A used Jeep Grand Cherokee can offer excellent value for money if you know how to select a car in good condition. Read this article to get to know how to make the most of your purchase!
If you purchase a second-hand Jeep Grand Cherokee in good condition, it should be almost just as comfortable and powerful as its new counterpart. This car can double as a capable off-roader and a high-end SUV. In this article, you’ll find smart tips on buying a used Grand Cherokee. These recommendations should help you to choose a Jeep that will serve you for many years.
Why Should You Buy a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee?
You might want to prefer this car to any other brand and make for the following reasons:
- On- and off-road road driveability. Thanks to its four-wheel drive, Grand Cherokee can cope with any type of road (or the absence of the road). Versions with rear drive are also available: you might want to get one of them if you would like to cut down your fuel expenses. While trucks have a body-on-ladder frame construction, Grand Cherokee has a unibody construction that improves the level of comfort for both the driver and passengers.
- Turbo diesel engine. The first generation that was equipped with this type of engine was the fourth one in 2011.
- Height and view. You’ll appreciate a commanding view of the road and the roofline that is almost six feet high. It will be easy for you to notice other vehicles on the road and natural obstructions. To better see what’s going on behind you, you can flip down the rear-seat headrests. Some of the later models also feature rear backup cameras that come in handy for parking.
- Ample interior and plenty of features. Wood trim accents, ample legroom, heated seating, rear-reclining seats and USB ports should be present in nearly any Grand Cherokee. Depending on the configuration, you can also benefit from a power-liftgate for quick access to the trunk, a voice-activated touchscreen system, sun/moon roof, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, Bluetooth, premium sound system and a dual-screen entertainment system.
And of course, Grand Cherokee is famous for its towing capacity.
Which Is the Best Generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The first generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee saw light in 1993 and was positioned as a luxury SUV. It was available in three modifications: SE (the basic one), Laredo and Limited.
The second generation was released in 1999 and inherited only 127 parts from its predecessor. It had a more rounded exterior and gave more legroom to passengers on the back seat.
The third generation debuted in 2004. It was better suited for offroad driving. It featured an enhanced level of comfort and improved engine design.
The fourth generation hit the road in 2011. It had a four-wheel independent suspension and five drive modes to choose from.
The fifth generation was introduced in 2013. The vehicle was converted to a crossover and became a bit bigger. In 2019, the front end was updated and a new 2.0L turbo engine became available.
If you purchase a Jeep Grand Cherokee of the first or second generation in 2022, you might need to invest too much in repairs and maintenance. The fourth generation seems to be the optimal choice for the following reasons:
- It’s not too old yet
- Compared to its predecessors, it’s much more technologically advanced
- It offers an excellent level of comfort and looks very stylish
Cars of the fifth generation are more expensive than those of the fourth but might fail to deliver an identical value for money.
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Which Year Should You Avoid?
All four generations of Jeep Grand Cherokee have experienced several recalls. When you find a specific model on sale that seems attractive to you, you should check the recall statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you opt for a car of the fourth generation, you might want to avoid 2011. That year had the highest number of overall complaints from owners. Most of these complaints referred to the engine, electrical systems and interior accessories.
How Should You Expect Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Before the Purchase?
When inspecting the Jeep before the purchase, you should do the following:
- Look beneath. Are there any leaks from power steering lines or radiator hoses? Any filter housing leaks? You should closely inspect the inside and the underside of the engine compartment. If you detect leaks, you might need to pay a lot of money to get rid of them.
- Check for water leaks. There might be leaks from windshields or sunroofs. Is the carpeting damp? Are there water stains? Is there pooled water in the car’s spare-tire well? A leaky seal might allow water past the windscreen. A plugged sunroof drainage system might allow built-up rainwater to overflow into the vehicle. If there are leaks, look for another Jeep Cherokee.
- Run a climate control test. You should test all the functions of the climate control system. Select the hottest and coldest possible settings and cycle several times between each. Do all the available vents provide enough airflow?
If you can choose between a Grand Cherokee with modifications or without them, you should opt for the latter. Some Jeep owners modify the engines, suspension, electronics or lighting of their vehicles. On the one hand, that might increase the car’s capability and functionality. On the other hand, the warranty might get voided because of the modifications. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to pay the full sum of the repairs from your own pocket. You can never be sure of the quality of parts that were used for the modification and the skills of the mechanic who carried them out.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article came in handy and now you better understand how to select a used Jeep Grand Cherokee. You might want to opt for a car of the fourth generation if it was not released in 2011. Before transferring funds to the owner, you should look beneath the car, try to detect potential water leaks and run a climate control test. If possible, try to avoid vehicles with modifications. You’ll appreciate the comfort, reliability and towing capacity of your second-hand Jeep Grand Cherokee!
