Need vehicle opinions - Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

So I'm thinking about breaking my streak of buying minivans at 5, and am considering a small SUV. I like the style of the 99-02 years, and they're in my price range.

Anyone have experiences with these? There seems to be a lot of them out there. I'm leaning towards one with the IL 6 cyl since it probably does better on gas and the V8 is really crammed in there and likely a bitch to work on.

Thoughts?

This one looks good


http://static.cargurus.com/images/si...pic-20068.jpeg

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 225,000 miles. I have the 4.0 liter straight six engine.

All the old beat to shit Jeeps you see on the road (even the old square body Cherokees) have that straight six engine. That engine design goes all the was back to the original Hudson Hornet automobile. Except now, they're fuel injected.

Jeeps are hard on batteries, brakes and are prone to electrical issues. I've replaced three of the four power window motors, had problems with the instrument cluster for windows and mirrors on the driver door, had to put in a new seat -the power seat frame is notorious for breaking, bad welds. But the power train has been great, and haven't had any spots on the body rust through.

Gas mileage on a six is actually just a couple miles better than a V8, but the engine is much more reliable and easier to work on.

Unless you plan to tow something, you really don't need the V8.

Dude, you have no idea how much I wish I was buying that instead.

Oh, I had to rebuild the rear axle on mine twice. Once at 80,000 miles, and again at 200,000 miles. This last time it cost about $700.

225k and no transmission issues? That's what really scares me with any Chrysler product.

The electrical gremlins can be frustrating too, I've fought them with my latest Caravan. The must be a ChryCo thing as well.

Luckily, my transmission has been OK. I've had it serviced a couple times by Certified, but just as routine maintenance.

I had a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee before the 2002 I own now. It got a motor mount broken, and I had to get that fixed. I sold it with about 150,000 miles on it. The guy who bought it in 2002 is still driving it. I see it every once in awhile out here in my home town.

Stay away from the V8 in any Jeep, and if you must buy a jeep, buy a 4 liter inline 6 and nothing else.

Plan to fix the following:
-Radiator hoses
-Anything electrical

Plan to replace/change frequently:
-Spark Plugs
-Front/Rear Diff fluids

Enjoy the following:
-Driving in Snow
-Driving on Ice
-Driving through a creek
-Rock Crawling
-Your new assortment of Tow Chains, Hooks, and Ropes
-Your friends loving you in snow season for free pull outs
-Lots of hi-fives for owning a 4 liter inline 6 jeep

What you wont' enjoy:
-Gas Mileage
-Squeaks and rattles
-Having friends call you all the time to pull them out

Ugh. How bad of gas mileage are we talking here?

My biggest problem with Jeeps is they never have enough room to cram my big ass in them. I've never once ridden in a Jeep with adequate leg room. IIRC, you're not that much shorter than I am. Make sure you drive one good and far before you cut the check.

Jeeps have never been known for their good gas mileage.

On my 2002, I usually get about 18 city, about 21 highway. Mine is leaking a little bit of oil now, lose about 1/2 quart every 5,000 miles. No biggie.

They're solid. As others have said, the inline six is the way to go.

All great and valid advice! PLUS on a Jeep...a little damage only gives it character!!

On the regular Cherokees, the auto tranny is an Aisin transmission and is really solid (also used in some Toyota pickups of that vintage). Don't know if that's the case with the Grand Cherokees with the 4.0L, though.