Jeep Cherokee

Hi Macca, have you tried ausjeepoffroad.com and get onto the jeep forum there,loads of info..

As above, ausjeepoffroad.com is your best bet for info. I'm interested as I have an older Grand. All Jeeps are handy off road straight out of the box, they are all tested on the Rubicon Trail in the US as part of the design process. The 18" rims with street tyres would be your biggest downfall. Your choice of A/T tyre is limited due to the rim size and the price is higher. There are issues with the 4wd system on sand throwing the car into limp mode 2wd. A fix in the software was still being developed last time I read about it. Accessories like bull bars or snorkels are scarce and there were issues finding recovery points to snatch off on certain models.
The cars are still a bit new and nobody wants to scratch or dent one. :-) Most of them do not have the Quadra Lift suspension, you pay extra for it. The front skirting clips off for better angles off road, however try getting it off at home first because we tried with one out on a trip and it wouldn't come off for us. The one on the trip with us was standard height, no Quadra Lift, front skirt still on and didn't have any trouble on some reasonably rutted and steep fire trails. A nooby driver in it as well. Awesome fuel economy on the diesel with plenty of power.

Have you checked out the new model which is coming.

New Jeep.......Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Only a mother could love the ugly face on it.

Thanks very much for your replies

Hi Macca
As mentioned the Cherokee is a very capable 4wd standard...optioned with a lift, lokkers, bar work, winches etc they will go almost anywhere you point it.

Also look at this forum link for more detail info from world wide users...
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/index.php?sid=2745d8b5534f43d93a7d1c80a1f9d8fc

I have just turned over 301000km's ( outback touring e.g. Kimberly's, Simpson, Googs track, Flinders, Gawler, Tanami, Oodnadatta track etc.& daily drive) in my 02kj with basically maintenance issues over that time....I'll be keeping for a while yet. :)

Whilst the later KK has had a lack of after market options readily available there are suppliers and manufacturers out there tooled up for custom work at reasonable rates e.g. http://www.murchisonproducts.com.au/

Good luck