Is Jeep Grand Cherokee good starter 4x4 ?

[2CooL]

Hi There

I have recently purchased a Jeep Patriot, but have been dying to go offroad.
But I know it has limitations, so rather want to get a second vehicle to start playing with.

Was looking at the Wrangler's originally, but is just to expensive for now.
So had a look at some decent Jeep Grand Cherokee's.

What should I go Diesel or Petrol ? (would be awesome to go V8!)
Is there any specific models which are better, any model with issues ?
Should I look at the ones with modifications or without ?

[offroading-net]

What year Grand are you looking at?

I'd say get a 99'04 Grand petrol, avoid the diesels, they aren't as reliable.

[2CooL]

I have a couple I'm looking at, basically 2001-2005.
Any specific things check be prepared for on high mileage ? (133000-220000)

[jdjoubert]

Yes, if you are looking for a 99 to 2004 Grand Cherokee.... they are awesome. I also say get the V8 if you can. Fuel consumption is about the same (if you dont abuse the throttle)

When I was new on this forum I had a very similar question to yours. (Its a bit of a loooong thread though)

http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/...ead.php?t=6363

[2CooL]

Was looking at 2001-2005.
Yeah it seems the diesels have some major repairs, checked the Known Jeep issues pages.

Any major repairs/checks to do/plan for regarding high mileage ? (130000-200000)
I'm going to try and get one with lower KM's,but you never know.

[2CooL]

Thanks JDJoubert, will have a read....seens there's a lot of info
What did you end up buying ?

[ThysleRoux]

What they said.

[HennieZJ]

+1

You may consider the 4.0L straight six Limited as well. Not much difference in fuel consumption between the six and the V8. I just love mine.

[KobusM]

Excellent vehicle and very capable off road! Cheap to buy too.

[XJ Junkie]

@2CooL.....what are you looking at spending?

[2CooL]

@XJ Junkie - Hi, I'm looking to spend somewhere between 80k and 120k, depending on the deal.

[Rolf]

@XJ Junkie - Hi, I'm looking to spend somewhere between 80k and 120k, depending on the deal.

For that money I'd look around and find a Wrangler.

Little over a year ago I bough my wife a Patriot. Fantastic vehicle and we both love it. You can get 2" lift coils for it from Murchison in Aus for around R5k wich lifts it to the same height as a stock Rubicon. With the 4x4 lock and centre locking differential it really is quite a capable vehicle but remains a softroader without lowrange and relatively small wheels.

Three months ago I bought myself a 2003 Wrangler and I LOVE IT! As a toy it is superb. I have done Groenkloof twice. Last week I did Hennops Pride and yesterday I did Hennops. It was an absolute blast. I'm not saying the Cherokee is bad or that you should not get it but the Wrangler surely makes a much better toy.

[Mad Manny]

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good starter 4x4 ?
2Cool, regarding your question "Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good starter 4x4 ?"
All Jeeps are good starter 4x4's.

Once you gain experiance & become more adventurous go to 'www.toyota.co.za'





Only joking guys...

[Rolf]

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good starter 4x4 ?
2Cool, regarding your question "Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good starter 4x4 ?"
All Jeeps are good starter 4x4's.

Once you gain experiance & become more adventurous go to 'www.toyota.co.za'





Only joking guys...

You are welcome to bring you Unfortuner around for us to compare

[offroading-net]

+1

You may consider the 4.0L straight six Limited as well. Not much difference in fuel consumption between the six and the V8. I just love mine.

I didn't realise you got the 4litre Grand in SA. Go with the I-6 over the v8, it is a much more robust engine, old tech iron engine but will run for ever (one of mine is on 228k miles with just servicing). Yes the MPG is similar to the v8 and and it has a little less power but they are very easy to service and take lots of abuse. Stick a decent free flow exhaust & air filter and the match a v8 for sound too.

[HennieZJ]

I didn't realise you got the 4litre Grand in SA. Go with the I-6 over the v8, it is a much more robust engine, old tech iron engine but will run for ever (one of mine is on 228k miles with just servicing). Yes the MPG is similar to the v8 and and it has a little less power but they are very easy to service and take lots of abuse. Stick a decent free flow exhaust & air filter and the match a v8 for sound too.

