Thoughts on a Grand Cherokee? - Lateral-g Forums

**Brewtal66** · #1 01-08-2016, 02:45 PM

Hey Folks,

I was reading through the Rubicon Vs. 4-Door Jeep thread and saw we have some guys here with some insights on Jeeps.

I'm looking at possibly buying a Jeep soon. My Dad and and a lot of other guys I know all have Wranglers. Personally, I'd love a Wrangler.

My dilemma is that I have two small children, with a third coming at some point in the future. Fitting two small kids in the back of a Wrangler isn't going to be fun, and impossible with a third.

I thought about going the JK route and getting a 4-Door which would provide an ample back seat for three kids. However, those are out of my price range. I noticed that Grand Cherokee's can be had cheap and thought that might be the route to go.

The little bit of research I've done I see that I'd want one older than 2005, so it still has a straight front axle. Is there anything else you guys might know about them? Should I get a V8 model or steer away from that and stick to 6 cylinder? I'm not looking to do some insane rock crawling. Just poking around trails and such. And it will be a tow vehicle behind my motorhome.

Thanks for your help/insight!

Try2paz · #2 01-08-2016, 04:09 PM

The older Grand Cherokee models have a really small rear seat space in my opinion. They are not that much bigger than a new Jeep Rubicon.

If you want the Jeep Rubicon id go sit in a both you might be surprised how much smaller the older grand cherokee's are compared to newer Rubicons.

DBasher · #3 01-08-2016, 05:49 PM

My best advice...don't have any more kids!

I've got a 2005 now and really like it. It's quieter and feels more solid then the 99 we had a few years ago. Both equipped with the 4.7 V8, power everything and a small lift. With both my boys, the dog and wife packed for a trip we were out of room, roof top cargo deal solves that problem.

If your kids are still in car seats and a third is a strong possibility, I'd be looking at the early/mid 90's Land Cruiser/Lexus. Inexpensive, solid front axle and more room front and back. A lot of these were never abused off-road and were second or third vehicles so the mileage isn't all that bad for the age.

**Brewtal66** · #4 01-08-2016, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Try2paz

The older Grand Cherokee models have a really small rear seat space in my opinion. They are not that much bigger than a new Jeep Rubicon.

If you want the Jeep Rubicon id go sit in a both you might be surprised how much smaller the older grand cherokee's are compared to newer Rubicons.

Oh I'd love to to have a new Jeep Rubicon...but the Bank Of Wife says no lol

**Brewtal66** · #5 01-08-2016, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBasher

My best advice...don't have any more kids!

I've got a 2005 now and really like it. It's quieter and feels more solid then the 99 we had a few years ago. Both equipped with the 4.7 V8, power everything and a small lift. With both my boys, the dog and wife packed for a trip we were out of room, roof top cargo deal solves that problem.

If your kids are still in car seats and a third is a strong possibility, I'd be looking at the early/mid 90's Land Cruiser/Lexus. Inexpensive, solid front axle and more room front and back. A lot of these were never abused off-road and were second or third vehicles so the mileage isn't all that bad for the age.

I never even thought about a Land Cruiser/Lexus...but I'd imagine there isn't half the aftermarket support as a GC. Both my boys are current in car seats, but by time the third comes around, the oldest boy will only be in a booster seat.

DBasher · #6 01-08-2016, 06:02 PM

Oh there is, mainly because they've been sold all over the world. I had an Old Man Emu lift on mine and loved it. What the hippie...er wife didn't like was the mileage...whatever! A lot of them are equipped with factory lockers...get the lift, some armor and bigger tires and you're done.

What will you be using it for? A daily or the tow behind every once in awhile rig?

**Brewtal66** · #7 01-08-2016, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBasher

Oh there is, mainly because they've been sold all over the world. I had an Old Man Emu lift on mine and loved it. What the hippie...er wife didn't like was the mileage...whatever! A lot of them are equipped with factory lockers...get the lift, some armor and bigger tires and you're done.

What will you be using it for? A daily or the tow behind every once in awhile rig?

Purely a tow-behind pleasure vehicle. Not a daily driver.

DBasher · #8 01-10-2016, 05:03 PM

Tim, I think if I was you I'd go look at a few, load the kiddos up and see what you're dealing with. I'm a big kid at 6'4" and my seat is always all the way back, my boys have plenty of room in the back but aren't in any kind of booster/car seat.

I'm a fan of Jeeps and would recommend them to most people, I just wonder if 3 seats across the back will fit well.

**Brewtal66** · #9 01-12-2016, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBasher

Tim, I think if I was you I'd go look at a few, load the kiddos up and see what you're dealing with. I'm a big kid at 6'4" and my seat is always all the way back, my boys have plenty of room in the back but aren't in any kind of booster/car seat.

I'm a fan of Jeeps and would recommend them to most people, I just wonder if 3 seats across the back will fit well.

I think that's sound advice. I talked to a buddy with a Cherokee...he fit three but said it was snug.

Right now I've decided on a 2000-2004 Grand Cherokee V8 4x4. That way it's fairly new, has good power, straight axle front end, and can fit the whole family.

camsdad · #10 01-13-2016, 01:02 AM

My Wife has a 96 Grand Cherokee Laredo 6 Cyl 2WD and loves it!
When it's not acting like a Boat. The proverbial money pit.
Good MPG, Tight turning radius, good ground clearance, comfy seats, weird suspension, Decent interior space for a sub-compact 4 door SUV.
When the sensors start failing, heed my advice and use OEM sensors only.