokee, with terms that meet your needs and fit your budget. The financing process can be confusing, and you might not realize how many different lenders you have available to you. One of our financing experts will answer all of your questions, discuss your options, and show you different loans that can meet your needs and ensure you do not lose any sleep at night. We pride ourselves on taking the confusion, stress, and worry out of the process so you can drive away with confidence and know exactly what is expected of you.
Knowing what to look for is only part of finding the right used Jeep Cherokee with everything you need. Having access to a large selection of used vehicles to choose from is just as important––and it never hurts to have a team of Jeep experts at hand to show you all the little differences between the models that you are considering. Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, you will find both an expansive inventory of new and used models as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you through the entire car-buying process. From finding the right Jeep to getting the financing you deserve, we are always happy to help. So give us a call or come visit us today to find the Jeep of your dreams. We will do our best to help you drive away in a model you love with a smile on your face.
