Should I get a Ford Ranger, or a Jeep Cherokee (XJ)?

I'm shopping for a 1st car. I can't deside if I want to get a Ford Ranger or Jeep Cherokee! What do you think is better, and why?

I would use my car for offroading, daily transportation, hauling wood to my camp, hunting, etc. I have a budget of around $3,000. I plan on keeping this car for a long time.

Well it depends heavily on what year you want the xj 4.0 I6 has decent power but it's really not a reliable engine my friend went through 3 motors with his which is absurd both vehicles are going to be old and will very likely require frequent work espicaly for 3k don't get a 4 cylinder ranger they have no power and aren't good for much as a result I really wouldn't recommend either I'd get a s10 with the 4.3 it's a good motor with adequate power my friends had 275k miles on it and only changed the oil ever 20k miles he also ran it very hard

Sorry, but $3000. Can get you either one, but the upkeep and repairs will cost more than you may be ready for. Good luck and try and find one from someone you know. Chances are you won't screwed as bad.

Get the Ranger. Better for hauling things.

Anything not the Jeep

Being in the Jeep forum, I say go with the Jeep.
However, the chances of a $3,000 vehicle lasting "a long time" are not very good.

FORD RANGER

Get the Ford anything…

If you want to keep it very long, you need to get a GM, like an S10. My son has two Cherokees. On one, the rear differential came apart. On the other, a lot of the front suspension is just stamped steel. It is bent pretty good. He is going to cut out some parts with CNC from heavier metal and weld them up. My nephews Ranger is sitting in my driveway waiting on parts. He was driving near my house when it broke and was able to limp it to my house.