Used Grand Cherokee?

[mafia]

Thinking about buying a used Grand Cherokee for around 5-7k.

Something similar to this. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...ing=false&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

Drove one of these a while back, and I think they drive excellent and are very nicely refined. My uncle owns one, hasn't had any major problems with it. I think it would be the perfect vehicle for winter. What are all your thoughts about it? Any alternatives that are good winter vehicles (doesn't have to be a SUV) that will fit in my budget?

 

[mvbighead]

I actually drive a 2000 version of one of those with the 4.7 and the QuadraDrive AWD system.

It is generally a pretty nice ride, and does well in the winter. They are plentiful in number, so when fixin' time comes, there are parts a plenty.

I will say, that in owning mine just under a year, I have finally gotten most of the kinks worked out. Last thing was a brake booster. But prior to that, I had an evaporative emission failure that was a bitch of a problem to deal with. First I replaced the purge solenoid, as suggested by most with respect to the error code I was getting. About a month after, the error code came back. Had my mechanic look at it, cause I wasn't sure what to think at that point, and he said the solenoid looked fine, and if it was anything else it might be the ECM/PCM (the computer). ANother couple/few weeks pass, and the light comes back. At that point, several had suggested that dealerships have a $3k tool that can pinpoint trouble spots with error codes. I take it in, and charge me $350+ for a diagnostic and replacing the same solenoid. I was not too happy, but figured, oh well, must've had a bad one. Code tripped the very next day.

Took it back, and they finally "confirmed" a computer problem, and wanted in excess of $800 to fix it. I brought it back to my mechanic, and had him do it for under $500.

That was the biggest PITA, but since then, it hasn't had any serious problems.

I do like the vehicle, but the only major drawback is the 19mpg hwy / 15 mpg city you'll get with it. It is what it is though, and I don't really expect it to do 25 or anything.

Hope that helps.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Seems pricey, I sold my 05 grand cherokee, 4.7L for 11k...so for 3k newer, you should be able to get something nicer.

the 04 and older models had pretty bad crash test ratings.

 

[mvbighead]

Seems pricey, I sold my 05 grand cherokee, 4.7L for 11k...so for 3k newer, you should be able to get something nicer.

the 04 and older models had pretty bad crash test ratings.

Op said 5-7k... which would mean a difference of 4k at the minimum. I won't dispute the crash test stuff, which is completely accurate.

However, I will say that typically when a guy has a budget of 5-7, 11 is something that falls well above and beyond that budget.

Me personally, I'd love to have an 05 or newer simply because they have a new body style. But the reality is, most sellers in my area are looking for at least 12-13k. At the time I bought mine, I was looking to stay below 6. I ended up just above, with an older one and money to spare for expenses and such (tires, brake pad/rotors, etc.).

But if a guy goes somewhere near double his budget, he won't be able to fix the problems the previous owner neglected, because he'll have used that entire budget upfront in purchasing the vehicle.

 

[mafia]

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the informative post! How many miles do you have on yours?

Seems pricey, I sold my 05 grand cherokee, 4.7L for 11k...so for 3k newer, you should be able to get something nicer.

the 04 and older models had pretty bad crash test ratings.

I don't like the newer body ones (05-10). The interior is really bad, I think the older ones have a better interior, and I'm saying this after driving both of them. I just can't stand how cheap it feels, its like they made it worse. So the price is not justified in my opinion. However, the 2011 has the best improvements, but that is way off my budget

 

[LTC8K6]

I have a 2008 Limited, and I think the interior is fine. It's not an Audi, but then what is?

The WK2 is certainly better, though.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Thanks for the informative post! How many miles do you have on yours?



I don't like the newer body ones (05-10). The interior is really bad, I think the older ones have a better interior, and I'm saying this after driving both of them. I just can't stand how cheap it feels, its like they made it worse. So the price is not justified in my opinion. However, the 2011 has the best improvements, but that is way off my budget

One of the reasons we got rid of it ... it felt a bit cheap.

you are right, that is definitely above his budget. Why not go in the late 90's, and pick a inline 6 up for 3k-4k? I always liked that boxy style.

 

[mvbighead]

Thanks for the informative post! How many miles do you have on yours?



I don't like the newer body ones (05-10). The interior is really bad, I think the older ones have a better interior, and I'm saying this after driving both of them. I just can't stand how cheap it feels, its like they made it worse. So the price is not justified in my opinion. However, the 2011 has the best improvements, but that is way off my budget

I bought mine with 132k miles. It's sitting at 145k right now.

Which, aside from the maintenance issues I have specified, it has been pretty solid.

As to ViviTheMage's comment about a later 90s I6 model... that is actually what lead me to buy this one. I owned a 92 Cherokee Laredo that started around 130k (for me), and was driven to about 212k before I sold it. I think we maybe had to replace the alternator. Otherwise, kept the oil changed and fueled up, and she just kept on going.

 

[thegimp03]

My wife drives an '02. Can't tell you how many problems we've had with the electronics in it due to a bad fuse box. Between internal lights not working to external brake lights always going in and out.

 

[Zargon]

transmissions are the other issue with the V8. not sure if that lasted into the 2000;s

 

[Throckmorton]

Google "WJ blend door"

Then budget an extra $1000 to fix it when it breaks.

 

[mvbighead]

Google "WJ blend door"

Then budget an extra $1000 to fix it when it breaks.

Meh. I actually did have that problem as well.

$150. Done.

http://www.heatertreater.net/jeep-grand-cherokee-98-04

Dual zone climate control also.