My dilemma! Which used SUV????

[Heinz CA.]

Way too much for a new truck/SUV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$$$$$$ 175K on 92 Jeep XJ, will prob. go to daughter. I can get another Grand Cherokee or Cherokee(I WANT power everything,loaded, 4wd, ltd slip)good, used 1995+ for fairly cheap(under 9K), am NOT paying 25K +++++??????? for new one. Love the 4.0 awesome motor/powertrain/longevity, could get loaded Grand Cherokee(I really am impressed at how well they are built), OR am thinkin fullsize Tahoe or Expedition , fullsize V8, safer/larger and if I get 15 mpg that is fine. The Ford 5.4 is pretty near indestructible and the Chevy 5.3 is good too. I'd really like to get something larger, safer and V8 for get up and go. Would love your guys suggestions/comments!

 

[JB]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

5 year old ML 430. Everything on your list and some things you haven't thought of.<br /><br />Low to mid teens.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

I would just stick with a Jeep, and the Expedition would be the next choice. The GM products wouldn't even be on my list. ML 430 would rock, but if you are on a budget, potential major repair costs would be significantly lower on the American products.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

The Jeep is by far the best choice on your list as far as quality.I just got my wife a new one and her old one is right up your alley ...to bad you are so far away.I am driving a 95 Grand Cherokee and putting her 95 Grand Cherokee Limited up for sale.The inline 6cyl in my opinion is the best motor ever made in any suv.Charlie

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

Don't fall for the "the larger the vehicle the safer it is" fallacy. For occupant crash protection, the Jeeps would be just as good if not better in all but the most severe of accidents. Plain & simple, unibody construction absorbs 90% of impact force forward of the firewall (in the goverment head on impact tests). Body on frame absorbs 75%. So that means the passenger compartment is subjected to 2.5 times the force in a full frame vehicle. Interesting, huh?

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

Yup prob. go for the Grand then. Is funny, my Jeep needs paint and AC recharge, few minor things. BUT it still runs very strong!(perfect)Amazing for 175K to me.

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

Originally posted by crazy charlie:<br /> The Jeep is by far the best choice on your list as far as quality.I just got my wife a new one and her old one is right up your alley ...to bad you are so far away.I am driving a 95 Grand Cherokee and putting her 95 Grand Cherokee Limited up for sale.The inline 6cyl in my opinion is the best motor ever made in any suv.Charlie

SO what are your likes and dislikes about the Grand? MPG? Reliability? I think I want to stay w/ the 4.0 and newer models have more HP? Thanks, Heinz

 

[aspeck]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

I dunno Heinz, you know my penchant for GM products. I love my 2001 Yukon Denali. It has everything on your list, the leather seats with heaters (front and rear) are wonderful, even on freezing cold mornings, the mpg ain't too bad - I get about 14mpg on a trip hauling my boat, about 15-16mpg around town, and if I drive sensibly (speed limit) which isn't too often, I will get close to 20mpg on the highway. When I am lead footing it (mostly) I will get about 17 - 18 mpg on a trip. Got the vehicle new and haven't had a bit of trouble with it - well, I did have to replace the front brake pads at 40K, and the tires at 45K, and have had to do a few (10) LOFs (Lube, Oil, and Filter) to her. Other than those maintenance items, there has been nothing done.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

I like pretty much everything about my Grand Cherokee.The new 6 cyl is a v6 with a few more ponies than the 4.0 but not as much torque.The recharge that you referred to needing is a common leak that needs the dash assembly to be removed to be repaired properly.Too much work and too much cost ,so just keep recharging it .I tried the kit that has 2 different sealers in it 2 years ago and I have not needed a recharge since.My Grand has almost 180k on it and I would not hesitate to take a trip in it tomorrow.Though Consumers reports does not think so,I say it is the MOST reliable vehicle there is.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

Its funny you mention the A/C recharge. My wife's 93 Grand Cherokee needs a top-off of the refridgerant about every other year or so. I just pop in a can of the juice and it is just fine. The 4.0 is unstoppable. The only major problem it ever had was the ECM died, and $1100 to replace it. While not cheap, was a whole bunch cheaper than buying another rig. I love the rig, have even thought of selling off my Ford F150 and getting the wife a Subaru of some sorts and taking over the jeep, but I like having an 8500 pound towing capacity...

 

[mrbscott19]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

I drive a '92 cherokee sport with 188000 miles on it and it runs very very well. Paid $300 for it after I totalled my '98 Ram on halloween this year. I decided to sit back for the winter and enjoy not having that big truck payment. The 4.0 inline 6 is quickly becoming my favorite motor. Even when I get something newer in the spring, I'm keeping the jeep.

 

[funpilot]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

My son has a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Stong vehicle with a V8, a bit small on the inside for my tastes. He has had problems with power windows, a MAP sensor, and the AC, which was related to an overall heating system problem. He keeps it up pretty well, bought it used in '03 off a lease, and goes about 22K a year on it. I personally drive a TrailBlazer, with less fancy stuff (ie, no leather! lol). We both like the size of the interior in the TrailBlazer better, and the big in-line six has great towing capacity. It is smaller than a Tahoe so it is easy in my garage, but doesn't get much better fuel economy.<br /><br />Stick with what you like, and find one with maintenance records, and you will do fine.<br /><br />funpilot

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

ML 430 would rock, but if you are on a budget, potential major repair costs would be significantly lower on the American products.

Parts are unbeleivably cheap because it is an American product. Window regulators w/motor under $100, ECM's under $500, switch groups under $50, etc., etc.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: My dilemma! Which used SUV????

Any 4.0L newer than a '94 model are almost bullett proof.<br />They changed the cooling system in '94 I think.<br />The pre '94 years were a pain when it came to working on the cooling system.<br />I have 3 Jeeps, a '89, '96 and a '05.<br />I like them all. The '05 has the 4.7 and is unreal when it comes to the power department and still gets same mileage than my '96 4.0L.