Oppopinions: WJ Grand Cherokee

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
07/10/2015 at 03:00 • Filed to: None

In case some of you didn’t know, I’m selling the M3. Well, attempting to sell because I’ve had literally zero legitimate interest. Anyway, I’m trying to cobble together a list of replacements so when it does eventually sell I have an idea of what I want. Very high on the list is the WJ Grand Cherokee.

Most of the ones I’m looking at are 4WDs with the 4.0L Inline 6. I’ve sorta put together a lists of pros and cons.

Pros:
4.0L I6, which is apparently very reliable
4WD for winter/offroad fun
Styling both inside and out
Towing ability if I needed to

Cons:
Early 2000s Chrysler Product (though from before they went to total shit)
So-so gas mileage (15/20 according to google)

I’ve read buyers guides and it seems like an overall good vehicle with a few issues here and there, but what vehicle doesn’t have those?

So, what does Oppo think?

DISCUSSION (67)

My citroen won't start > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:03

I think you should buy an ML430.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > My citroen won't start
07/10/2015 at 03:06

Or nah. I think I'm burnt out on old German car ownership.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:10

Selling the M3? I want to act suprised and ask why, but I’m going to assume it’s because of the thousands of problems you’ve had with it.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:12

Kinja'd!!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/10/2015 at 03:13

That steering lock thing was sorta the straw that broke the camels back. I don’t live close enough to fun roads to put up with it for its driving prowess.

Your boy, BJR > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:16

You should get a GMC Safari

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Your boy, BJR
07/10/2015 at 03:17

Hahaha.

No.

Fuck no.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:25

You’ve sunk a decent chunk of change into that thing in just a few months... Now you’re thinking about a 10-16 year old Jeep... Pontiac Vibe time.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/10/2015 at 03:28

No way in hell will I ever be caught dead in a Pontiac Vibe. Fuck that Toyota with plastic cladding noise.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:35

If you make another dubious purchase I have a feeling you’ll reconsider.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/10/2015 at 03:43

I dunno if a vehicle that sold over a million examples with tons of them on the road still today is exactly dubious. An obviously abused sports sedan with only 7,800 on US shores when new? That was a bad move.

DetroitIron > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:43

Consider the Lexus LX-470. Land Rover luxury, Chrysler ambiguity in the parking lot, bullet proof Toyota drive train and electronics.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > DetroitIron
07/10/2015 at 03:46

In all my craigslist searching I've never seen one of those in my budget ($5500).

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:50

gas mileage was pretty terrible in them. Engines were good just be careful if you do want to take them offroad.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
07/10/2015 at 03:53

Honestly my off-roading wouldn't consist of much more than the occasional dirt or gravel road, nothing insane to any extent.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:54

should be fine then. What CL should i look at to find you sutible vehicles cause i have nothing else to do

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
07/10/2015 at 03:56

St. Louis, MO. Absolute limit is $5500, leaning more towards $4-5k.

greasemonkey235097 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:57

Crappy auto gearbox, stay away from the 4.7. Try to find info on 2000-2001 4.0 head issue.

DetroitIron > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 03:58

The straight-six is bullet proof at your budget. Check the owner’s forums online for common issues/problems... it’s how I keep the wife’s Lexus SC400 running on a budget. Come to think of it, LS400 & Sc400 are out there for $5500.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > greasemonkey235097
07/10/2015 at 04:01

Crappy autos are nothing I’m not used to (GM 4L60-E lyfe), very few V8s in my budget so we’re good there, will look further into head issue or just avoid 00-01 models.

M54B30 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 04:04

I had a 2001 Limited. Skip the boat anchor 4.0 and get the 4.7V8 - almost the exact same gas mileage with a lot more power.

The 4WD was great, the tranny smooth, and the interior was very comfy. Theres also the 4.7 HO V8 that’s desirable.

We got rid of ours after 150k miles when my wife drove it 3 weeks and a few hundred miles with about 1.5 qts of oil. It ran like a champ and was running fine (albeit with a tick) after adding oil. Sold it for cheap to avoid the possible future headache of engine rebuild.

A/C blend doors are a common repair. It’s expensive to fix at a dealer but a $125 kit online and an hour of time fixes it.

There’s only a few cars we miss owning. I miss my SHOs, and we both miss that Grand Cherokee

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 04:10

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5115597475…

If you want sleeper/drag car

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5115560831…

cool vintage truck

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5083536435…

clean jeep. also my fave body style

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5115441150…

drift car

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5095490835…

f body

Dsscats > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 05:04

If you aren’t going off roading regularly, get something that will be enjoyable for the majority of your driving (on road). Buy a reliable sports car, not a Jeep with a bad interior and terrible driving dynamics. You’ll only want to sell it.

georgechristensen > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 05:44

$5k will get you a good LS400, or even an SC400 if you desire a little less practicality.

