I've been lookin around for a little SUV to lug a bunch of junk around. I've got a car and the Duc, just looking for a toy.
I've settled on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I like the 1999-2004 body style the best, and I think i can really make one look good and enjoy truckin around in it. Anybody have any experience with them? Probably use it as a weekend light off-roader and some around the town stuff.
People on here play with jeeps? or is that just for the guys in the jeep forums?
thoughts? ideas?
Ive owned:
92 Wrangler
99 Cherokee
02 Liberty
05 Grand Cherokee
Each one had its ups and downs. Favorite was the Wrangler for obvious reasons, but the Grand was a close second. Keep in mind I had the next body style than the one you are looking at. The V-6 had plenty of ooph for me, but that also depends on if you will be towing. I never had a problem with any of them, other than sucking gas like it was water, but whatever...you expect that with one of these.
Love love love the Jeep. Grew up with them.
On my second, although the first was a wrangler and now I have a Cherokee. 276,000 on the original engine and still running strong. (Dislike driving a little company car but it is better on gas mileage than the jeep.) The later model years 97-99 (or thereabouts â€" I know there are a ton more people who know way more then me about it) have engines that are known to be bullet proof. I used to have dealers beg me for this vehicle because their profit margin was so great on them.
My sister just got rid of her 2002 (?) Grand Cherokee that had 150k+/- miles on it (which had a few more mechanical probs). She just got a Denali (hubby is a GM brand loyal guy) and she HATES it for many reasons.
Go. Go get one! ;)
I love the wranglers, but for what I need it just doesn't have enough space, or a comfortable enough ride for the wife.
Stella, do you have the regular cherokee, or a grand? do you know what size engine you have? V8? any major issues throughout the 276k?
Oh and the Cherokee, with the middle seat folded down, has a ton of space.
ok. done.
go. go get one.
Quote from: djrashonal on April 12, 2011, 07:28:29 PM
I love the wranglers, but for what I need it just doesn't have enough space, or a comfortable enough ride for the wife.
Stella, do you have the regular cherokee, or a grand? do you know what size engine you have? V8? any major issues throughout the 276k?
Look at the new 4door JK's before you write off the wrangler
they are nothing like the old TJ/YJ/CJ's
and
with the rear seat out they have more usable room than the XJ/ZJ's
Quote from: djrashonal on April 12, 2011, 07:28:29 PM
I love the wranglers, but for what I need it just doesn't have enough space, or a comfortable enough ride for the wife.
Stella, do you have the regular cherokee, or a grand? do you know what size engine you have? V8? any major issues throughout the 276k?
It's the Cherokee (XJ) w/a V6. WJ is the Grand Cherokee.
And NO serious mechanical issues. Ever. I grew up under the direction that preventative maintenance goes a long way (plus I've been in automotive most of my life so I know that value). I wasn't anal about getting every 30, 60 or 90k service done on time but I still take care of it. Time has worn on the radiator which I replaced...who knows when. Possibly twice? And one battery that I recall.
Best and longest relationship I've ever had.
(That's going to get me in trouble.) ;)
Quote from: Jacob on April 12, 2011, 07:36:03 PM
Look at the new 4door JK's before you write off the wrangler
they are nothing like the old TJ/YJ/CJ's
and
with the rear seat out they have more usable room than the XJ/ZJ's
True.
I was sad to see the Cherokee discontinued but they all eventually do. Hated the Liberty (and the compass - what the heck?) but the new Wrangler is worth checking out if new(er) is an option.
Don't tell anyone
but
I like the liberty
for reasons I can't identify
Quote from: Jacob on April 12, 2011, 07:48:31 PM
Don't tell anyone
but
I like the liberty
for reasons I can't identify
Really? [puke]
Really??I can identify the...um... reasons, but since I like my DMF liberty.... I'm not able to tell anyone ;) [laugh].
Quote from: ungeheuer on April 12, 2011, 07:53:29 PM
Really? [puke] Really??
