2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk vs CPO Jeep Grand Cherokee - Long-Term Road Test


Edmunds editor James Riswick compares the 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk with a certified-pre owned used Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Tagged:
0
Edmunds editor James Riswick compares the 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk with a certified-pre owned used Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Comments
WAT. The JGC averaged 22.5 mpg over 22,000 miles. This POS is averaging 21 after 16,000. And you just wrote the most recent mpg update on it yesterday, so you should know that.
So the question is would you want a good vehicle that has a slightly greater than average chance of becoming a piece of crap, or a known piece of crap.
And while not a fan of Jeep, I have to admit that every vehicle in the lineup has a sophisticated, complex AWD or 4WD drivetrain. Expecting similar reliability to a maker that has maybe 30% of their vehicles having AWD and none having 4WD...that's just not going to happen.
I bought my wifes 07 PT in 2012 with 52K miles from the original owner. It turned over 73K last week with just a few issues. A cam and crank sensor, AC pressure switch and half shafts last month. When I bought it I found out it was one of the few Chrysler from that era that did not have below average to way below average reliability ratings across the board. We like the dumb thing so much we took a chance on it and have been happy, but in the back of my mind there is that distrust of anything Mopar. I just make sure and service it like the schedule says and hope for the best.
But a used Jeep? Not on your life.
Seriously, I'm not sure the question he asked, that I misinterpreted, is even a good question...who in his right mind is cross-shopping this Renegade with a Grand Cherokee? New or used, the JGC is just...too far away. I can see comparing a loaded Escape against a mid-level Edge or a CPO Edge, but I'm probably not seriously considering an Explorer or a Flex.
Even in America, people don't just try to get the most gigantic vehicle they can get for the money, regardless of their needs...just not how people shop.
I also know folks with the GC (lots of electrical issues, in addition to tranny issues mentioned) and Cherokee (the tranny is beyond bad). The JGC's offroad capability is useless - one would be insane to trust that thing in some lonely stretch of forest road.
Stay away from FCA.They make decent looking cars with character and capability on paper - however, their reliability is atrocious.
Its really the opposite of Toyota, which lately has been super conservative on development (ex: new Tacoma as drum rear brakes and finally an outdated 6 speed auto), but great on reliability.
I think Ford and GM do a much better job of balancing both, Subaru, Volvo and lately Mazda are also great. The Germans are also unreliable and more importantly hideously expensive to own and repair.
Kinda sad that the mainstream auto press has been so mum about the Sergio and his BS costing dealers millions and people their jobs.