Firewrx234 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 05:54

We owned a 2001 GC Limited with the 4.7L and 4wd. That thing was awesome! We NEVER had an issue with that car. Probably the most reliable car we’ve ever had. I loved that thing. We had all the goodies...oh I take it back, we had one issue where the rear hatch wouldn’t disengage from the outside right before we sold it. You had to climb into the back and open a cover to access the internals and open the hatch lol... Good times.

The 4.7L was quick! I’ve heard others weren’t as lucky as us. But we got up to about 150k before we sold it. Also the ride was awesome and the car was capable. Never left us stranded. I miss that thing lol.

Good luck on your searching.

Kinja'd!!!

LongbowMkII > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 06:03

Jeep transmissions are literally hot garbage.

samssun > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 06:24

Based on the comments, it seems you want fun/desirable, cheap, and reliable. Problem is that they’re a tradeoff, and going for older versions of high option cars to bring the cost down means more issues (whether it’s a loaded GC or German performance).

If you really want guilt-free, bang-for-buck performance, while staying reliable, you have to give up the rare/desirable factor and go for something they made a million of. Historically that meant Mustangs, but if you want something a bit more balanced it’s hard to beat a 350/370Z.

ShiroZ31 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 06:47

3rd gen 4Runner, if you can find one that doesn’t have a rusted out frame.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 06:55

If it’s me, I’m bored with that Jeep in about 15 minutes...and I’ve never found them particularly comfortable, which is the main issue to me. I’m only about 5’10, and I seem to recall never being able to get the seat back far enough where I was comfortable. If I’m going to have an SUV or truck, it doesn’t need to be luxurious, but the driving position needs to be right.

That said, the 4.0 is, to be super cliche, the picture you see when you look up ‘engine’ in the dictionary. They’re a whole different kind of bulletproof. Gas mileage kinda sucks, and I can’t speak to the transmission, since I’ve only ever had them with a stick. If you get a nice one, it’s probably not something you’re going to need to spend a ton of money on.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 07:05

A coworker owns one, he’s been fairly happy with it. He’s not too keen on the gas mileage, but it’s a 4wd SUV, it’s kind of to be expected.

As for other things, how about a Panther? This one looks pretty clean IMHO

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5115216443…

Speed > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 07:06

I found my ZJ on Craigslist 2 years ago for $500 and have been daily driving it ever since. Other than throwing a junkyard starter in it and some small odds and ends over the years, it has been solid. It’s the easiest thing to work on I’ve ever owned.

They’re compact, comfortable, reliable, robust and damn I love the straight axles. The online community is a wealth of information and will always have the answer. A WJ shouldn’t be any different. I’ll probably always have a Jeep for beater duty. Do it.

Captain of the Enterprise > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 07:35

I don’t know what your budget will be but I’ve always been of fan of the Cheeokees(XJ) and Wranglers. Although SUVs do tend to need maintenance and have some extra stuff to go wrong. 4wd=more moving parts and more front end wear and tear. I miss 4wd though when the weather gets rough

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 07:39

Selling already? Previous owner (or BMW, or you) really fuck it up that badly?

Mattbob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/10/2015 at 07:41

Just empty every pocket.

JR1 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 07:43

2002-2005 Ford Explorers are a good alternative to a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Very reliable as well.

How much do you think you will sell your M for?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 07:58

If youre gonna get a jeep with a 4.0, get one of these:

Kinja'd!!!

Nobi > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 08:01

I’ve got an ‘00 WJ with the I6. Picked it up cheap, but right off the bat had to fix or replace:
-all front end ball joints, death wobble
-track bar bushings, death wobble
-front pads, rotors, and calipers, calipers stripped out when I tried to replace the pads
-leaking valve cover gasket, burning oil smell
-leaking crank position sensor seal, burning oil smell
-bad starter, intermittent no start
-transmission pan gasket, leaked everywhere
-coolant flush as sediment built up inside heater core, clogging it causing no heat
-new tires, death wobble
-all front end axle boots, leaked all over new brakes
-transfer case range switch, Auto 4wd light was stuck on
The gas mileage does suck, but it’s a beast in the winter and the interior is cavernous with the rear seats folded down. Also not bad as a tow rig. I still need to replace the shocks on it.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 08:27

http://semo.craigslist.org/cto/5092297952…

Just needs a headlight restoration kit. Every one of these I see has fogged up/hazy headlights.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 09:02

No, he’s right on this one, actually.

