The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large 4WD aimed more at buyers of luxury station wagons rather than keen off-road drivers.
We will start this used car checkout with the WK Series Grand Cherokee that launched in Australia in February 2011.
Compared to previous models it was designed to better suit on-road conditions, with SUV-type suspension to give it a smoother, quieter ride.
True to its roots Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a genuine 4×4 and can tackle rugged off-road work that would stop most crossover wagons in their tracks, or rather off their tracks.
Grand Cherokee was facelifted in June, 2013 and again in May, 2017.
Significant advances were made to the infotainment system in both cases.
Hotrod models, called SRT (Sports Racing Technology) and Trackhawk 700 are something very special.
The 700 in the latter’s title refers to its 700 horsepower engine!
It has a 6.2-litre Hemi V8 supercharged engine that sits in front of a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep’s Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system.
This utilises an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case.
Added to this is a Selec-Track system with Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow.
Keep in mind that an SRT and Trackhawk models may have belonged to people who liked to take place in serious redlight drag racing, so be wary.
The 75th Anniversary of Jeep was celebrated in 2016.
The 75th Anniversary Edition of the Grand Cherokee has Tangarine stitching in the leather panels on seats and centre armrest, de-bossed 75th logos on the front seats and Moroccan Sun highlights on the centre console, steering wheel and door handle surrounds.
Other Jeep models also received this 75-year tribute and some feel these may become collectors’ editions in years to come.
Your call, but Jeep owners are proud of their machines and it may well happen.
Grand Cherokee has good interior space and a voluminous boot thanks to its squared-off rear end – sometimes the old shapes are the best ones.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is easier to drive in traffic than you might expect due to its high seating position and the well-defined extremities of the squared-off body.
Parking can a hassle in really tight situations but otherwise few owners say they’ve had any real problems.
In Australia, the Jeep dealer network operates in the bush as well as the suburbs.
We hear of no significant complaints about the prices of spare parts or their availability.
Insurance costs are generally about average for this class of vehicle.
The range of premiums between major companies doesn’t seem to vary a lot, but it’s still worth shopping around.
Make sure you use comparable figures, but be aware that insurance companies appreciate long-term customers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Listen for squeaks and rattles when test driving on rough roads, ideally should do off-road as well as on-road driving.
Jeeps go off-road more than many so-called SUVs, so do a thorough body and underbody check.
Scratches on the doors and front guards, as well as the lower corners of the bumpers are the sign of off-road running.
Also look for damage to the protection plates, the platform and the bumper mounts, all of which indicate serious off-road work.
Salty sand on the under surfaces probably indicates beach driving – which is great fun, but if salt gets into the metal it can do dreadful things in the way of rust.
Check the cabin and boot for signs of wear and tear.
Tyres on the SRT hotrods may have had a hard life.
Look for uneven wear and also for heavy build-up of brake dust on the sides of the tyres and on the suspension.
There should be no fumes from the exhaust pipe, even when the engine is worked hard or has been idling for an extended period then accelerated.
Automatic transmissions are typically American in that they are beautifully smooth.
Any roughness should be a reason to call in a professional.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $9000 to $14,000 for a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited; $11,000 to $17,000 for a 2012 Laredo; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2012 Limited; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2012 Overland; $18,000 to $26,000 for a 2014 Laredo; $22,000 to $31,000 for a 2012 SRT; $24,000 to $33,000 for a 2017 Limited; $27,000 to $36,000 for a 2016 75th Anniversary; $34,000 to $45,000 for a 2017 Blackhawk; $43,000 to $58,000 for a 2018 Trailhawk; $49,000 to $64,000 for a 2019 Overland; and $55,000 to $73,000 for a 2020 Overland.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/