So I have been toying with the idea of trading my car for a 99+ Grand Cherokee... I decided I wanted one with the 4.7 V8 and the Quadradrive setup, limited or laredo didn't matter too much but I preferred the look of the limited. Anyways, it is very hard to find one that has everything I want and has an owner that is interested in an Audi. I have come across a few, but only to find out that they need tires or the rear end is noisy, etc.

I gave up for a while and am now back into it... but I think I need to open up a little.

I found a 2000 GC laredo with 130k miles. It's a good color, and it's clean. Things I don't care for: cloth seats, 4.0 engine, and the 4x4 set up (maybe).

I need some input from you Jeep guys:
Will I hate owning that large of a car with the 4.0? That's a pretty bullet-proof motor though, right? The 4x4 allows you to drive as RWD and lock into 4WD... I can see some pro's and con's to this, but what's the truth on this set-up from the Jeep guys? Any other input?

I drive about 12 miles a day, it's city driving and I know that I won't like the mpg's of the V8 or the 4.0. I will use it to take on some mild off-road trails every once in a while (I will put a small lift on, maybe 2" or so).

 

aren't those the cherokees that love to roll over?

 

I have an A4 and a 02 Grand Ltd, the Audi definately more fun to drive, the GC is a pain to fix, I am now looking at a $1400 repair bill to replace the heater core, something all cherokees will need.
Asfor wheeling, cherokees are too big, they dont roll but afte wheeling last weekend in a TJ Rubicon the GC will get sold and replaced with a TJ Rubicon.
The GC LTD is Quadra Drive which is a full time 4wd, only selection is 4 Lo and Hi.
Mine is an overland which is the 4.7 HO motoe which is bulletproof, the tranny is solid but the build quality, and durability is not up to standard.
Whether it's a TJ, YJ or Grand Ltd, they all use the same build quality, squeaks and rattles you expect in the others but not in the GC.

 

niether of those have good city gas milage, ifyou want good city gas milage and a jeep, get a 2.5 wrangler stick shift, not only can you beat it on the weekend, but low rev putting arond the the city is pretty economcal, i made one tank last almost 2 weeks.

 

Yeah, I know that neither of those get good gas mileage... I can't think of any SUV's that get good city mpg's. The 2.5 wrangler m/t doesn't fit my needs. The whole reason I am looking at a Grand Cherokee is because I need a larger vehicle for my kids - a wrangler won't solve that issue I don't like the Tahoe's and Expedition's, and the 4Runner isn't any bigger in the back seat. The other thing is that I am only getting 18-20 mpg's in my Audi (I am not a low-rev putter in a manual transmission vehicle for some reason), and it takes premium.... so I figured I won't be out that much more in my monthly fuel bill.

 

hmm, too bad there arent many Diesel SUVs there, umm have you considered the new 4 door wranglers? :P how about a toyota seqoia (how however its rediculous name is spelled) or maybe a VW SUV? we have a diesel Passat an theres loads of seat and leg room in the back, with trunk space out the ying yang. and im 6' 1" or are you just looking for an SUV?

 

There is Diesel Grand Cherokee but it's not availible until 05, so they are still in the pricey catagory.

 

hmm, ow bout an old mitsubish montero? i had a 98 and it ws a beast and it got alright MPG

 

i was hanging out with 4 jeep guys last night and they all said dont do it.

 

Well, I bought one a couple of nights ago... I found an original owner 01 Grand Cherokee Limited with 82k miles. It was an old couple that towed it behing their huge motorhome. Very clean and low miles, I like it. They were asking 7k, I got it for 5200