Give it to me straight...

[convertedGERMAN]

Im currently a german owner now... always have been... Ive had volks and bmw -- but now I want to get into Jeep. Ive heard both good and bad about the Grand Cherokees. Can someone tell me straight is this true or just an urban myth? I've heard the drive train doesn't last very long. Once you hit 80/100k it starts it goes. I'm not looking to buy a new Grand Cherokee -- maybe and 03 or 04. I know I am probably throwing myself into the lions den here asking if a Jeep is unreliable on a Jeep enthusiast site -- but I figured who better to ask than the pros.

So can anyone tell me if a Grand Cherokee is as unreliable as Ive heard?

Thanks

 

[jay79cj7]

The 4.0 has a reputation of having a long life. I can't speak for the V8s in the Grands, nor their fancy transfer cases...

 

[bchcky]

i've got a '96 grand with 139k miles. any problems that i have with it are a result of me beating the p!ss out of it, not bad engineering. i have the 5.2l v8, but i don't have the factory 249 case anymore as i swapped it out for a 231.

i've driven plenty of the last style too (99-04). i like those a lot. i'm actually looking into buying an 01-04 within the year to use as a daily driver. what is it you're planning on using it for? off road? daily driver? weekend warrior? cause you're talking apples and oranges here. i valet, so i've driven everything under the sun, and if you can swing it, something like an x5 is leaps and bounds better than any jeep as a DD.

 

[bchcky]

i've got a '96 grand with 139k miles. any problems that i have with it are a result of me beating the p!ss out of it, not bad engineering. i have the 5.2l v8, but i don't have the factory 249 case anymore as i swapped it out for a 231.

i've driven plenty of the last style too (99-04). i like those a lot. i'm actually looking into buying an 01-04 within the year to use as a daily driver. what is it you're planning on using it for? off road? daily driver? weekend warrior? cause you're talking apples and oranges here. i valet, so i've driven everything under the sun, and if you can swing it, something like an x5 is leaps and bounds better than any jeep as a DD.

 

[convertedGERMAN]

I agree completely about the X5! And in a perfect world you could do such things as change the oil yourself on them. haha. Though I need something that has more aftermarket parts readily available. Which is why Im getting rid of my bmw now... its a GREAT car and I feel blasphemous for getting rid of it... but I need something that I can go run into pepboys and get a part instead of paying triple at the dealer -- and having them put it in. BMWs are great... if you have the disposable savings account to keep them up. I really like how the Grand Cherokees ride and look... but their reputation isnt exactly open arms welcoming. You haven’t heard anything about the drivetrain not holding up? I just want to use it primarily as a daily driver vehicle with maybe the occasional weekend trip to the mtns.

 

[bchcky]

i havent heard anything negative about their drivetrains. it sounds like it will fit your uses.

 

[southtj]

At least you'll be staying a German vehicle owner with your Jeep.