Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - thoughts?
Discussion
I fancy a GC SRT8 and have been trawling the net for reviews and opinions. (2006-2010 6.1 V8 model)
The comments vary between a mixed bag of very positive and very negative. Does anyone on here actually own one who could give me a real idea of what they are like?
I was planning to get a L322 Range Rover for c.15k but these look great value in comparison and certainly a lot quicker! I want to go and test drive one but given the nearest is 250 miles from me I'm trying to do some internet research first....
The comments vary between a mixed bag of very positive and very negative. Does anyone on here actually own one who could give me a real idea of what they are like?
I was planning to get a L322 Range Rover for c.15k but these look great value in comparison and certainly a lot quicker! I want to go and test drive one but given the nearest is 250 miles from me I'm trying to do some internet research first....
Very dependent on what you intend to do with it. The SRT-8 GC has zero off-road or towing capability when compared to a Range Rover. The unadjustable four-wheel drive system and open diffs make it strictly a road car.
I have driven many miles in them and own a 300C with the same motor.
Mechanically, they are pretty unbreakable.
Routine service (oil and filters) is a very simple DIY job.
For the size and weight of the vehicle, performance is highly impressive - bone stock, it will 0-60mph in sub 5 seconds and run up to a genuine 160mph - they are very grippy and neutral handling also.
Brakes are formidable, steering feel, less so.
Conversely they are very thirsty. Expect no better than 14mpg - ever.
The interior appointments will be disappointing to some - though quietness and ride quality are better than average for a mid-size SUV (until you get on it, of course).
Models with central exhaust outlets cannot accommodate towing hitch.
Not as big inside as it should be.
Tires are very expensive - and don't last long.
Summary - if you can find one for respectable money (not many shipped to UK) - they are a lot of fun - but (like most things) flawed in some ways.
I have driven many miles in them and own a 300C with the same motor.
Mechanically, they are pretty unbreakable.
Routine service (oil and filters) is a very simple DIY job.
For the size and weight of the vehicle, performance is highly impressive - bone stock, it will 0-60mph in sub 5 seconds and run up to a genuine 160mph - they are very grippy and neutral handling also.
Brakes are formidable, steering feel, less so.
Conversely they are very thirsty. Expect no better than 14mpg - ever.
The interior appointments will be disappointing to some - though quietness and ride quality are better than average for a mid-size SUV (until you get on it, of course).
Models with central exhaust outlets cannot accommodate towing hitch.
Not as big inside as it should be.
Tires are very expensive - and don't last long.
Summary - if you can find one for respectable money (not many shipped to UK) - they are a lot of fun - but (like most things) flawed in some ways.
Matt Harper said:
Models with central exhaust outlets cannot accommodate towing hitch.
I beg to differ young man 
You can get a removable tow hitch towbar that sits above the exhaust and exits inbetween the exhaust and bumper I've fitted several now
However you are right about the offroad capabilities there pretty shocking for a jeep but still probably the funniest way of getting stuck
The tow pack is interesting - I'm not bothered about going off road in it but I would want to tow my dirt bike about.
14mpg sounds a bit steep. I get the same out of my RR Classic which I can live with given the low mileage I do but was hoping to use this on the longer runs a few times a year. Was hoping to get around 20mpg on the motorway - is this not an option?
If I get one i'll be looking for a keen price. I can't imagine it'll be an easy sell on when I've had my fun and petrol has become even more expensive!
14mpg sounds a bit steep. I get the same out of my RR Classic which I can live with given the low mileage I do but was hoping to use this on the longer runs a few times a year. Was hoping to get around 20mpg on the motorway - is this not an option?
If I get one i'll be looking for a keen price. I can't imagine it'll be an easy sell on when I've had my fun and petrol has become even more expensive!
Matt Harper said:
I stand corrected - I don't know of a Mopar tow kit for this vehicle (not to say it doesn't exist) - are we talking factory approved accessory here?
Not uk or euro approved I think but I'm sure its approved for the states who I have a feeling you can get it from mopar in the states
I'll have a look on my computer later to dig out some info for you Matt
BIST0 said:
Was hoping to get around 20mpg on the motorway - is this not an option?
If it's any consolation, the 14mpg is US gallons - and that would be an overall figure.My SRT-8 has a fairly conservative ECU/TCU upgrade (via a Diablo Predator) and a cat-back, Zoomer exhaust. It runs 0-60 consistent mid 4 sec (remember the Jeep holeshots way better due to 4x4) and runs high 11/low 12 (depending on who's driving, how full the gas-tank is, tire pressures, track temp - the usual).
My car averages 15 overall - but very, very easily dips into single figures when I drive it hard.
You could consider a 5.7 hemi GC, which has MDS (the 6.1 doesn't) - but you will also lose a lot of torque, hp, brakes and handling prowess.
New GC SRT-8 has 6.4 liters, 470hp and cylinder de-activation - but will be around GBP55k when it gets there...
