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Used 1990 Jeep Cherokee Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
37 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Just Keeps Going

PiffinFlorida, 04/09/2018
updated 09/03/2024
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2dr SUV 4WD
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Bought it new in 1990 and still own it. New engine at 265,000 miles but the transmission is original. It now has 321,000 and going strong. Originally a Colorado car, we did some SERIOUS 4 wheeling at 11-12,000 feet. We lived 20 miles west of Denver at 7,000 ft. with tons of snow in the winter. NEVER got stuck with this Jeep. Like us, it is retired in Florida. Air conditioning freezes you out . First time it went to the garage for an oil change, there was a note on the windshield; "if you ever want to sell your Jeep, please call......." This is and update. Jeep now has 322,321 and is reliable as ever. A simple brake job turned into a nightmare until I found a local garage that knew what they were doing. I guess that can happen with any vehicle. The Jeep has hauled furniture, dogs, and now boating supplies without fail. Love my Jeep! It's now February 2020 and the Jeep has 326,324 mile on it. Still going strong and steers great after a new steering box was put in. new paint job this spring will make it look like new again. As of August 2021, my Jeep has 332,000 miles on it, no mechanical failures since my last update and is running fine. Covid grounded us for most of 2020 and 2021. The paint job I was going to get has evolved into a full retoration. Will send pictures whne complete. and a breakdown of what transpired during the restoration. It's now March 2023 and my 1990 2Dr Jeep Cherokee is better that ever. While the restoration found a lot of rust and worn out parts, it's completion was welcome after a lot more $$$ than I thought going into it. People say that's normal...ouch! The Jeep now has 334,000 mile on it and is running great. Had to replace the tie rod and am waiting for new coil springs for the front to make the ride more comfortable. Just hauled three large deck chairs with no problem. He can still haul the goods! Coil springs made all the difference in ride qoality. Rides like new. Steering is loose and needs to be looked into. 8/24.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

the jeep review

moneybagT, 07/12/2006
1990 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Well I love to ride in my Jeep. I have owned the Jeep for 8 years and I love it. It’s my baby! I have the 4 door limited and it’s in great condition with 223000 miles and a lot left to go. I've heard that these Jeeps can get 400,000 miles on them and I believe it. The most problems that I can recall from the 1990 Jeep Cherokee is that there is no radiator cap, you can only put radiator fluid from the reserve and sometimes these things like to run hot but if you keep a good thermostat in it and a good reserve cap on the reserve it will be able to have the pressure that it needs to let the water flow. This is the only major thing that I can see that is really wrong with the Jeeps - I do recommend them.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Runs Forever

jerky1280, 04/14/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

My family owned our cherokee from when it was new off the lot. It now has 148k miles. Stock everything. It's been though a few alternators (due to mud from offroading), one water pump, and a starter. The rear main seal went bad at 140k miles. I started driving this vehicle when I was 16, and to be honest, I seriously abused it. It stood up to everything that has been thrown at it and still runs great.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

i love it

pl3x, 07/20/2009
1990 Jeep Cherokee 4dr SUV
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have a 1990 Cherokee, it was a old police truck. this thing runs like a dream, i drive about 25-30 miles a day 1 way for work and average about 20- 24mpg on the highway. ive had to change the ignition coil and the pcv valves on it, both took me about 5 min total to repair. im very impressed, 210k miles still has alot of torque and still rides nice. after owning fords and dodges in the past and now a jeep i will only own jeeps from here on out.

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5 out of 5 stars

Jeep is Excellent!

MadMed, 11/02/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Got this 1990 Jeep Cherokee (Midsize SUV 4 Dr Laredo Wagon) and it is great! It has a high 175,000 miles my still drives like a new SUV. It has the best automatic transmission (unlike the transmission used on the round body- style) according to my mechanic and do not expect anything major until 250,000 miles. The shape of the body is just the right size: it's a true MidSize!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Family of Jeeps

