Used Jeep Grand Cherokee - I need your thoughts

[DeFormula]

In the spring I will be looking for one. I like the size of the GCs, don't like full-size trucks. I'd like to keep my budget to about $5,000. I plan to go south and get a rust-free one. I want 4wd low, so the GCs with AWD only are out. For those of you with experience, let me know your thoughts on the first three generations ie, 93-98, 99-04, and 05-10. I will be using it for occasional very light towing, limited daily use, and two-tracking the up north roads that are way too rough for normal cars, ie. deep sand, mud, ruts etc.

Thanks!

 

[moneypit]

get one with a 4.0 avoid a 4.7 unless they pay you take it

 

[Golden]

I had a 96 Cherokee XJ (not a grand ZJ) that I had lifted and put bigger tires on and I loved it. It was very good off-road. I agree with Moneypit, the inline 6 was awesome. I would love to have another one in mint shape like mine was.

 

[dline]

I can tell you a bumch

 

[Beigg]

stay with the 4.0. Plan on valve cover gasket needing replaced. Inspect the undercarriage very well for rot (structure, fluid lines, suspension sonnecting points) & operate all the lights, interior components thoroughly. Dimmer switch & radio display likes to be problematic ares to focus in on.

 

[wikdsvt]

for what you want to use it for, I'd get a cherokee 4.0. Not a grand cherokee.

 

[moneypit]

if you go the XJ route most of them down south are 2wd,

 

[DeFormula]

for what you want to use it for, I'd get a cherokee 4.0. Not a grand cherokee.

GC is more comfortable and refined, rides better, better brakes, better handling, same price.

 

[DeFormula]

if you go the XJ route most of them down south are 2wd,

I noticed. Not just them but everything down south tends to be two wheel drive, at least way more than here.

 

[DeFormula]

OK guys, so what do you think of the WKs, 2005 to 2010? The six cylinders are AWD and don't have the 4 wheel low option, so it would be between the 4.7 and the hemi. 4.7s are cheaper and you don't have to pay for leather seats and stuff I don't care about. I've read about 4.7s with 300K miles as long as maintenance was kept up on. Any opinions on the WKs? Hard to work on, etc?

 

[DetroitStyle]

Get a 3.4 liter Toyota 4Runner. They run forever, have 4LO, and the TRD versions have a factory rear e-locker


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[derbydad276]

Ford Explorer my wife loves hers

 

[DetroitStyle]

https://youtu.be/YYDkQuP3HAs


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[DeFormula]

Get a 3.4 liter Toyota 4Runner. They run forever, have 4LO, and the TRD versions have a factory rear e-locker


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Yeah I know the rep. I'm old and grew up with American auto workers. I can't drive vehicles with Japanese names on them. Crazy but true.

 

[DeFormula]

Ford Explorer my wife loves hers

I owned an explorer and won't buy another. It had more ridiculous things break than any vehicle I've ever owned, and it only had about 100K miles on it. Half the vehicles I've owned had way more than that on them when I bought them.

 

[twotwoturbo]

I Love my 2004 grand cherokee 4.0 is the way to go

 

[DeFormula]

I Love my 2004 grand cherokee 4.0 is the way to go

Isn't it pretty doggy though with the 4.0? Especially passing on the e-way. I was thinking about one of these too.

 

[Atrus]

I had the same concern about the 4.0 being a dog as this would be a DD for me. I am looking for a cheap, reliable Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 4x4.

Are the WJ's and WK's with the 4.7 that bad of an engine? I know the earlier 4.7 wasn't exactly a powerhouse (235hp/290tq) and in 2008 there was a redesign to bump it up (305/334). Seems I can find decent WJ's with the 4.0 or 4.7, and I can find Commanders and WK's with the earlier 4.7. The HEMI premium either really drives up the price or the mileage/condition of the vehicle.

I liked my 2007 KJ (Liberty) with the 3.7 but it just seemed a little underpowered.

 

[DeFormula]

I had the same concern about the 4.0 being a dog as this would be a DD for me. I am looking for a cheap, reliable Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 4x4.

Are the WJ's and WK's with the 4.7 that bad of an engine? I know the earlier 4.7 wasn't exactly a powerhouse (235hp/290tq) and in 2008 there was a redesign to bump it up (305/334). Seems I can find decent WJ's with the 4.0 or 4.7, and I can find Commanders and WK's with the earlier 4.7. The HEMI premium either really drives up the price or the mileage/condition of the vehicle.

I liked my 2007 KJ (Liberty) with the 3.7 but it just seemed a little underpowered.

I am considering a KJ also, but probably would have to be an '05-'07 with six speed manual. Would def be a little peppier than the 4 speed slush box.

On the 4.0, if you have a mind to there is considerable aftermarket support for mods, turbos, etc. The 3.7 there's about nothing you can do with them.

I'm with you on the 4.7. I hate to pay for all the stuff I don't need that comes with the Hemis. The 4.7s do have a bad rep, but I think the later ones are OK. Like everything else, maintenance is very important. BTW, this is hearsay. I've never owned a 4.7.

 

[DetroitStyle]

Isn't it pretty doggy though with the 4.0? Especially passing on the e-way. I was thinking about one of these too.

Gears [emoji6]


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