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1) Axel whine got progressively worst after about 10k miles.
2) Replaced the brake master cylinder.
3) Replaced front axel boots.
4) Replaced driver and rear passenger window motor.
5) Passenger side door lock actuator has been on order for 2.5 months.
6) Bad rotors.
7) And are you ready for this? "BUMP STOP" just started at 25k miles!
And a lot of minor adjustments and stuff not worth mentioning. . I agree with some of the previous posts that all the cars and SUV's might have problems, but I think in Jeep's case this happens more often then not. My lease is going to end in about a month and surprisingly I found myself checking out the new JGC Overland at the local dealer (where almost everyone knows me by firs name). Can someone out there save me from reading 800+ posts and tell me what seems to be the major and common problem (s) for 2001-2002 JGCs?
I just gave back our Quest, which was on lease. We did a bit of car shopping. Test drove the new Maxima, Altima, Highlander, Escape and Explorer (twice). Really liked the Explorer, but my wife who was going to get the car thought it was too big. We were vacillating and vacillating on what car to get until just by chance we pulled into a BMW dealership. Took one out for a test drive and that was it. We ordered a 2002 330i. It was for my wife, but she gave the car to me , and said she would have to make do with the "slovenly" Jeep.
I would like to get another Jeep when the lease expires, either the Overlander or another limited with the HO V8. We'll see when the time comes.
It's been a while since I've posted here. I don't characterize the Jeep as better or worse than any other vehicle, they just had some first year production problems, quality control issues with basic components and problems that should have been fixed a long time ago (read: rotors).
The route to making SUVs like cars IMHO is ridiculous. The car manufactures are tripping over themselves to make their SUVs drive, look and feel like a luxury sedan. The Jeep to me is beefy, muscular vehicle that can do what it's looks say it can do. That's why I bought a Jeep. If I wanted a luxury SUV that is masquerades as a sports car I would have bought an X5.
Thanks in advance for the help.
1-center of gravity of vehicle
2-suspension and anti-sway bars
3-braking systems
4-"Flex" of components
5-wheel base dimensions
6-speed
7-experience of driver
8-road conditions
9-tire type and condition
10-steering type and response
These are what immediately come to mind. Have I seen Ford Exp rollovers with blown Firestone tires ? Absolutely. But I am not going to theorize on why. I posted a comment out on an EMS site looking for other comments from FF/Medics to see what their experiences are and will update this group should any data come of it.
There are some things with the JGC that appear different when looking at the two vehicles such as the short ends relative to tire placement on the JGC that increases the wheelbase. I think the Ford has greater distance - does this factor ? Maybe.
I agree also with sebring95 regarding flipping a vehicle. There are lots of crazy combinations that I have seen in types of vehicles rolled and how they did it. Sliding on ice/rain and then hitting dry pavement can flip and SUV probably more so than rapid maneuvers.
I offer this advice. If you want to go offroad and be able to use your SUV in that capacity I think there are few solid options the GJC being one of them. If you want the on road safety in bad weather etc of the 4WD etc perhaps looking at a AWD Subaru or AWD Minivan is more suitable both have low rollover risk and are quite comfortable. If you truly want an SUV because you like them, are into sports that require offroad access etc then the GJC is in my opinion the best option as it looks good in suburbia and works great in the great outdoors.
I do not like Ford products for various reasons as I noted before. The interiors, dash components, switches, handling etc are just not what I like. I have owned several 4WD vehicles including Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge and had zero problems, great utility and offroad and comfort. I cant say I had a bad experience. THe GJC is by far the most useful and comfortable and capable SUV/PU I have owned.
We have the GJC and a 02 Subaru Outback Ltd which incidentally is incredible in bad weather, does very fine offroad for a "car" and if you check the stats will find it has more ground clearence then a Ford Explorer. So what does that tell you ?
Good luck.
Medic99
I currently own a '98 GC Laredo (46k miles, basic options) and a '99 GC Laredo (43k miles), both have SelecTrac and the inline 6-cylinder. Before these, I leased a '96 GC Laredo. I have never had any major mechanical problems with any of these vehicles, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of my "Grands".
I am considering upgrading my '98 Laredo to a '99 Limited. The Limited has 11,550 verifiable one-owner, local miles, a power moonroof, the 4.7L V8, QuadraTrac II (not QuadraDrive though), a factory towing package, and of course all of the other Limited "niceities" from that model year. The sale price on the dealer lot is $22,990.
Questions: Is the sale price for the Limited a fair price? What can I expect as a trade-in price on my '98 Laredo (Northern WI)? Will I experience more frequent trips to the fuel pump with the V8 than I currently do with my I6?
I have not begun any negotiations with the dealer.
Thanks for your time.
There's very little difference between the V8 and I6 as far as mpg. The 4.7L is a sweet motor in almost all respects.
Also, on the Envoy a close friend of mine and very well known mechanic works for a GMC dealer currently says the Envoys are not reliable, are constantly in for repairs and are not well built. I have to say I do like the way they look however and feel to drive.