Familyofjeeps, 04/17/2008
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I am part of a Family of jeeps. My dad has an 87 with 287,000 miles on it and the only problems that we ever had with it in our last 3 years of owning it is the slight oil leak and the anitfreeze reservoir cracked. We also recently did something to the front axle from pulling a stuck 04 f150 out of the snow. Funny stuff but that little jeep did it. my uncle has a 92 with 210K (approx) and he loves that HO I am currently looking for another, newer jeep. to get ready for offroad and these rigs are very reliable. On or off road. my old dodge would take me a whole tank off road, those 2 jeeps only used 1/4 a tank of gas on a 100 mi offroad trip. Great Rigs.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

My faithful friend

Sixstringbook, 10/08/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Let's start with the fact that I never had to do more than routine maintenence to it ... add that it got me over the continental divide without incident on a county road in a blizzard bad enough to shut down the interstate ... had enough acceleration to push you back in the seat after a quarter million miles and still didn't burn oil. I'd still be driving it today had some moron not smashed into it while it was parked. Thanks, Jeep!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

SOLID Jeep

PDubbs, 08/04/2004
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A solid performer - on and off road. I am the second owner (first owner was a relative) and there have never been any significant headaches. The only engine issue is the need to add a half qt of oil every 1-2k miles. This Jeep has seen lots of deep mud, snow and unimproved roads and I have only been stuck once - and that was my error. The body is in great shape. There are only a few spots of rust near the rear wheelwells and the hood and roof paint is really faded. With over 140,000 miles, I still drive it to work every day - with confidence in the engine.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

It was fun

rose313, 08/22/2012
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought my 1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo in the beginning of 2009 and had it until the end of 2011, when I discovered it had a bad engine bearing. I sold it to someone who wanted to put another engine in. It was fun to drive and I didn't have any huge issues besides the engine. I bought it with 155k miles on it, and drove it about 20 or 25k while I owned it. I was surprised that it was horrible in the snow, since the four wheel drive was only part time, I couldn't use it for anything but getting out of parking spots in the snow or mud, which it was awesome at. But the rear wheel drive was awful on my highway commute to and from work, I almost slid off the road multiple times.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

POS!!!

Puma1077, 11/24/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

3 months after purchsign vehicle connecting rod blew, alternator went out, chane oil every 3 months, have had in the shop at least once every 50 days for the past 2 years, just replaced all fuel injectors, fuel pressure reg, thank GAWD purchased 2 yr warranty, bought wnty for 1,500, wrnty has covered well over 7,500 in repairs, know lead mechanic by first name,

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Nov 02 Review

rpolillo, 11/02/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

One owner vechile. Used a primary car for 8 years. Used as secondary for college age son. No major problems.

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4 out of 5 stars

Nearly Indestructible

cwrigh25, 12/31/2007
1990 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I recieved this Jeep as a first vehicle. It came with 315,000 miles. Four years later as it nears 330,000 it still runs like a champ. Sure it has its hiccups, like leaking oil, or not idling after prolonged use, but for the amount of miles it does has it runs well. The a/c even works! If these vehicles are taken care of, and certain parts replaced, pumps, harmonic balance, radiator, it could potential last a person a few decades.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

1990 jeep cherokee

chris, 08/03/2009
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Vehicle has been lifted 5.5" and now is running on 31 x 10.50 dunlop tires. It has a few extra mods to the engine to raise performance over the stock 4.0l inline six. The interior is in good condition but by no means new. The paint is in poor condition and needs repainting. All Glass is present with no cracks. Gas mileage is not as good as the stock vehicle because of gearing and the tires. Great off road driver.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I'll buy another one....someday

Jeep Mom, 10/30/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my Jeep from the original owner. I now have 246,000 miles on it. I replaced the fuel injectors at 230,000 and they were the original factory injectors. This vehicle has been more dependable than any other I've owned. It still starts with just a tap of the key and has never left me stranded. My son wants me to buy another so he can have this one.

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4 out of 5 stars

Keep on Truckin'

Jassdo, 01/02/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned this vehicle for approximately 12,000 miles, and with over 180,000 miles on the odometer there have been no major problems (good friend owned it before I did). As the vehicle gets older the mileage has suffered (common I think with Jeeps), and the paint has faded (almost all silver Cherokees from this year seem to have this problem). I am a larger guy, and find the seats to be comfortable, the power of the motor acceptable, and the ride tolerable. Surprising fact, it is a fun vehicle to drive, and the four wheel drive system is excellent. Highly recommended (bring money for gas at ~12 miles per gallon)!!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Not bad at all for 14 years old!!