I can identify the...um... reasons, but since I like my DMF liberty.... I'm not able to tell anyone ;) [laugh].
Yeah I know
but
it's a factory shortened XJ
(http://image.automotive.com/f/features/jeep/9370209+pheader/0711_4wd_16_z+jeep_liberty+side.jpg)
I took the wife to the dealership cuz I sorta dig the 4 dr JK, but once we got in it she said it was too plastic-ey. Although it's big enough for my needs I dont think wife will allow it, as it doesnt meet her comfort requirement.
Quote from: djrashonal on April 12, 2011, 08:00:33 PM
it doesnt meet her comfort requirement.
yep
that is going to be an issue with any Jeep
I had a '97 Cherokee with the 4 litre straight six. 300,000 kms of abuse (all run on LPG) and no problems worth mentioning. I'd have another Jeep today if I was paying for my own car [thumbsup].
I would love the LPG conversion for my TJ
A guy that runs a suzuki samurai with my pops runs LPG
his only complaint was the fuel mileage
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206945_190796310964438_100001022103264_518569_1077286_n.jpg)
Quote from: Jacob on April 12, 2011, 07:48:31 PM
Don't tell anyone
but
I like the liberty
for reasons I can't identify
I like the new ones.
DJ..Tucson is a perfect place to have a Jeep! Get it!! [thumbsup]
Argh..I've still got the Jeep 4 Dr Wrangler on my mind.
CJ7 would be schweet.
the stupid make the beast with two backsing window motors . I have had 2 jeeps and loved em both, but have replaced every windw motor in my 02 grand cherokee
Quote from: brix821 on April 12, 2011, 09:17:31 PM
the stupid make the beast with two backsing window motors . I have had 2 jeeps and loved em both, but have replaced every windw motor in my 02 grand cherokee
HAHA! thats what I read on the jeep forums. The major issues are the window motors nad the transfer cases.
Quote from: muskrat on April 12, 2011, 08:52:12 PM
CJ7 would be schweet.
I'd love one, but like most of the other options it doesn't fit the wife's comfort meter. I know it's a jeep, but you can still be somewhat comfy in pillowy heated leather seats 8)
Quote from: Jacob on April 12, 2011, 08:14:48 PM
I would love the LPG conversion for my TJ
A guy that runs a suzuki samurai with my pops runs LPG
his only complaint was the fuel mileage
Yeah... I found that you do use about 20% more LPG than if running the same vehicle on petrol (which for the purposes of confusion you call gas [laugh]). But in my part of the world LPG costs less than half the price of petrol so its still very worthwhile. My current company car is a 4 litre Ford Falcon factory built to run on LPG, no petrol burning capability onboard at all - just dont run out of fuel or its a tow truck [bang].
I have an 04 grand Cherokee. Its my third Jeep. I got the 04 because it was the last year they used the straight 6 4 liter. After that they have a mini van motor. The 05 newer style has horrible reviews on the transmission. These motors last forever. My last one went 200k+ with nothing more than brakes, oil, and exhaust. My friend bought a 2011 grand Cherokee and wow is that a nice truck.
Let us know what you get.
I'd love to have my '99 Wrangler Sahara back.....
as veryone has stated the straight 6 4.o is the way to go!
I've got a 99XJ. 130k on it so far and still running good. I know certain model 00 and 01 4.0's had a bad cylinder head that was prone to crack. Might want to check on the grand Cherokee's head if in that year range. I'd like a to sell mine, but only to replace it with an 05 or 06 LJ rubicon. But who knows, I could keep mine for a lot longer.
I've got a 2005 Unlimited with the 6 speed stick, 154,000 miles.
Its had to have things like u joints replaced a couple times, a few starters, O2 sensors, rear main seal (which needs to be replaced again >:(), wheel hubs, axle seals, tie rods, ball joints, brakes, control arm bushings. It has the gas overflow problem. Which is gas burps out of the filler hole after the gas pump shuts off. It has some electrical gremlin the shows it head once in a awhile but then goes away.
