Jeep Grand Cherokee - what are they like to live with?

[SVX]

Hi All,

Firstly - I was going to put this into a specific forum, but there doesn't seem to be one for Jeep products (sorry mods, feel free to move if I've messed up).

I was wondering what a Jeep Grand Cherokee would be like to live with as a family load lugger? I know that they aren't the last word in refinement, but at this stage, they seem more affordable than the equivalent products from LR, Toyota, Nissan, M-B et al.

I've also been a patron of Mercedes through the 'Chrysler' years, so was wondering if any of Sindelfingen's influence rubbed off on the boys from Detroit.

I've got between £4,000 and £6,000 to play with. My requirements are auto, 4X4/AWD, decent load capacity. Good on road (if you can call them that) manners, cruise, isofix and if possible parking sensors. Sat Nav I am happy to add as a separate unit.

I've had the 3.0 CRD MB engine in my last 3 cars, and it's a lovely unit, but know next to nothing about the Chrysler diesels. I also happy to look at V8 petrol units, on the assumption that they are pretty unstressed, and the cost of fuel is the only major premium.

So, to reiterate, I'm after real world experiences and opinions - reliability, servicing...

Over to you PH

[SVX]

Roo said:

If you're going for petrol the only one to have as a 4x4 is the 5.7. Beter performance than the 4.7 and better on fuel.

Got any real world fuel economy figures for the 5.7, on a mix of rural (NSL back roads) and the odd dual-carriage way run)? More importantly, will it beat 25.5 combined on a 35 per day commute?

[SVX]

Roo said:

SVX said:

Roo said:

If you're going for petrol the only one to have as a 4x4 is the 5.7. Beter performance than the 4.7 and better on fuel.

Got any real world fuel economy figures for the 5.7, on a mix of rural (NSL back roads) and the odd dual-carriage way run)? More importantly, will it beat 25.5 combined on a 35 per day commute?

Highly unlikely. I used to get mid-high teens round town and low 20's on a run.

But then I wouldn't buy a Grand Cherokee petrol for economy.

I wasn't playing the economy card - Mrs. SVX runs a 3.0 Legacy as her daily, I was wondering how a petrol option would stack up against one... She gets between 22 and 25mpg out of the 'Leg. We'll probably look at both. Besides, I *have* to scratch that V8 itch at some point.

[SVX]

We've looked at a couple now, my biggest annoyance is there seems to be a huge gap financially between the WJ model vehicles and the facelift WK versions. I'm stuck with looking at a late WJ with reasonable mileage, or and early WK with intergalactic mileage. It's a tough decision, also all of the SatNav equipped vehicles seem to have problems with the unit itself.

[SVX]

300bhp/ton said:

Posted useful advice.

I have access to a great local indy that currently looks after the Legacy and also is a 4X4 specialist, so am covered on that point. Just need to find the right vehicle now!