Just an FYI
I've read about the Envoy/TB problems in the town hall but they seem to be fairly minor compared to the problems I’m used too, and I really like the way they look and drive too, I also like the OnStar, since my wife is going to be the primary driver and could get good use out of it. It's a bummer that Jeep doesn’t offer a factory installed navigation system. Also another feature that I would like to have in the Jeep is the rear air conditioning controls and vents.
Anyway, the Envoy has some fabulous features. A bit more pricey altough they have some incentives. I think its $2,002 cash ?? I like the GPS link to the Palm OS platform on a PDA. More versatile then the onboard since you can throw it into a pack and hike or climb etc with it. I am looking at one now but have not decided. Just an option you may want to consider if on board navigation is a must. The Rangerover has one as well that I was playing with (in friends SUV) last week. Very nice system and true off road. Pricey however, although a lease may be reasonable.
Good luck regardless of your choice. The first 36K are covered anyway !
Steve
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Unfortunately I also saw an 02 JGC with most of the front end smashed but a a very safe and unharmed driver standing roadside on a cell phone.
paramedic99
We had snow in Upstate NY yesterday about 2-3 inches with ice in the AM that was gone by 5P after it warmed up to 49. I am a die hard skiier and winter sports buff and would love to see 50 inches of snow. But like you have not seen much.
Thanks for seeking the clarification.
I would appreciate any advice or opinions on the need to get an alignment. I haven't noticed anything wrong with my alignment, but I sometimes wonder if I am doing myself a dis-service by not getting one anyhow.
I was told not to do one unless you need it, and I believe it.
"Don't fix it if it ain't broke!"
If only Honda made a Jeep.
I would run 4X2 unless you feel you might need addtional traction. Then 4X4 Hi (full-time) is a good choice on rain/snow/ice covered roads. The part-time system will work fine off-road as well, particularly if you're just driving fire-roads or fields etc. Deep mud, rocks, etc. then the part-time system is better.
If the service manager regularly checks alignments and they rarely need it, he probably can make a good assumption that it's ok unless you can feel it. Of course an alignment shop isn't going to tell you a particular vehicle rarely has alignment troubles, but a dealer might because most people trust someone that gives it to them straight. If you don't trust him or think it's out of alignment, you'll pay them to do it regardless.
Back in September, as I was driving down the highway, I heard a loud crack. I thought maybe a rock hit the windshield. It took several days before a noticable crack appeared in the windshield. It started near the very bottom, middle part of the windshield. Over the course of several days/weeks, it became quite a prominent crack going across the bottom part of the windshield (passenger side). Not really in my field of view, not that bothersome, so I haven't gotten it fixed. But I have noticed, since my crack happened, more and more Jeeps with cracked windshields. I am beginning to wonder if Daimler/Chrysler is using an inferior product or design on their windshields. Maybe it wasn't a rock that did it, but just a stress fracture or something along that line.
Has anyone else noticed this? Any ideas on the design flaw theory? Know of any manufacturer recalls about this matter? Any and all opinions are welcome.
PS. Thanks to all those who responded to my alignment question. I would still be interested in more opinions on that matter.
As for the windshield - the Jeep is a unibody I believe and I wonder if when things loosen up some the cross vehcile rigidity or torsion causes things to flex and glass, is probably a weak point to accept it. Used to happen with the older TA's and Camaros. You could hammer the accelerator and torque - quite literally the t-top roofs right out of the car. I had a friend of mine, and his vehicle did this after we changed the rear end and ramped up the HP.
Just a thought.
Usually, one waits for uneven wear, a funny feel in steering wheel, or pull to one side or the other when you let go on a straight, flat road.
Anything else is a waste of good money.
Of interest to note: Mercedes also did not fare well in the reliability area. The best Mercedes only got average while others are poor in reliability of the 2002 models. That is a black eye for a top luxury line. It kind of makes you wonder is it because of Chryslers influence on the product line that these ratings have slipped?
And I think you have it backwards, I'm not aware of any Chrysler influence going on in the MB line. Chrysler was bought-out by MB regardless of how they want to word the transaction and any influence going on is coming from the MB rank and file.
After three years of very close relationship with the local Jeep dealer’s service department it’s time to let go! I finally decided to go with the Envoy. 250 miles so far and I love it. It’s amazing how quiet and smooth this truck is and it makes me wonder how any body (Including myself) would put up with the JGC’s axel whine and wind noise.
Any way, I don’t want to put down JGCs since I still believe they are among the worlds best off-roaders. Hopefully you guys will have better luck with your Jeep.
Happy Jeeping!
http://pc99.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.hbs?myrec=144
fastdriver
Presumably all this engineering magic is possible through a sophisticated system of knock sensors and variable valve timing? Does anyone have a link to tech data on this engine? Thanks in advance for the help, and happy Jeepin'!!!
Dont get me wrong. I think the Envoy looks and rides great and have always been a big GMC fan. Just not sure if you stepped out of the kitchen, into the fire ????
Glad the process went well, keep us posted on your results.
Paramedic99