I was thinking about getting a new vehicle and have liked the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for sometime now. I was thinking about going for a used one somewhere between 2000 and 2003. Have any of you owned one or know any good information about them? Are there any big flaws with Jeep such as fualty transmissions, a lot of maintenance, expensive parts, or anything like that? Also, do you all recommend some kind of 4X4 vehicle within the price range of $7000 and $15000? Any information would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

My brother leases a new Jeep Cherokee Limited every two years, and in driving his Jeeps over the past 10 years, the new body style (2005 or newer) is heads above all the other previous Jeeps. The new chassis improves on-road handling of this vehicle drastically compared to previous Jeeps. IMO, I would look for a used 2005 Laredo if you have to have a Jeep.

 

don't do it, the 4x4 systems have lots of problems and arent worth fixing

 

do you have any proof to back up your nonsensical post?

 

BS-the Jeeps 4x4 system is one of the better ones out there.

I had a 2000 Jeep GC Laredo V8 4x4. It was a great truck, but did have it's flaws. For instance, the braking system has a recall on it-and the brakes still aren't the best. The cooling system was upgraded in either 2001 or 2002 (can't remember) to a much better system. Also, for some odd reason, the windshield cracks REALLY easy. Every single guy that I have talked to about them report higher than average chips, cracks etc.

Other than that, my Jeep was great. The back seat is a little tight by today's mid-size SUV standards, but the front seat is very comfortable. Both engines, the 6 and the 8, are very reliable and the trannies and transfer cases hold up well. The WJ platform is generally pretty good and has an ok aftermarket following, not anything like the wrangler, but there are some good selections out there.

For more info, check out jeepsunlimited.com-some very useful info over there.

 

in Consumer Reports they rated the reliability pretty low for those years....I remember because my mom was gonna get a Grand Cherokee but went with a QX4 because it would be more reliable.

 

thanks for the info guys! keep it coming...maybe some truck suggestions within my price range. thanks a lot!

 

If you want an SUV, somewhere inbetween $7-15k, than I would look no further than a Toyota 4 Runner. They are great trucks and will last forever.

 

Agreed....or even the last generation Tacoma. Toyota trucks are solid.

 

DONT DO IT. I have had my Jeep for 3 years now and it has been nothing but problems. Since getting it I have had 16K worth of work done. Luck for me I had an extended warranty so until now it only cost me the deductible.

For example, Dec I had my jeep in the shop by Jan 5th it was back in for two seperate issues.

Jeep Cherokee Limited, V8, 4x4 less then 100 K

I love the look and the comfort so much i might get the srt-8

 

'02-'04 Nissan Pathfinder.

 

Here's someone that can offer some real advice ^^^^ having owned one. I own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with full-time 4 wheel drive and the 4.7L V8. The engine is fantastic - very quick truck and worth upgrading to over the 6 cylinder (though the 6 is a proven engine) the V8 only looses 1 mpg to the 6. The 4 wheel drive system isn't a problem. The braking system problem is with front rotors warping prematurely causing a shudder felt through the steering wheel when braking. IT is corrected by replacing the calipers with either 2001 or 2002 and up calipers. I have the trailer package which has the tranny and ps pump coolers and I pull my 18 foot ski boot with it with zero cooling problems. The only major problem I've had is the truck was blowing hot air out the passenger side and cold out the drivers side. I have the auto-climate control and it was $800 to fix and is a common problem (auto-climate only). Also the dash tweeters on the Infinity stereo optioned trucks keep blowing (mine included).

It's a good solid truck otherwise.

 

From what i've heard jeeps are a crap shoot.

You either get one of the best damn, most reliable SUVs you're ever sure to own.

OR you end up with a pain in the ass.

 

My boyfriend's been driving them for years, says he's just had routine maintenance and no big problems.

The new body style is nicer inside and out IMO.

 

Forgot about the tweeters-yeah, they absolutley suck-if you like highs, replace them IMMEDIATLEY!!

I agree with the cooling thing-I never had a problem with mine as well, and I live in Texas. I only mention because if you change bumpers to something like an ARB, you either have to drill a lot of cooling holes, or don't change the bumper. Just something to think about if you plan on upgrading the truck.

 

Happened to me 3 times so far.

I think like The Sarlacc said it is a crap shoot. Unfortunatly I crapped out. BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY!!! Or hey you could even buy my Jeep!

Comfort- A
Looks - A
Drivability - A
Dependability- F-

 

3 fricking times??? All that breaks is a little gear that opens the blend doors - but the entire dash needs to be removed... I'd sell it in a heartbeat. Acura2.3L - are you interested?

 

I also own a 3.2CL but daily drive the jeep.

Just recently I had to have some master rear oil seal replaced. Which I guess is tough to get to because the labor was ridiculous. Oil sensor went out, some master brake thing replaced, rotors (like you said), trottle body replaced, exhaust manifold bolts came loose and that was the last time I took it in

The AC happend 3 times, entire fuel system cratored, passenger seat started to move on its own, tailgate and hood shocks are shot, Water pump twice, I could go for days.

What really pisses me off is that a buddy of mine has one and goes offroading all the time, does not know what an oil change is, runs over stuff for fun and he has had not one problem. Me I drive like a gramma to the store I have to tow it back.

 

I had a 98 5.9 Limited 4x4. I loved the thing but only kept it for 6 months after numerous problems. I'd love a new SRT.

 

I am going to look at one in person today

 

We have a '01 (the first year they put in the 3.5 240 HP VQ) and it has been very reliable over the 86K. I'd highly recommend it over a 4Runner or a Jeep. The Runner has a pitiful 183HP engine and costs more and the Jeep is a Jeep- like it has been said- looks great but a crapshoot on reliability. No thanks on that....

 

consumer reports and i had a co-worker who had one that needed $2800 worth of work and it only had 70k on the clock and someone else who bought one new and had nothing but problems with it

and see above posts

 

My dad drove Jeeps for at least 25 years. Last one he owned was a 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited, loaded. Had it 2 years and got rid of it for a 2003 MDX. He just wasn't happy with Jeep. Nothing was terribly wrong with the car, it just felt less well bulit than previous years. He doesn't care for the MDX, not enough power compared to the Jeep but is much nicer inside.

 

First-hand experience:

I own a 99 Grand Cherokee Limited (with the V8, 4x4, etc..). I've owned it for the past 5 years (had about 30K when I bought it... just passed 130k today!).

I've had a couple of electrical gremlins over the years and the brakes/rotors need to be replaced more frequently than my other cars. Overall, I've had great luck with it. $$ spent on "fixes" has been minimal. My year Grand Cherokee has one of the worst reliability records out there, but I have been fortunate enough to NOT have most of the issues others may have.

I bought an '05 TL last summer to replace the Jeep as a daily driver, but kept the Jeep as a Home Depot/Lowes/snow day car because she has been so good to me over the years. The Jeep Quadradrive system kicks a$$. I've actually toyed with the idea of getting rid of both the TL and the Jeep for a new srt8 Grand... All wheel drive and performance!

Here's a pic of her after the snow storm 2 weeks ago: