I have a '98 Grand Cherokee with the i6 motor, 158k miles, have loved the thing since day one. Been contemplating acquiring a newer model, but have reservations since the new motors are a V6, and the q/c issues Chrysler has.
Took a Wrangler Unlimited for a test drive yesterday. This was a hard top, 17" wheel version, not full Sahara package but a bunch of options. Not as much road noise as all the reviews said it would have, I suspect the road noise is a product of the nobby tires on the Rubicon versions. But the car did feel a bit "nervous" or twitchy.
(As a comparison, I also took a Toyota FJ Crusier for a test drive, which handled much nicer, had more interior room, and I think I like the kooky look. It felt a little anemic when you pressed your right foot down, as compared to the Wrangler. The one I drove was an automatic, I suspect the 6 speed would feel better.)
Next I took a look at a new Grand Cherokee, they're running some good deals and the interiors are much more plush than my '98. A well optioned out vehicle will run 5k less then the Wrangler - at least at the dealer I was at.
My concern is this new V6 motor, and the quality problems Chrysler has had over the past few years. My brother had an '05 Grand Cherokee and couldn't wait to get rid of it given its repeated brake and a/c problems.
I read Consumer Reports but I prefer first hand experience. Anyone have either of these vehicles built int he last 2-3 years that can comment on how they hold up, quality problems, if the electrical gadgets all hold up, etc?
I buy my vehicles and hold onto them for a while, and have to admit the '98 Grand Cherokee was (at this point looking back) a bargain, except for a couple of electrical glitches that arise intermittently and only when the interior is hot, and a recent overheating issue, the car lasted and probably still has a few years left. I intend on keeping it regardless on if I get a new one.
Thanks, Phil