Yes Mike, I think from 1999 to well in the 2000's, while the WJ shape was still available. Agreed, bit less power than the V8, but still a joy to drive. Mainenance is realatively cheap and can be done by yourself. Mine is nearing 200 000kms (about 700kms to go). Same 4.0L as the late model XJ's and same Gearbox and transfer case as the early model V8 WJ's.

[jdjoubert]

Due to the popularity of the V8's, I had to settle for a 4.0 six cylinder.

It was GOOD, but when towing or climbing a long steep uphill the 4.0 litre constantly dropped out of overdrive as it lacked a couple of horses. Other than that it was GREAT !!

....until the gearbox went. The guy I sold the Jeep to says he's happy as pig in poopoo and the Jeep never skipped a beat again. (Murphy did not like me very much)

I now drive again a 4.0 but its a Cherokee and not a Grand. Its a lot lighter than the Grand so I dont get the overdrive problem that much. Only when towing the camper trailer.

[jdjoubert]

Oh, and get the Limited. The 2000 or 2001 model GC has more features in it than a 2011 Unfortuner.

[japspeed]

May I respectfully disagree, and I love Jeeps !
Have had 3 Jeeps - 2 XJ 4.0's - excellent and unstoppable. Basic tech, last forever, excellent offroad.
My 05 WJ Laredo GC V8 -ah, there's a story. Bought it used with 98000km's on it, in two months, cost me R25000 in repairs that never repaired the thing, and I did most of the work myself.
The interior was immaculate, took a quick test drive when I bought it, sucked on the little old lady previous owner bull from the dealer, and bought it.
Replaced front discs, pads,(I think the discs were R2000 each) removed 2 blocked cats, bought the "correct" fluids from the dealer (R5000 for ATF, tfr case fluid, diff fluid and friction modifier for both diffs as fluids had never been changed - yup, thats what you have to pay for Mopar fluids).
Driveline vibration better than a Thai massage - both front and rear balanced, did nothing. Cardan slip joint replaced, same story.
Front diff overhauled to try and stop the whine - carrier bearings, pinion and crush sleeve, all new seals: result: worse oil leak from behind front unit hub.
This was the one thing that Jeep did themselves. Went back 3 times - eventually told me I need a new crown wheel and pinion - would have had to have sold my first born for muti to pay for that.
Oh yes - you can't buy wheel bearings seperately - had
to replace the whole front R/H hub - which I had already done - in the region of R3k for one.
Then discovered all suspension bushes were shot, and I mean all. Could move control arms up and down by hand.
I could carry on and on, but I think you get the general drift, Yes Quadradrive offroad is awesome, the power is great, but every day the car would thrill me with a new noise/vibration/graunching/MIL light on, (replaced O2 sensors as well).
Anyway, because I loved the car I carried on pouring money into it until SWAMBO threatened to burn it, with me strapped to the overheating radiator.
Now gone - Jeep, not SWAMBO. Luckily with new CPA, dealer took it back and refunded me. But not the R25 I spent on it.
So - if you want a Grand - please think twice.They are complex, parts are insanely expensive, dealers are clueless, and it will give you 4-5 km/l if you drive like Stephen Hawking.
Rather look at an XJ 4.0l.
Cheers,
Paul

[Rolf]

Due to the popularity of the V8's, I had to settle for a 4.0 six cylinder.

It was GOOD, but when towing or climbing a long steep uphill the 4.0 litre constantly dropped out of overdrive as it lacked a couple of horses. Other than that it was GREAT !!

....until the gearbox went. The guy I sold the Jeep to says he's happy as pig in poopoo and the Jeep never skipped a beat again. (Murphy did not like me very much)

I now drive again a 4.0 but its a Cherokee and not a Grand. Its a lot lighter than the Grand so I dont get the overdrive problem that much. Only when towing the camper trailer.

Surely you are supposed to switch the O/D off when towing?