The extra room is awsome, and it can tow a vw on a tow dolly no problem. I also have awesome plans for mounting a 8" sub and amp inside the rear seat, which makes tunes sounds awesome. I get 15 +/- mpg on the highway with 31" tires.
Quote from: Scooter Montgomery on April 13, 2011, 08:06:56 AM
I've got a 2005 Unlimited with the 6 speed stick, 154,000 miles.
Its had to have things like u joints replaced a couple times, a few starters, O2 sensors, rear main seal (which needs to be replaced again >:(), wheel hubs, axle seals, tie rods, ball joints, brakes, control arm bushings. It has the gas overflow problem. Which is gas burps out of the filler hole after the gas pump shuts off. It has some electrical gremlin the shows it head once in a awhile but then goes away.
did you buy it used?
that sounds like the prior owner offroaded it a lot without swapping the boots on the axles.
I bought it brand new and have only gone off road (fire trail) with it once.
Quote from: Scooter Montgomery on April 13, 2011, 12:37:23 PM
I bought it brand new and have only gone off road (fire trail) with it once.
well, what can you say? they aren't the same company since Chrysler bought them and killed the AMC I6
I dunno, sounds extreme to me for all that to go bad on a front end at once
Did you find it all or was it the mechanic?
I've done everything myself (probably most of my problem [roll]). To be honest I did the tie rods at 100k, whether they needed it or not. I had the time and the money and was trying to be proactive on mantaince.
I did have to upgrade the track bar bolt that attachs to the axle to 1/2" grade 8, to get rid of a bunch of play.
Now I get a vibration that varies, think of an unbalanced tire that sometime goes away. I'm thinking this could be a bad or going bad u joint at wheel hub.
I also get a a lot of clunking from the front while driving over rough paved roads. I'm thinking this a bad control arm bushing.
Current Wranglers & Libertys made Forbes "Worst Car" list:
http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/13/mercedes-gm-chrysler-nissan-business-autos-worst-cars.html (http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/13/mercedes-gm-chrysler-nissan-business-autos-worst-cars.html)
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2011, 07:41:45 AM
Current Wranglers & Libertys made Forbes "Worst Car" list:
http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/13/mercedes-gm-chrysler-nissan-business-autos-worst-cars.html (http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/13/mercedes-gm-chrysler-nissan-business-autos-worst-cars.html)
LOL, biased? [coffee]
Quote from: Scooter Montgomery on April 14, 2011, 06:43:46 AM
I've done everything myself (probably most of my problem [roll]). To be honest I did the tie rods at 100k, whether they needed it or not. I had the time and the money and was trying to be proactive on mantaince.
I did have to upgrade the track bar bolt that attachs to the axle to 1/2" grade 8, to get rid of a bunch of play.
Now I get a vibration that varies, think of an unbalanced tire that sometime goes away. I'm thinking this could be a bad or going bad u joint at wheel hub.
bad u joint would squeal. they won't intermittently vibrate.
QuoteI also get a a lot of clunking from the front while driving over rough paved roads. I'm thinking this a bad control arm bushing.
could be, or a sway bar bush or even the shock bushes.
Quote from: ducatiz on April 14, 2011, 09:03:56 AM
bad u joint would squeal. they won't intermittently vibrate.
Never had a u joint squeal, always noticed them going out with an intermittent grinding vibration.
However, at point of replacement, no needle bearings, cups had multiple fractures and shafts radically out of round, could be that they squealed before this condition but detecting a squeal over the other squeaks and rattles is difficult.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2011, 07:41:45 AM
Current Wranglers & Libertys made Forbes "Worst Car" list:
http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/13/mercedes-gm-chrysler-nissan-business-autos-worst-cars.html (http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/13/mercedes-gm-chrysler-nissan-business-autos-worst-cars.html)
Reliable is boring
Quote from: Jacob on April 14, 2011, 11:03:24 AM
Never had a u joint squeal, always noticed them going out with an intermittent grinding vibration.