Brian Dougherty, 02/24/2004
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I only had my Jeep for a little under 3 weeks. The amount of time I had it, was just wonderful. For a 4x4, inline- 6,the gas mileage wasn't too bad, could have been better. It had some pickup, and beat a honda prelude off the line and overall. The 4x4 was just awesome. I had some great times in the 3 weeks I had it. Never got stuck, and that was with radial tires. The ride was very comfortable. The only thing that I have noticed about this year and model of Jeeps, is the headliner doesn't do very well, and the paint starts to fade a bit. I had the rare 5-spd 2dr Laredo, but I loved it. If i could find another,

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3.75 out of 5 stars

oh i wish

AlysonB, 06/12/2004
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

love love this car...even though i had to replace the entire cooling system,entire exhaust system and shocks...but i just recently found a severe oil leak and the frame is rusted out :( besides that it's great! who wants it??

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My 1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

Freddyboo, 03/11/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very reliable. Will go anywhere I want to go here in the Rocky Mountains. A real mountain goat.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

awesome suv

knaggs, 10/20/2006
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

i bought my Jeep used and it overheated after three months. IT WAS NOT THE JEEP. it was negligence. I just got a new motor for it and the reliability before the new engine was unbelievable. at 138,000 miles it didn't miss nor did the tranny slip nor did it burn any other fluids other than gas. Plus for an SUV it got good mileage both for fun and work.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Never let me down

peepers, 04/10/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Owned and operated for 10 years and never had a major problem or repair bill, and still going strong... My old faithful.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

its a machine

Daniel From, 04/19/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have over 180000 miles on my jeep and its still going strong. The only repairs i have had to do is the feul pump and thermostat. Its reliable, its fun to drive especally off road.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Will keep it forever

Joey Bullseyes, 09/30/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my mothers before I got my hands on it and when I did it got beat on like there was no tomorrow. The thing is a daily driver with its True Mileage Unknown, I estimate around 300,000 on the motor.(rebuilt trans, new rear, u joints, steering box, are a few things changed but none of them went i just want to keep it around forever)I've taken it all over from 4x4ing to beating hondas around town and racing on the highway. I even towed my friends 79' Bronco out of a mud pit with it. The 4 low rocks. Its just a great truck, that simple. Btw Just watch the trasfer case clearance when goin hard core off road with a stock one, it kinda sticks out.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

great car

ACG, 11/04/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my jeep since i was 15 and if the insurance were not so expensive, (because of the 4wd) i would keep it forever. Its fast and has great accleration and in 120k miles i have had no major problems at all, change the oil add water and fix a few minor things this jeep will run forever.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

This things not so bad!!

viper, 10/29/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this Grey Gold package LTD with 89k on it in 1996 or 97 and have 178k on it now. I have enjoyed it and wish I could buy a new one just like it. The sheet metal is a little thin but the looks are classic. I had a master mechanic do the upkeep on mine and he tells me there is no comparison between the regular cherokees and Grand's. The Grands have frequent rear end and AC problems (just look at the reviews). Expect road noise with this vehicle and get good tires because they do have a history of hydroplaining. The bumpers are garbage so if you have some cash invest in a frame mounted brush guard.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

1990 Cherokee 4wd Sport, Auto

CharlotteNC, 12/02/2002
1990 Jeep Cherokee 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have my Jeep for almost 7 yrs. I love its style and looks. The inline 6 cyl. has lots of power (I have an automatic trans.). The seats are uncomfortable on long distances, there is considerable interior noise, the 4wd works great. The Jeep needs preventative maintenence. Overall it is a good, cheap 4wd small suv.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo Standard Trans

wilg, 08/03/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 1990, new. It is a standard trans car. It has proved to be reliable. It handles well, and accelerates quickley (for an SUV) when not heavily loaded. Large enough to transport 4 people comfortably, or as many as 8 in a pinch. Car is sturdy, and came with options. All around a nice vehical unless you need to move smelly things around.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Perfect Off-road Vehicle

jmorrow, 08/14/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my cherokee for 3 years now and I will be a loyal Jeep owner for the rest of my life. Before my Jeep, I owned a 1991 Chevy S10 Blazer, and it didn't even compare to my cherokee. I have 106k on it and the only things i've had to replace are starter, blower motor (my fault), and u-joint. If you want an all-purpose trail rig that can hold it's own in any potential situation, then look no further.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Strong

