Grand Cherokee, any good?
Discussion
I have run Land Rovers for many years and fancy a change.
In the last 15 years I have owned a series one Disco, two 4.0 LPG Discos and my present modded TD5 Disco.
I also run a BMW 320d as an economical runaround and pull a selection of trailers with the Disco.
Now that I rarely stray on to any lanes and restrict my fun to track days with an old TVR I feel I could thin down 2 cars to 1!
Thoughts are, sell the Disco, (now a bit long in the tooth, 161K) and the Beemer and buy one comfortable daily capable of towing a 2 1/2 ton trailer. My average mileage is about 20-25K per year.
Either a diesel or an LPG converted Grand Cherokee have seemed like a fair choice, budget about 7-8K.
Any thoughts?
In the last 15 years I have owned a series one Disco, two 4.0 LPG Discos and my present modded TD5 Disco.
I also run a BMW 320d as an economical runaround and pull a selection of trailers with the Disco.
Now that I rarely stray on to any lanes and restrict my fun to track days with an old TVR I feel I could thin down 2 cars to 1!
Thoughts are, sell the Disco, (now a bit long in the tooth, 161K) and the Beemer and buy one comfortable daily capable of towing a 2 1/2 ton trailer. My average mileage is about 20-25K per year.
Either a diesel or an LPG converted Grand Cherokee have seemed like a fair choice, budget about 7-8K.
Any thoughts?
Grand Cherokee's are brilliant and every bit an LR equal. Jeep ownership is quite similar to LR ownership, the vehicles are very nuts and bolts and easy to maintain.
Overall my experience of Jeeps, is that they are generally robust too, although might suffer the odd niggle just like a Landy can.
It's worth remembering a Grand Cherokee is still a smaller vehicle than a Disco or RRC. Not a lot smaller, but more compact. They also are unibody not ladder chassis, although that shouldn't make any odds.
Generally the Jeeps are faster, better handling and more economical than their LR counterparts.
In terms of what Jeep GC to get, I suspect your price range will be looking at 3 generations.
Personally I think the early ZJ's look the best and I like their uncluttered interior. They share quite a few components with other Jeeps like the XJ Cherokee. But are coil sprung all round.
The 4.0 S6 is a peach of an engine. Some claim it'll feel under powered in a Grand, but remember the 4.0 is 190hp which is more than a 3.9/4.0 Rover V8 and the Grand Cherokee is lighter.
The S6 is smooth and takes to LPG well.
V8 options come in 5.2 and 5.9 flavour (the latter more rare in the UK I think). These are good motors too, although not HP monsters. That said either one out performs a Rover 4.6 and out mpg's the RV8 too. These can be LPG'd, but can suffer hot running just like the RV8 can. Similar sort of issues and risks.
Diesels I'm not so familiar with. I think the ZJ's use the 2.5 VM unit. Not a bad unit really, but has a bad rep for HG failure and can be pricey to maintain.
One thing with diesel Jeeps - they were pretty exclusive for the UK and Euro markets and are often under specced compared to the petrol offerings. So you may want to read up on what transfer boxes and axles came on which vehicles as there was some variance.
Rear axles can leak and fail, but I think that's the only real vice with the ZJ's.
The WJ was a redesign and technically a better vehicle, although I don't think it looks as good inside or out. The new PowerTech V8's engines are peach however and make any RV8 LR look pedestrian.
Diesel engines went to larger capacity 3.1 VM units. I think they are generally pretty good, but I've never researched them. So I don't know much about them if I'm honest. Later diesels went to a Merc 2.7 unit with more power. Again I don't know much about them, but believe they are meant to be pretty good.
Again watch the spec with the diesel models.
The WK is the newer generation again. More up market and luxury and another new range of engines.
Overall my experience of Jeeps, is that they are generally robust too, although might suffer the odd niggle just like a Landy can.
It's worth remembering a Grand Cherokee is still a smaller vehicle than a Disco or RRC. Not a lot smaller, but more compact. They also are unibody not ladder chassis, although that shouldn't make any odds.
Generally the Jeeps are faster, better handling and more economical than their LR counterparts.
In terms of what Jeep GC to get, I suspect your price range will be looking at 3 generations.
