Jeep Commander /Grand Cherokee tips?

[426Hemi]

No idea about whether this is the right place to post....

I feel the need to a 4X4 and the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee both seem perfect in terms of price and practicality.
Any suggestions on what I should look out for, any major issues?

Thanks in advance.

[Escalade]

Having had both, I would recommend the Grand Cherokee. I have had my latest one for nearly 4 years now and never had any issues. Are you thinking about a proper version or an oil burner!

[426Hemi]

I am thinking of buying the 3.0 CRD. I prefer the commander as it has 7 seats.

Also, are the Jeeps actually any good off road?
Anywhere where I will be able to take my car off road?
From what I understand there are different 4WD systems in the varying models, whats the main differences?

[Mudfish]

Just got rid of a Grand Jeep Cherokee CRD Overland last year.
What I would say is, if you are looking at the Commander; there is very little difference apart from load space.

I bought the Jeep in 2006 due to a larger commute and needing space for missus, son, dog, bags, pram etc. I have to say the boot space is deceiving..... in a bad way. It looks spacious but in practical terms useless compared to nearly all other 4x4's on the market. Very little height.

The other thing is to get someone to sit in the back on the test drive and let them tell you how it feels after. Its not the best passenger experience as it feels you are sitting ontop of what the car is doing, not in it if this makes sense.

I still liked the car as it was great to drive and the diesel engine had tonnes of torque.

I am now looking at a Voyager as a replacement purely for workhorse purposes of shipping the family and all luggage around in luxury. I'll get something else for fun!

Goodluck with the purchase

Watch out for:
Poor finish on wheel undercoat and lacquer
Rust spots around rear tailgate window - you'll se when you open the window only
Rust spots, flakey paint around rear numberplate lights
Chrome painted wing mirrors - paint finish not great - needed severe buffing to clean properly

Never had problems with running gear

Edited by Mudfish on Friday 15th January 14:27

[426Hemi]

Mudfish said:

Just got rid of a Grand Jeep Cherokee CRD Overland last year.
What I would say is, if you are looking at the Commander; there is very little difference apart from load space.

I bought the Jeep in 2006 due to a larger commute and needing space for missus, son, dog, bags, pram etc. I have to say the boot space is deceiving..... in a bad way. It looks spacious but in practical terms useless compared to nearly all other 4x4's on the market. Very little height.

The other thing is to get someone to sit in the back on the test drive and let them tell you how it feels after. Its not the best passenger experience as it feels you are sitting ontop of what the car is doing, not in it if this makes sense.

I still liked the car as it was great to drive and the diesel engine had tonnes of torque.

I am now looking at a Voyager as a replacement purely for workhorse purposes of shipping the family and all luggage around in luxury. I'll get something else for fun!

Goodluck with the purchase

Watch out for:
Poor finish on wheel undercoat and lacquer
Rust spots around rear tailgate window - you'll se when you open the window only
Rust spots, flakey paint around rear numberplate lights
Chrome painted wing mirrors - paint finish not great - needed severe buffing to clean properly

Never had problems with running gear

Edited by Mudfish on Friday 15th January 14:27

Very useful info...I will keep it in mind.
Thanks

[vpr]

All Jeep products are great off road, they all have to pass there rigorous off road test across the rubicon trail....it's awesome.

Don't know where you are in the Country but if you're anywhere near Kent try Whitehouse....Number one Dealers and know Jeep very well.

[Viper]

i'd love to replace my GC but just cant stand that nasty grey interior and seats they all tend to have, whatever happened to black...

Edited by Viper on Friday 15th January 22:34

[426Hemi]

vpr said:

All Jeep products are great off road, they all have to pass there rigorous off road test across the rubicon trail....it's awesome.

Don't know where you are in the Country but if you're anywhere near Kent try Whitehouse....Number one Dealers and know Jeep very well.

Once I get the Commander I will hopefull be able to test it off road. Whitehouse sounds good!

Viper said:

i'd love to replace my GC but just cant stand that nasty grey interior and seats they all tend to have, whatever happened to black...

Edited by Viper on Friday 15th January 22:34

The grey leather is a bit dull but I am sure that a company like B-trim would be able to make my car a bit more special.

Edited by 426Hemi on Saturday 16th January 21:42