Expert: Carl Brandt - 9/9/2004

Question
Hi Carl:  Now divorced, I have no vehicle knowledge.  I have a 97 Grand Cherokee (Orvis) w/108,000 m that I bought used 2 years ago for 11K with 75,000 miles, hoping for another 75,000.  So many problems now--This summer it began leaking coolant so I suffered thru the heat because the oil change guys couldn't find the leak.  They suggested a die test which I never did... and now no hot air is blowing out when I turn on the heater, just air.  The heater worked a month ago when it was 100 degrees outside.  When I drive over a certain railroad track (not all of them) the front begins shaking badly until I brake.  Also, I now know that the cable to the battery was cut before I bought it.  Last winter the Jeep would die during a turn or slowing for a stop during the first 15 minutes after start-up thus cauing the steering to lock up.  I could always restart but the last things I mentioned are very dangerous.  I am considering dumping this for a 7-8,000 dollar Saturn which is all I can afford currently.  With all these problems is it worth it to fix?  It looks great and has all the trimmings, but maybe I bought a lemon.  Repair or trade it?  Any advise would be appreciated.  Thank you in advance...Dana  

Answer
Dana,

Boy, this is a tough one.  If I could see the Jeep, and check it out in person, it would be easier to advise you as to what to do with it.  Many of the things you discuss can, usually be repaired with a minimum of cost for each problem, but they could add up to a fairly expensive bill for everything.  Before trading it off, I would suggest that you make a list of the problems, and try to find a reputable shop, preferably one that specializes in Jeeps, for an honest quote.  You might check around your area for a 4x4 club, and ask them about any shops that they may recommend.  There might even be a mechanic in the group that would be willing to check it out for you.  As far as the problems go, the leak could be nothing more than a loose fitting, or a bad hose.  The heater problem might be a broken vacuum line to one of the heater controls, which could, also cause the motor to die.  The shaking sounds like the shock absorbers need replacing.  As far as the engine stalling out in the winter, a good shop should be able to run an electronic diagnostic on the motor, and find out the cause.  The engine may be nothing more than in need of a good tune up.

Carl