Personally I think the early ZJ's look the best and I like their uncluttered interior. They share quite a few components with other Jeeps like the XJ Cherokee. But are coil sprung all round.
The 4.0 S6 is a peach of an engine. Some claim it'll feel under powered in a Grand, but remember the 4.0 is 190hp which is more than a 3.9/4.0 Rover V8 and the Grand Cherokee is lighter.
The S6 is smooth and takes to LPG well.
V8 options come in 5.2 and 5.9 flavour (the latter more rare in the UK I think). These are good motors too, although not HP monsters. That said either one out performs a Rover 4.6 and out mpg's the RV8 too. These can be LPG'd, but can suffer hot running just like the RV8 can. Similar sort of issues and risks.
Diesels I'm not so familiar with. I think the ZJ's use the 2.5 VM unit. Not a bad unit really, but has a bad rep for HG failure and can be pricey to maintain.
One thing with diesel Jeeps - they were pretty exclusive for the UK and Euro markets and are often under specced compared to the petrol offerings. So you may want to read up on what transfer boxes and axles came on which vehicles as there was some variance.
Rear axles can leak and fail, but I think that's the only real vice with the ZJ's.
The WJ was a redesign and technically a better vehicle, although I don't think it looks as good inside or out. The new PowerTech V8's engines are peach however and make any RV8 LR look pedestrian.
Diesel engines went to larger capacity 3.1 VM units. I think they are generally pretty good, but I've never researched them. So I don't know much about them if I'm honest. Later diesels went to a Merc 2.7 unit with more power. Again I don't know much about them, but believe they are meant to be pretty good.
Again watch the spec with the diesel models.
The WK is the newer generation again. More up market and luxury and another new range of engines.
Thanks for that Matt, really informative!
I will have to gen up on the Jeep models to fully understand your post
I have a friend who has just bought a 2002 GC petrol. I hope to have time to borrow it for a short time to get a feel for them.
He had one of my previous 4.0l Series 2 Discos and states that the GC feels quite luxurious by comparison, we shall see!
I will have to gen up on the Jeep models to fully understand your post
I have a friend who has just bought a 2002 GC petrol. I hope to have time to borrow it for a short time to get a feel for them.
He had one of my previous 4.0l Series 2 Discos and states that the GC feels quite luxurious by comparison, we shall see!
Grand Cherokees do not have a good reputation for reliability, but neither do most Landrover products so if you're happy with them it might not be an issue for you.
That not from personal experience, just from mechanics telling me to avoid them. 300 seems to have had a good run from his.
That not from personal experience, just from mechanics telling me to avoid them. 300 seems to have had a good run from his.
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 12th June 11:25
The only real downer with Jeeps in the UK is Jeep UK themself. I've never found them that helpful. Some dealers are ok though, it's just Jeep UK.
Further to this parts prices can be silly money sometimes and sketchy availability, although it might be better on latter Jeeps (you'd need to check).
It's not the end of the world though as there are a few specialist about and many parts can be ordered from places like Rockauto or other US car part importers and suppliers.
Further to this parts prices can be silly money sometimes and sketchy availability, although it might be better on latter Jeeps (you'd need to check).
It's not the end of the world though as there are a few specialist about and many parts can be ordered from places like Rockauto or other US car part importers and suppliers.
We've ran a 2003 WJ 4.0 Limited for over a year with no issues at all. It's comfy, refined, excellent off-road, and has lots of character.
20120617_134615 by Loconinja, on Flickr
20120617_134615 by Loconinja, on Flickr
phazed said:
blender doors fix????
Little plastic flaps inside the dashboard that move up/down when you choose hot or cold air.The plastic shaft they rotate on is known to get brittle and break. Well documented problem, but with a cheap (£90) fix kit and home installation if your semi confident with basic hand tools (1.5 hrs work)
Parts- Ive orded up suspension bits from USA and other new bits of bits of E-bay.
Regular service items seem easy to get.
We've had this for just under 2 years, bought with 98k now at 120k.
It has needed some work, but so would an LR of the same vintage/mileage - and to be fair I paid a price reflecting this.