Brian D., 07/21/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just recently received this Jeep from my dad. The exterior has been well taken care of; however, the drive train has not. He bought it about 2 yrs ago from a dealer w/out warrenty. I have just personally replaced the head, and exhaust manifold (I've learned that is a problem..the exhaust manifold cracks). The head had to be machined down because my dad didn't know the fan stopped working, so it warped it. Overall, I know this is a good Jeep, their reliability is great as long as you take care of them. It will last a very long time once I am done with it. By the way, the interior last very long.

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4 out of 5 stars

Classic Jeep

TCarico, 10/29/2005
1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car, great design, "it is what it is". I am the second owner. The car drives like a new ca. I had a 2004 Wrangler Unlimited and this car feels very similar in responsiveness and ride. I replaced the alternator ($140 installed) and put a new valve cover gasket on the car ($45 installed). These are well built vehicles that will run for over 200,000 miles if maintained.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

JEEP

RUSSEL, 02/21/2004
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

THE JEEP IS A SOLID AND RELIABLE MACHINE. WE WOULD RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO TRY IT.

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4 out of 5 stars

27 mpg @ 168000 miles

ORUtoUFO, 07/12/2004
1990 Jeep Cherokee 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is actually a 1987 AMC Jeep, but review selections don't go back that far. I have been looking at SUV reviews for my daughter and was shocked at the low milage ratings. I have always gotten between 23-26 MPG/HWY on this manual transmission 4 liter Cherokee. The past 6 months it has been 27 mpg, perhaps due to new oversize 235-75-R15 tires, even with 168000 miles on the engine. I remember when we ordered it new, the salesman seemed surprised at the non-standard rear end, with a comment of "Well, you should get good milage." Perhaps that is the cause of a sluggishness I noted from the beginning, like riding a bike uphill in hi-gear.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

90' Jeep Cherokee

Jim Trop, 08/14/2004
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great truck. Lots of power, enough to do burnouts with the 5 speed manual (with the 4.0). It can get close to 25 mpg on the highway. It has 240,000 miles on it and has not had any unexpected repairs since i got it...the only major fix was the original clutch. I recently completed a 1000 mile round trip in it without problems. If you are looking for a comfortable, plush ride look elsewhere. It is still running very strong with 240,000 miles.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

excellent car

Ace36, 12/19/2006
1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For offroaders, the capabilities are nearly unmatched. For onroaders, the I6 lasts forever and puts out enough power to accelerate faster than most V8's I've driven. Friends with bad backs complain about my seats, but for me, I have no problems whatsoever, and for short trips, I have no problem at all. Also the command-trac 4wd holds the road well accelerating uphill in extremely icy conditions despite my nearly bald tires.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

my cheap jeep

woday, 05/28/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this jeep was my first car. i bought it with 119,000 miles about 3 years ago and now it has 130,000. a few things i dont like about it is the saffari look in the interior and the poor gas millage. i get about 14mpg in the summer and about 11 in the winter.

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2 out of 5 stars

gas hog jeep

RONMO, 02/03/2024
1990 Jeep Cherokee 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

No matter how easy you drive it gets only 10 MPG, like my 67 GTO, but the JEEP can still climb a steep hill, especially with LOW shift gear range. Cheap plastic insides crumble with age and rust shows up underneath everywhere it should not, especially from road salted winter use. Should have been better sealed from the factory. Even new Jeeps are still gas hogs.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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2.25 out of 5 stars

Not What I Expected

GG, 02/21/2003
1990 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

We have replaced the alternator 5 times, the rear axel bearings, the distributor, and have had to had the car towed to the shop at least 3 times due to not starting. I would not recommend this vehicle.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best jeeps ever

Jeep101, 11/27/2010
1990 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 6 people found this review helpful

My jeep Cherokee is lifted and has Mug terrain tires. The car is a blast drive and looks great. The only thing is that its kind of hard to start when its really cold out. But it still starts up every time. 135,000 miles

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