Grand Cherokee or Cherokee ?

[pcn1]

Going on from my last topic, looking at late 90's jeeps. For a few hundred quid more you can go for a Grand Cherokee 4.0.
So slightly larger body, same engine (dont know about the 'auto box and drive system tho ?)
Any reason to pick one over the other ? Im 6'4" so would the bigger cabin suit me more ?
My kids are getting bigger too ! Its a winter shed doing 3000 miles a year for me so the fuel isnt critical although its mostly urban. Id like to try a little off roading fun to see if I like it too.
Build quality, robustness, comfort, reliability, whats the deal?

Any thoughts ?

Cheers

[downthepub]

I looked at both, and choose the XJ Cherokee as it's cheaper to modify and has a shorter wheelbase which may help when offroad. If yours will used predominantly for DD duties, then probably the GC is the better bet - newer design and more upmarket

[Reardy Mister]

Ive got a ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0l

However bad you think the fuel economy will be, halve it again. Look out for elec problems where the loom goes through the bulkhead, Quadra trac issues (the centre diff), knocking sway bar bushes, the exhaust headers blowing and busted heater/aircon. And if you can find the correct rear windscreen wiper for it, even at a Jeep dealer, let me know.

All common faults. Currently debating whether to spend a grand fixing mine or bin it. It only cost me 1350 to buy. I dont want to bin it because cosmetically its near perfect.

[loafer123]

pcn1 said:

Going on from my last topic, looking at late 90's jeeps. For a few hundred quid more you can go for a Grand Cherokee 4.0.
So slightly larger body, same engine (dont know about the 'auto box and drive system tho ?)
Any reason to pick one over the other ? Im 6'4" so would the bigger cabin suit me more ?
My kids are getting bigger too ! Its a winter shed doing 3000 miles a year for me so the fuel isnt critical although its mostly urban. Id like to try a little off roading fun to see if I like it too.
Build quality, robustness, comfort, reliability, whats the deal?

Any thoughts ?

Cheers

I have just, today, bought an XJ for exactly the same reasons as you. Very solid, tidy car and all those who have seen it cannot believe how cheap it is, bearing in mind what you get - leather, electric seats, good engine, selectable 4wd - what is not to love? I had a RRC. It rusted and died. We'll see how I get on, but a great looking car for the money so far...

I am about 6'1" and there is plenty of space for me, but it is not a big car, which I quite like.

Take your time finding the right one, but at mid-1k, don't get too stressed!

[300bhp/ton]

pcn1 said:

Going on from my last topic, looking at late 90's jeeps. For a few hundred quid more you can go for a Grand Cherokee 4.0.
So slightly larger body, same engine (dont know about the 'auto box and drive system tho ?)
Any reason to pick one over the other ? Im 6'4" so would the bigger cabin suit me more ?
My kids are getting bigger too ! Its a winter shed doing 3000 miles a year for me so the fuel isnt critical although its mostly urban. Id like to try a little off roading fun to see if I like it too.
Build quality, robustness, comfort, reliability, whats the deal?

Any thoughts ?

Cheers

Both are good.

Main differences are the Grand Cherokee's are bigger and more comfy. Although arguably still not as big and roomy inside as a Land Rover Discovery.

XJ Cherokee's are leaf that the rear whereas Grands are coil all round. I'd drive one of each and see how you get on.

The 4.0 S6 in a Grand evidently has more weight to move, so lower performance and slightly worse mpg compared to an XJ.

V8's are nice, if not the best V8 in the world.

Latter Grands, WJ's (99-04) look more modern, although I prefer the earlier ZJ (93-98). Quite a few changes and engine changes.

[Factory Dorso]

My Cherokee! I much prefer the look of them to the rounded look of the Grand Cherokee.



The funny bumps on the roof are my two friends standing behind it (and ruining my photo).

[scrwright]

99-04 Grands are the best built ot the pick, mines at 220k miles with just servicing. XJs are nice, but a bit small & not as comfy. Currently run both.

[KRL]

I have a WJ 2.7CRD as my daily run around and workhorse. Bought it a year ago with 83k and yesterday just passed 106k. Reliability wise it has been faultless so far and i hope it continues

Excellent car at munching the miles, probably the most comfortable I've had.

[M5 Russ]

My new Jeep Cherokee. A bargain at £150 with a short tax and MOT. Only need tyres for a new ticket and it drives superb.

[loafer123]

Well done - that is seriously good value!

[M5 Russ]

Just fitted some decent off road tyres and now need to look at getting some tints on the windows

[Factory Dorso]

Tints were my first "upgrade" lol - looks a lot better I think!

[richyd]

I love my XJ - Am on my 2nd one, as my first (which was a silver/grey 60th anniv 4.0) was rammed off the road by a russian white van man!! My current one is also a late 2001 60th Anniv, 4.0, but blue this time! Fit a sensible 2" Old man Emu lift and a set of BFG's and you have a comfortable motor that is unstoppable off road..

Well I hope so as I am off to Bagshot this sunday for a day at the MOD off-road centre - this is what's in-store..

http://www.jeepclub.co.uk/forum/south-east/d1-bags...

[Kawasicki]

I owned a very tidy 1996 Cherokee 4.0 for a couple of years '06-'07, I was pretty shocked just how good it was. A little heavy on petrol, but super otherwise.