Having had a 3.9 Discovery previously, and also having looked around Disco's when I went looking for this, I can say that in my opinion it is far better screwed together, less corrosion and cheaper than a same age equivalent (I looked at a fair few). A big plus is getting all the LR 'ES' options as standard for less money (with the notable exception of a heated screen or seven seats).
I believe I have made the right choice by making the switch.
As said though, you should be looking at newer models with your price range.
It has needed some work, but so would an LR of the same vintage/mileage - and to be fair I paid a price reflecting this.
Having had a 3.9 Discovery previously, and also having looked around Disco's when I went looking for this, I can say that in my opinion it is far better screwed together, less corrosion and cheaper than a same age equivalent (I looked at a fair few). A big plus is getting all the LR 'ES' options as standard for less money (with the notable exception of a heated screen or seven seats).
I believe I have made the right choice by making the switch.
As said though, you should be looking at newer models with your price range.
I'm picking up my pals 4.0 2001 model to borrow for the weekend so I can get a feel for it.
Having never driven a Jeep before this seems like a good idea.
Often we are smitten by a quick test drive and shiney paint and make the wrong decision! This should help.
Anyone want to buy a lifted 2001 TD5 Disco with a few off road goodies on it!
Having never driven a Jeep before this seems like a good idea.
Often we are smitten by a quick test drive and shiney paint and make the wrong decision! This should help.
Anyone want to buy a lifted 2001 TD5 Disco with a few off road goodies on it
!I have 300's old XJ 4litre to use and abuse and the 4litre in it is bomb proof.
Mrs Daily is a V8 4.7 litre, its awesome 265BHP High Output model, has been though a few changes from bling to more spec's for of road now with muds and a Iron Rock Lift.
Parts I either get from a specialist over here or direct from the States and not had a problem at all.
Its the only vehicle that we have had for coming up to 3yrs now and have no intention to change it.
Tows with ease.
Its now got 1.5inch spacers on with the Muds as well.
Mrs Daily is a V8 4.7 litre, its awesome 265BHP High Output model, has been though a few changes from bling to more spec's for of road now with muds and a Iron Rock Lift.
Parts I either get from a specialist over here or direct from the States and not had a problem at all.
Its the only vehicle that we have had for coming up to 3yrs now and have no intention to change it.
Tows with ease.
Its now got 1.5inch spacers on with the Muds as well.
Well, I borrowed a 2001 4lt for 3 days and i did 200+ mixed miles in it.
The plusses,
Comfy ride on road
Ditto off road
Inside load and passenger space
Gizmos
Low enough for car parks
Pleasing on the eye, was a really smooth 100K miler that mechanically impressed
Excellent auto box.
Minuses
Body roll, (though not too bad)
Fuel consumption, really trying on mixed driving, 18 down to 8 off road.
Headroom
Drivers seat,
The seat was the worst seat I have ever driven on. At first I thought it was ok, big and soft and comfy, but after a short while I found it had no support and you almost slid out it on bends!
For me, 6-3", my head was only 1/2" from the sunroof frame and off road resulted in a bit of head banging?
To sum up, not bad but not for me.
I will stick with my high mileage Disco and 320d for a while till something else tuns up.
Thanks for all your input guys
The plusses,
Comfy ride on road
Ditto off road
Inside load and passenger space
Gizmos
Low enough for car parks
Pleasing on the eye, was a really smooth 100K miler that mechanically impressed
Excellent auto box.
Minuses
Body roll, (though not too bad)
Fuel consumption, really trying on mixed driving, 18 down to 8 off road.
Headroom
Drivers seat,
The seat was the worst seat I have ever driven on. At first I thought it was ok, big and soft and comfy, but after a short while I found it had no support and you almost slid out it on bends!
For me, 6-3", my head was only 1/2" from the sunroof frame and off road resulted in a bit of head banging?
To sum up, not bad but not for me.
I will stick with my high mileage Disco and 320d for a while till something else tuns up.
Thanks for all your input guys
Martin4x4 said:
2 European road biased "soft roaders" against an American , slightly agricultural truck. Result not very surprising, but if all you want is a road car then you know what to buy I guess.I stopped using my Grand on track days for this very reason
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