I might be thinking of a spindle bearing then. I don't remember the last time I had a U joint fail now that I think about it.
Quote from: Jacob on April 14, 2011, 11:05:44 AM
Reliable is boring
Not if it is a booty call.
Quote from: ducducgooseme on April 14, 2011, 09:00:33 AM
LOL, biased? [coffee]
Is that directed at me? Or the article?
I only posted it as there was discussion on here about how the newer Jeeps weren't as good as the old ones, and this article pretty much says the same thing.
I also find it funny how the spokespeople for GM and Chrysler are basically saying, "yes, we built crap then, but we're not building crap now".
Quote from: Jacob on April 14, 2011, 11:05:44 AM
Reliable is boring
If you're capable and willing to spend the time or money fixing things, this is true.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2011, 11:48:29 AM
Is that directed at me? Or the article?
I only posted it as there was discussion on here about how the newer Jeeps weren't as good as the old ones, and this article pretty much says the same thing.
I also find it funny how the spokespeople for GM and Chrysler are basically saying, "yes, we built crap then, but we're not building crap now".
Well they are not building crap now. They shut down most of the factories in Michigan and now pay other people to build it for them.
Hmm... I've never had one squeal before, I have heard that the ball in the cardigan joint will give you the angry sparrow when it goes bad. I have only had roller bearing that magically got replaced with rust and dust.
The shocks aren't that old, since I have replaced them. They are BDS's, with the poly bushings but I will check those out. Thanks for the advice.
The vibration is just weird. Definately only happens while rolling only.
Quote from: ducatiz on April 14, 2011, 11:50:29 AM
Well they are not building crap now. They shut down most of the factories in Michigan and now pay other people to build it for them.
Really?
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/video-dodge-durango-catches-fire-during-d-c-cherry-blossom-par/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/video-dodge-durango-catches-fire-during-d-c-cherry-blossom-par/)
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/2011-dodge-challenger-torched-on-assembly-line-due-to-unattended/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/2011-dodge-challenger-torched-on-assembly-line-due-to-unattended/)
But this does look interesting...
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/jeep-grand-cherokee-to-get-3-0l-diesel-v6-in-north-america-by-20/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/jeep-grand-cherokee-to-get-3-0l-diesel-v6-in-north-america-by-20/)
Too bad it is 2 years out. :-\
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2011, 11:57:35 AM
Really?
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/video-dodge-durango-catches-fire-during-d-c-cherry-blossom-par/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/video-dodge-durango-catches-fire-during-d-c-cherry-blossom-par/)
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/2011-dodge-challenger-torched-on-assembly-line-due-to-unattended/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/2011-dodge-challenger-torched-on-assembly-line-due-to-unattended/)
let me restate my comment:
Quote from: ducatiz on April 14, 2011, 11:50:29 AM
Well they are not building crap now. They shut down most of the factories in Michigan and now pay other people to build CRAP for them.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2011, 11:59:44 AM
But this does look interesting...
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/jeep-grand-cherokee-to-get-3-0l-diesel-v6-in-north-america-by-20/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/jeep-grand-cherokee-to-get-3-0l-diesel-v6-in-north-america-by-20/)
Too bad it is 2 years out. :-\
they had that very configuration in 2008 but pulled it mid year. I am pretty sure it was only 43-state legal. they announced it again for 2009 but never came out:
http://www.jeep.com/en/2009/grand_cherokee/capability/efficiency/ (http://www.jeep.com/en/2009/grand_cherokee/capability/efficiency/)
QuoteThe 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine for the 2008 Jeep® Grand Cherokee incorporates advanced technology that results in excellent fuel economy and driving range.
Meanwhile, the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Liberty are all available in diesel for export versions.
Of course, you can buy the old XJ with the AMC PowerTech I6 ... if you live in China...
[evil]
One in matte black..
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m45/jeepdude25/Jeep_J8__5_.jpg)
A Wrangler with a long wheelbase is something I still view of as wrong, just my lame opinion
Here's one for sale in Denver...
