My wife and I are going back and forth between buying a new JK or a 2005 Grand Cherokee. How does the reliability seem to be on the JK? Over that the GC forum there seems to be a ton of problems with the Cherokees (diffs, trannys), but the JK is build from the same company so are you guys having these problems as well?

We are wanting a long lasting dependable vehicle, do you think the JK will be a long life vehicle?

Thanks

 

You will get the lifetime powertrain warranty on the New JK and the 3/36 BB.

The used 05 GC wouldn't get any warranty would it?

 

Yeah, from a warranty standpoint you'd be much better off with the new JK. As for problems, the JK has had it's share of gremlins being a new vehicle, but overall the drivetrain seems to be very stout, so it should hold up well long-term.

 

Buy the JK. U stated a "new Jk". That has the lifetime powertrain warranty. The 2005 won't. If you want a long lasting vehicle, the JK is your best option. Just don't buy it for the gas mile age.

 

I had an 02 Grand Cherokee LTD. 4.7 V8, 3.73 gear, front and rear vari-lock axles. It was a good vehicle. I still prefer my new JK. There are more build options for the JK. I had a set of Kevin Fell's rock rails that extended out from the body about 4 inches. Due to the rounded body I still could not use my Hi-Lift. IMHO the JK has about the same interior room as the GC.
In addition to the rock rails, I added a 2.5 inch BB and 32 inch tires. The Vari-lock LSD like system worked pretty well. Just not as good as real lockers. Lower after market R&P gears were non-existant at the time I owned mine.
I finally traded it in on a 3/4T Dodge truck when I noticed cracks starting to appear on the body. These were noticable when you lifted the rear hatch. I am almost sure they were caused by the Unibody twisting as I was off roading, (it's a Jeep isn't it?)
Some of the positive sides for the JK: Mine came with 32 inch tires. Back D44 is stronger than the GC aluminum D44. Front D30 HP on the JK is stronger than the GC D30. JK has a body on frame vs GC Unibody
Last, but not least, I believe the 05 GC has an IFS front. I am dead set against IFS for any off road vehicle

 

Thanks guys,

I am also wanting to get opinions from some hard cord Jeep guys.

Do you think the JK will hold up like some of the older Jeeps. I mean there are old CJs running strong with 200,000 miles. Do you think this model has the potential for that kind of longevity?

 

If you're waffling then make sure you're comparing the 4dr Jeep.

As to 200K miles? that could be chewed up in 3 yrs depending on your driving.

But I would say yes, for other than the electronics. The electronics is the weak link in any vehicle and I have yet to see electronic replacements for older vehicles of any make.

 

The engine will go for millions of miles, if you take care of it. And if it doesn't, and you were taking care of it, you have a lifetime warranty (assuming you're buying a NEW JK).


But, if you're not going to wave, get the cherokee

 

I just purchased my JK (4 door Rubicon, Auto, 4.10) and couldn't be happier. I also own a 2002 Grand Cherokee and love it. I have owned a 96 Grand, 99 TJ, 89 YJ and 84 Cherokee Chief. Every Jeep I've owned has gone over 130k miles and ran great. I don't think the JK is going to be any different.

The JK and the Grand Cherokee are 2 completely different vehicles. One gives you a luxury like, quiet, softer ride and the other (JK) is stiffer, louder (with the soft top) and in my opinion, a heck of a lot more fun!

Also, you will be more likely to have your JK as your computer wallpaper! Have fun out there and good luck with making a decision.




.....(get the JK!)

 

Get the JK! The JK's engine is the same engine that's in a chrysler minivan that we had that had over 160,000 miles and was still going strong. Plus the JK will do this...