Can be had with 4WD, reasonable powertrain options, and can easily be turned into an expedition vehicle.

Also van.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 09:07

Been thinking about one of these as well lately. The Panther is great as a DD for work, but I need something a little newer that has the LATCH system so I can drive the kiddos around without having to swap cars with the wife. And I’ve been looking for a decent truck/suv for hauling supplies for fixing up the house and occasional off-roading as well. This seems like the perfect fit.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 09:09

Why not GMT360? Super reliable, decently quick, and they are pretty easy to get past EPA economy numbers.

nermal > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 09:18

Remember, they’re 15 yrs old at this point. Rust and maintenance will be the biggest issues.

I would not buy one from anywhere that sees snow. The engines and transmissions are slow and crappy across the board, the 4x4 system is great though. Plan on spending the $$$ to give it new fluids, and be prepared for things like wheel bearings / ball joints if the mileage is high.

Under_Score > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 09:25

The fuel tank on these is right behind the rear bumper, causing a major fire risk if rear ended. They had a recall a few months ago, due to the injuries, deaths, and lawsuits that have occurred over the years, but I’d still be careful when looking into these. I like them too, but the fuel tank thing kind of worries me.

Round headlight enthusiast > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 10:11

You should buy an Integra! $4000 for a practical, reliable car that drives like heaven

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 10:35

Want a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer that’s making noise in the PS pump area but is majorly solid all around? I’m sure my dad would sell it for that much for a down payment on a new truck.
:) Or nah because I like that truck too much

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 11:32

I found some Subaru’s.

2002 Outback H6 Sedan

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5115700610…

2003 forester

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/ctd/5093447430…

2008 Legacy

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5071748924…

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
07/10/2015 at 12:14

I've already suffered through one of those, I'd rather not do it again.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Dsscats
07/10/2015 at 12:17

It’s not just the reliability factor that’s making me sell it, it’s the absolutely terrible ride (seriously my dads lifted truck is smoother), small size, and the fact that 95% of my driving is done on the highway where anything sporty is completely useless.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
07/10/2015 at 12:18

I've considered them, but I like how the Grand Cherokee looks inside and out better.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > samssun
07/10/2015 at 12:21

I just want cheap to buy, reliable, and comfortable. They made over a million copies of the WJ so I wouldn't call it rare, plus for the most part their as basic as they came Laredo models so there's not a ton electronically to go wrong.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
07/10/2015 at 12:22

Negative on Panthers. I just don't like them honestly.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Round headlight enthusiast
07/10/2015 at 12:24

Too small, I want to be able to seat 4 people comfortably which means being able to put someone behind my 6’4” seating position.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
07/10/2015 at 12:24

They really do, I think I've seen maybe one that has halfway clear lights.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/10/2015 at 12:26

I think it was a mixture of previous owner(s) and just 90s German car.

j250ex > greasemonkey235097
07/10/2015 at 12:39

Head gaskets killed my friends wk.

j250ex > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 12:53

Have you looked into the 3rd gen 4Runner yet? Better build quality than the jeep and can be had for your budget.

Round headlight enthusiast > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 13:49

4 door Integra sedan!

samssun > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 15:50

I was thinking more gadgets than rarity on the GC. How bout a Chevy Blazer, FX35, or FJ Cruiser?

Schaefft > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/10/2015 at 18:45

How did you got from an M3 to a GC? Wouldn’t something like a Lexus GS make much more sense?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Schaefft
07/10/2015 at 18:53

Maybe, but I want to get back into an SUV.

Steve in Manhattan > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2015 at 15:49

I rented one of these in ... 2001? Seemed well put together. My questions would be: 1) what sort of money are you thinking of spending, and 2) what else is available in the class for the same money?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/14/2015 at 17:36

I was literally just wondering to myself, “Is he keeping that M3?”

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/14/2015 at 17:45

Don’t get my wrong, I love the chassis and the engine, but mine just needs so much work that I neither have the time nor money for. A way better condition, non-M E36 convertible could possibly be a replacement, but I dunno.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/14/2015 at 17:46

My next-door neighbor just got rid of their manual E36 328i ‘vert because they ripped the top trying to haul stuff. Got a mid-80’s Wrangler instead.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/14/2015 at 17:50

Well that was kinda silly of them trying to haul stuff big enough to rip the top.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/14/2015 at 17:51

You would’ve thought they’d at least, y’know, OPEN THE TOP.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/14/2015 at 17:53

Nah, that would make too much sense!