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2329503862.html (http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2329503862.html)
It's a Monster!!! Complete with bomb in the backseat
Quote from: alfisti on April 17, 2011, 05:27:36 AM
Here's one for sale in Denver...
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2329503862.html (http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2329503862.html)
It's a Monster!!! Complete with bomb in the backseat
Back in high school, my friend's first ride was a '52 Willys Jeep. The gas tank was under the driver's seat in that. [cheeky]
Quote from: alfisti on April 17, 2011, 05:27:36 AM
Here's one for sale in Denver...
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2329503862.html (http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2329503862.html)
It's a Monster!!! Complete with bomb in the backseat
That ad was painful to read.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 17, 2011, 06:19:53 AM
That ad was painful to read.
Agreed, I'm all for handicapped people using the internet, but that was just terrible!
In regards to the Jeep, as an Iranian-American man living in the US I dont think it's wise to drive around in a car with a "bomb in the back seat" ...just sayin.
I did find THIS (http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/2307499223.html (http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/2307499223.html)) about 4 hours from me. The guy wants 5800 for it, but it is in dire need of tires (at least 500-700 $$) and a good detail (the pics he emailed me of the interior look like he hasnt cleaned it in a year or two.)
With that said, I was thinking of tossing him an offer of 5k, since I've got to pay for tires and cleaning, as well as going 8hrs round trip to get it. Thoughts? Insulting? well played?
No not insulting at all
around here that price is high for a 99
I'd go for it
On a good note my LJ made it from Southern NH to Albany just fine towing my great aunt's 94 vw passat behind it on a tow dolly. It's not a 3/4 tons dually but it gets the job done.
<threadjack>
can anyone (of you jeep nuts) tell me if the Comanche truck came in a crew or extended cab model?
i love the look of that truck and want one, but I need a bigger cab.
</threadjack>
Quote from: lethe on April 17, 2011, 05:12:28 AM
A Wrangler with a long wheelbase is something I still view of as wrong, just my lame opinion
+1000
If you want four doors and cush look elsewhere. [cheeky]
That, and don't look at anything past a TJ if you want a "real" (traditional) Jeep.
Quote from: ducatiz on April 18, 2011, 04:52:48 AM
<threadjack>
can anyone (of you jeep nuts) tell me if the Comanche truck came in a crew or extended cab model?
i love the look of that truck and want one, but I need a bigger cab.
</threadjack>
Not in the US
And not anywhere else I can find
It should be an easy enough modification
By simply shortening up an old Wagoneer and tossing on a J10 bed to a full size frame of your choice.
Little added difficulty using a Cherokee but still doable
Quote from: Jacob on April 18, 2011, 07:48:03 AM
Not in the US
And not anywhere else I can find
It should be an easy enough modification
By simply shortening up an old Wagoneer and tossing on a J10 bed to a full size frame of your choice.
Little added difficulty using a Cherokee but still doable
i prefer the old Cherokee/Comanche body style. I guess I could do the same with a Cherokee.. chop it and put a bed on it, but the bed would have to be shortened..
Quote from: Jacob on April 18, 2011, 07:48:03 AM
Not in the US
And not anywhere else I can find
It should be an easy enough modification
By simply shortening up an old Wagoneer and tossing on a J10 bed to a full size frame of your choice.
Little added difficulty using a Cherokee but still doable
I've had thoughts of resurrecting my old Wagoneer sort of like this. I figured a small bed behind the rear doors sort of like an Avalanche. Might do it one of these days.
God damn it.
Now you guys have me thinking about digging one of my Jeeps out and playing with it this summer.
That's the last thing I need to be dumping money into right now.
>:(
this is the hobby you are looking for...
A Jeep truck you say?
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/pickuptrucks-com-gets-first-drive-of-jeep-jk-8-pickup-conversion/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/pickuptrucks-com-gets-first-drive-of-jeep-jk-8-pickup-conversion/)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/000-jeep-wrangler-jk-8-independence-truck.jpg)