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)

[jelo]

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

Don't do it unless you have money to burn. Yes, the WJ GC looks good on paper, but consider the following:

- if you don't get the Overland, you must buy body and under-body protection
- if you want to do anything more than a mild trail, you HAVE to upgrade the suspension: the stock control arms and suspension bushes are truly pathetic
- you'll have to upgrade the front prop-shaft to a double cardan UJ prop
- the 4.7 V8 is a weak piece of sponge cheese: a Chev LS1 is a better engine
- the auto gearbox is seriously expensive to repair and also is very finicky when it comes to heat and oil
- the trutracks in the axles also want nice expensive oil

I would say rather buy an old Wrangler, less to spend in the long run.

[jelo]

@Thys: having spent R50k on my WJ last year, and with a quote pending for a hole in the block, I must agree with Paul: run away, run far.

@Penthouseninja: exactly! Massive sensor and electrical issues with OBD errors all over the place.

I say again: buy a good used Wrangler and be done.

OR BUY AN OLD LANDY!

[Rolf]

@Thys: having spent R50k on my WJ last year, and with a quote pending for a hole in the block, I must agree with Paul: run away, run far.

@Penthouseninja: exactly! Massive sensor and electrical issues with OBD errors all over the place.

I say again: buy a good used Wrangler and be done.

OR BUY AN OLD LANDY!

That is what I said. 8)

[ChrisTarby]

I must disagree with Jelo on a few issues.

The V8 is a solid piece of engineering that regularly runs over 500, 000km's before requiring overhauls. As far as the cooling issues go with it, it needs to be properly bled or else you shall have a problem. Mine has never overheated.

The gearbox is also a stout old thing that does service in the Chrysler Voyager, Dodge trucks and various others that has also been around for many years and proven itself over and over again - the only differences in them are the electronic controls and valves, but otherwise the gearbox is bullet proof - it does like decent lubricants though, and if a previous owner fudged on that score you will pay for a rebuild. Usually the biggest problem with these boxes are one of the three main sensors packing up, and they are less than a grand each from the agents.

Yes, mine has a myriad of silly problems, but at over three hundred thousand k's, she is still in wonderful condition. I have returned fuel consumption figures of less than 11/100km on a trip that included some serious off road work too, so the V8 can return good consumption.

Offroad, not much can stop her, and I disagree with it needing a lift and underbody protection - ask Kobus what he's done in his stock GC.

Check it out before you buy, and make sure you get a decent warranty, but they are great vehicles if it is not a lemon, and all makes have lemons, so check it out thoroughly before hand, as you would do before buying any second hand car.

[jelo]

Ja Chris, as with all vehicles, experiences will be different.

ALL THINGS BEING PERFECT, the GC is a nice vehicle.

I love ours, but this specific vehicle is not a good example for some reason.

It was used by Jeep SA as a demo for several years, maybe that's why it has failures that are out of sync with the mileage.

It had a full AA test prior to taking ownership. It was bought from a dealer that used it as a dealer principle runabout.

Full service history, full traceable ownership history.

I'll say again: good on paper, but unless you a) get a good one by luck and b) have a good warranty, then buyer beware!

Anybody have a rebuilt short block for me? Seems like ours dropped a con-rod. (They do that as well, quite often apparently)

[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.

[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.

[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...