Re: Upgrading from Duster, but to what?

Originally Posted by
Hooly
I can tell you what I did. Went from a new Duster to a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (Not the Grand Cherokee)
Reasons:
The 3.2 Pentastar is the same engine as in the 3.6 Grand Cherokee and Wrangler just slightly detuned.
It is VERY capable, in fact it's the most capable crossover on the market. It has low range, rear diff-lock and a very smart traction control system with selec-speed where you can set the speed for hill ascend and descend a sort of 4x4 cruise control that works brilliantly! Google some videos and you will see what I mean by calling it very capable with some minor modifications.
It's not as bulky as the Grand Cherokee but it's as comfortable and luxurious. It is full of tech.
The best thing about them is that because they are not that popular in SA you can pick them up for very reasonable prices and low mileage. I paid almost R300k below the list price for a brand new one!
Fuel consumption is not too bad for a 200kw v6 4x4. I average between 8-9km/l in mixed driving which is about the same as a diesel Fortuner, Everest and other bakkie based SUV's. I speak from experience having owned, 2 Fortuner's, a Hilux, 2 Navara's, and currently an Everest.
I have also owned a Jeep Wrangler 3.6 SWB, although they are serious fun and I love them, I can describe the ride as quirky and not for everyone. The Cherokee on the other hand is super comfortable, it looks a bit quirky though!
Place this one on your testdrive list, I am sure you will be impressed, just make sure it's the Trailhawk version, normal Cherokees have a similar system to other soft roaders.
That is an interesting option. Does the trailhawk have air suspensions? e.g can you increase clearance? How has your experience been wrt service and mechanical issues? What does the trailhawk trim compete with? I can't think of any other unibody SUVs with similar Offroad specs
Ben S.
"Sometimes when I close my eyes, I am blind"
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