Jeep Grand Cherokee's - any good??

[Vectra_Power]

I'm selling the Vectra to purchase a 2000 - 2002 model Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.1TD.

All the reports I have read seem to show it is a reliable, if a little thirsty, car to own.

I have seen several for sale between £5000 - £8000 that have reasonable mileages (under 100k) and full history.

Does anyone have any experiences good / bad??

Cheers

[Gripper]

I should think they are under 100k for a 5 year old vehicle. I would check the road tax out if I were you because 4x4's got a spanking at the last budget, that and fuel costs have made the prices plumet on second hand ones.

[Duncan]

My only experience of one is sitting in the back as a passenger - all I can say is that they were one of the most uncomfortable seats I've had the displeasure of sitting in. Bu**er all leg room (and I'm 5'7"!! and the front seat was not even pushed all the way back), and the seat is so low there is no lumber support so very uncomfortable.

[MattB]

Certainly a practical choice of car but they are not the class best for on-road dynamics. A bit agricultural and will take a bit of adjusting from your Vec!

Comfy front seats as I recall.

When you inspect one, make sure you check underneath for signs of hard offroad use.

They are fairly reliable but when they do go wrong the bills can be astronomic due to high parts prices. Servicing costs can be on the high side too so make sure you shop around.

[j13hdb]

My dad had one in the USA and as above the back seats are terrible because you can't put your feet under the seats!!!!

I managed to spin it in the snow cause it was auto so when I braked it went into free roll and kept going around!! And they're very thirsty in petrol form.

As a guide he's now got a Nissan Morano(?) 4x4 which is built a lot better has more room and comfort and is a lot more modern!

Sorry bout this lot but I wasn't very impressed!

[Duncan]

My dad had one in the USA and as above the back seats are terrible because you can't put your feet under the seats!!!!

Yep, that's exactly it. There's no gap under the seat so your legroom is severely restricted, can't stretch legs forward - and like I said I'm 5'7"!!

The other thing was that this was one was the 3.0 diesel I believe, and it wasn't half noisy - made the journey (about 90 mins each way) somewhat wearing.

[G.O'Rilla]

Agree with the above.

Hired one - didn't like it. Crude and tacky, much smaller inside than it looks

[Jay Kay 313]

Nope!! don't like them + you will get hit with a big road tax bill every year, running cost's are high, not economecal & uncomfortable to drive. I would stick with the veccy mate IMO + you could get more in the veccy!!

[Triple Trouble]

Be very careful. I've had one. Make 100% sure that the rear diff makes no untoward noises by driving and reversing in circles on full lock in BOTH directions.
Rear diff and replacement driveshafts is a £3k plus job although most with that mileage will probably have had it done.
Also, make sure tyres have even wear across the front and rear axles. A new tyre on one side and a worn one on the other will "wind up" the diff and damage it over time.
The diesel isn't much better than the 4.ol petrol on consumption but is easier to sell on. The interiors wear well, the view out is great but they are quite "American" in design inside. Personally the Missus loved hers and didn't want to sell it.
The usual caveats apply. Do your homework and you can bag a bargain. Don't and it will cost you dearly.

[Ian S100]

It's difficult to sore like an eagle when your surrounded by turkeys (it's a work thing)

Was the eagle really in pain