Matt Harper said:
If it's any consolation, the 14mpg is US gallons - and that would be an overall figure.
My SRT-8 has a fairly conservative ECU/TCU upgrade (via a Diablo Predator) and a cat-back, Zoomer exhaust. It runs 0-60 consistent mid 4 sec (remember the Jeep holeshots way better due to 4x4) and runs high 11/low 12 (depending on who's driving, how full the gas-tank is, tire pressures, track temp - the usual).
My car averages 15 overall - but very, very easily dips into single figures when I drive it hard.
You could consider a 5.7 hemi GC, which has MDS (the 6.1 doesn't) - but you will also lose a lot of torque, hp, brakes and handling prowess.
New GC SRT-8 has 6.4 liters, 470hp and cylinder de-activation - but will be around GBP55k when it gets there...
Thanks for the info - very useful. Sounds like there are plenty of tuning options out there also so much fun potential... A louder cat back exhaust would definately be a necessity. I still miss the sound of my old Corvette C5 with SLP Loudmouths!My SRT-8 has a fairly conservative ECU/TCU upgrade (via a Diablo Predator) and a cat-back, Zoomer exhaust. It runs 0-60 consistent mid 4 sec (remember the Jeep holeshots way better due to 4x4) and runs high 11/low 12 (depending on who's driving, how full the gas-tank is, tire pressures, track temp - the usual).
My car averages 15 overall - but very, very easily dips into single figures when I drive it hard.
You could consider a 5.7 hemi GC, which has MDS (the 6.1 doesn't) - but you will also lose a lot of torque, hp, brakes and handling prowess.
New GC SRT-8 has 6.4 liters, 470hp and cylinder de-activation - but will be around GBP55k when it gets there...
If I get one it will have to be the SRT I think. I'd want the full package.
BIST0 said:
Thanks for the info - very useful. Sounds like there are plenty of tuning options out there also so much fun potential... A louder cat back exhaust would definately be a necessity. I still miss the sound of my old Corvette C5 with SLP Loudmouths!
If I get one it will have to be the SRT I think. I'd want the full package.
bear in mind that the new 6.4 ECU hasn't been cracked for tuning yet, if you would buy one...If I get one it will have to be the SRT I think. I'd want the full package.
Not bought one as yet. There weren't any for sale any where near me to look at and in parallel we've replaced the Legacy with a Volvo XC90 for the wife. So i'm now thinking that I should now probably buy something not only with a massive engine but stupidly impractical also 
Getting a bit bored of thinking about it all really. I do like Yanks so if I stumble across something up here that takes my fancy I may just buy it!
Getting a bit bored of thinking about it all really. I do like Yanks so if I stumble across something up here that takes my fancy I may just buy it!
BIST0 said:
Not bought one as yet. There weren't any for sale any where near me to look at and in parallel we've replaced the Legacy with a Volvo XC90 for the wife. So i'm now thinking that I should now probably buy something not only with a massive engine but stupidly impractical also
Getting a bit bored of thinking about it all really. I do like Yanks so if I stumble across something up here that takes my fancy I may just buy it!
anyone know when they are going to be released in the UKGetting a bit bored of thinking about it all really. I do like Yanks so if I stumble across something up here that takes my fancy I may just buy it!
Not sure about the uk but I just picked up my new mineral grey 2012 srt jeep and it's wicked!
Having driven a vw touareg v8 for the last 4 years build quality is similar, much nicer ride, massively quicker and generally fantastic
However it does only cost me about 25 quid to fill her up in Dubai ! Not sure i would want that fuel bill in uk!
55k is a lot of money they are about 60k usd in usa , I paid just shy of 45k equivalent here.
Having driven a vw touareg v8 for the last 4 years build quality is similar, much nicer ride, massively quicker and generally fantastic
However it does only cost me about 25 quid to fill her up in Dubai ! Not sure i would want that fuel bill in uk!
55k is a lot of money they are about 60k usd in usa , I paid just shy of 45k equivalent here.
Right well after the run around and stonewalling I've received regarding finding a demo I can see why people get pissed with dealers. As the srt8 is a factory order only vehicle no dealers are willing to stump up the money to buy any in or demo without a signed order. You could try ringing chrysler customer services 00800 1692 1692 and see if chrysler uk can put you on to a demo but I ended up talking to some tard that couldn't even tell me if there was a demo available. Just buy the RR sport dude you might get some semi decent customer service then.
chryslerben said:
Right well after the run around and stonewalling I've received regarding finding a demo I can see why people get pissed with dealers. As the srt8 is a factory order only vehicle no dealers are willing to stump up the money to buy any in or demo without a signed order. You could try ringing chrysler customer services 00800 1692 1692 and see if chrysler uk can put you on to a demo but I ended up talking to some tard that couldn't even tell me if there was a demo available. Just buy the RR sport dude you might get some semi decent customer service then.
I have a Range Rover Sport, and i usually end up speaking to a Tard there, but thanks for the replyGassing Station | Yank Motors | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff