I have a 2002 Wrangler Sport with 45000 miles on it. Most of these miles were put on in the first year due to a work/home distance problem. I am thinking of taking advantage of the Interest deals Chrysler has now and replacing it to get back in line with mileage/age and with warranty. Money not being the issue(Up to about $35000) so No Overlands :-), I am trying to decide between another Wrangler and a Grand Cherokee. Here are my questions:
- The greatest use 4wd gets for me is snow driving here and while on trips. Where I live in Missuori, I have to drive twisty roads for about 6 miles before I get to routes that are clean. I fear that getting a GC will make this more difficult due to lack of manual trans. I have always found the control of a stick helpful on these roads. Any thought on whether I might run into trouble with a GC in this situation?
- I really like the inline six found in my wrangler and see that the same is available in the Laredo edition of the GC. Is it REALLY a pooch however since it is bigger and lacks the manual trans? I was going to mate it to the Sectrac so I could get a 2wd setting when I want it. Any gotchas with this TC?
- I have liked the rather bulletproof nature of my Wrangler and a previously owned 89 Grand Wagoneer, and 77 J10. Has the GC been too civilized for soccer mom use and has lost some of this ruggedness/reliability?
- The main reason I am thinking of swithing to a GC is that my wife wants to travel more on weekend trips and whatnot. Has anyone taken some long trips in these things and found them comfortable for it?
Thanks for your help.