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The 03's are starting to hit the dealer's lots, so they do want to sell those 02's pretty bad.
Good Luck!
Stan
joec
There's been alot of folks complaining about gear whining with the Quadra-drive system so if you don't really need the capability it may be worth skipping that optin.
Selec-Trac (standard and only available on Laredo). Quadra-TracII (optional on Laredo and standard on Limited). Quadra-Drive (optional on Limited and standard on Overland).
A Vari-Lok rear axle can be ordered with Selec-Trac or Quadra-TracII. Front and rear Vari-Lok axles are standard with Quadra-Drive.
The difference between Quadra-TracII and the old Quadra-TracI transfer case is that the QTII utilizes a gerotor coupling instead of the viscous coupling used in the QTI. I've never owned a Selec-Trac, so I can't tell you what's in that transfer case.
Out of the 3 systems, the Quadra-Drive is my only choice. You just drive it and it does all the work. You feel nothing as it engages or disengages. It is hands-down the best 4WD system in snow that I've ever driven. I haven't had any trouble with the 2 I've had and I haven't noticed any abnormal tire wear from this system either.
The Quadra-Drive gear whine was most noticeable on early production 99's (built prior to 4-99). And not all of this whine was attributed to the Quadra-Drive system itself. From then until now, the entire system has become much quieter. The 99 can't compare to the quietness of the 02.
1 - The MDX did horribly on the beach and I saw several stuck. True, it could be attributed to the driver however in 8 days of observation and discussion NO Jeep product was stuck on the beach.
2 - If you own a Ford Explorer walk up the beach, as you have a zero chance of making it. I personally helped 5 get unstuck.
3 - The Jimmys and Blazers did OK but the new Trailblazer was fine.
4 - Several people made it through spots the MDX and Explorer got stuck with their Subraru Outbacks. That is extremely impressive.
If you have no experienced beach driving I am talking about huge ruts, deep sand (soft variable depth), and water.
I have read lots of stuff about the Jeep being substandard etc but I am now completely sold. What else could I drive through bad off road conditions with the a/c on, sipping coffee ?
Other vehicles that made it are:
GMC Yukons
Large pickups with 4WD
Ford Expeditions
Ford Excursions (although I saw 1 stuck)
Land Rover products
The choice by far was the Jeep which was also driven by rescue, fire and law enforcement in this zone.
I dont even bother including the "luxury" SUVs from Lexis, Mercedes etc as I dont even think of them as off road capable. The same holds true for the Rav, and the Kias none of which I saw on the beach.
What are you guys really getting? Also, Is the High Output V8 really worth the extra money?
I haven't personally driven a 4.7L HO so I can't comment on it. I've read that some people think it has noticeably more power and others say little to no difference to the standard 4.7L. All you can do is test drive the two for yourself and decide if it's worth it. The HO requires premium gas to see the published HP/torque figures, although it's supposed to run fine (lower HP/torque) on regular.
If they would air down most would make it. There are just too many people who buy SUVs and think they are go anywhere tanks. You could spend your whole day pulling out the tourists, but you are correct - can't remember seeing a Jeep stuck. Maybe because they're more educated on how their vehicle works.
I personally have not driven the the JGC with the 4.7L HO engine and was never considering it. I believe the power from normal output 4.7L is outstanding and was worth every dollar over the I6 engine which if I remember correctly only gets about 1 to 2 mpg better than the V8. For me the normal 4.7L has suited all my needs perfectly, but that is my own opinion and of course the next person that comes along may have a completely different opinion.
On this Town Hall posting over the last three years I have read opinions praising the current JGC model to ones calling them crap and lemons. I don't disagree that there have been owners that unfortunately purchased models that were Lemons or JGCs plagued with problems. Though, I don't believe that ALL JGC are bad as some have tried to claim. In my own experience with my '99 that I just recently traded in, I did experience defects, but no where near as bad as some owners have complained about in this forum.
The only grievance I had with the '99 was with the front rotors warping and that in only 31,000 miles the rotors had been replaced three times and the front brake pads replaced twice. Except for one set of brake pads, every problem was replaced under warantee (by a dealer that I did not even purhase the vehicle at) and I was never left stranded by a break down. Overall my '99 was great, I enjoyed driving it and I think otherwise I would not have traded it in for the '02 which is noticably better.
To each his own, but one thing I would keep in mind that on forums like Edmunds Town Hall, people will always have more of tendency to take the time to voice their compliants, grievances or basically vent thier anger becuase they feel they have been cheated or ripped off. There are far less postings giving acclaim or praises. Why? becase those who are happy are out enjoying what they have. The JGC is a great SUV, and unfortunately every so often somebody gets a bad one. But it is not for everyone and that is why there are so many different options of vehicles out there in the car market.
The I6 (not a V6) is a good engine, but it's a little anemic in a GC. They had some issues with this engine, like problems with the crank position sensor failing and many people have also complained about overheating problems.
The earlier GC's were plagued with transmission problems/failures and some even had steering gearbox failures. You didn't mention what transfer case was in this particular GC... but with the I6 engine, I assume it's a Selec-Trac. The earlier Quadra-Trac I transfer case (used with the V8) had problems with the viscous coupler failing. (The 99-up uses a gerotor coupler in place of the viscous coupler... no more problems). And of course, the infamous brake rotor problem, which is simply solved by replacing the rotors with any decent aftermarket brand of rotor. Those are the major issues... everything else is relatively minor.
Sounds like a lot, but really no more problems (and in some cases fewer) than other comparable 97 SUV's. You take a chance buying any used 4WD with that kind of mileage. Now it sounds like this guy took pretty good care of it, so that's something in your favor. But also realize that things can and will eventually go wrong. It's still a used vehicle and like other SUV's, it's mechanically complicated and can be expensive to fix. My 93 was extremely well cared for and trouble-free. I sold it at 84K miles to a private party when I bought my 98. Within one month of selling it to this guy, the transmission and steering gearbox failed. Who could predict this would happen?
Despite what you've read/heard, there really are no "horror stories" with the 99-up. I don't know who coined that term for the GC's. It gets used a lot when people complain about the brake rotor problem. That isn't a horror story, and like I mentioned above, it's a simple fix.
Yes, they had some problems early on in 99. The 99 was an entirely new design and bound to have first-year bugs to work out. (The majority of problems on the 99 were on vehicles built prior to 4-99). The improvements made since then are significant. And even with that said, you still can't compare the overall quality and reliability of the WJ (99-02) with that of a ZJ (93-98). They are two different animals, but still better than most anything else out there today.
I don't think the GC is any more high-maintenance than another SUV. Other than routine service (oil changes) the other thing is to change the front/rear differential oil, trans and transfer case fluids at the recommended 30K mile intervals. That can get expensive, but it's one of the things you put up with if you want to drive a SUV.
I've tried to hit on some of the pro's and con's for you. And it probably adds to the confusion more than help you make up your mind about buying this 97. Personally, I'd scrape up the extra money and buy a WJ with fewer potential issues. I think you'd be more happy with one of those if you still have your mind set on a GC. Good luck with your decision.
You seem quite knowlegeable, however, Quadra-TracII with Quadra Drive are both options on the Laredo and you can have them both. I do. They are not necessarilyseparate/different systems.
My JGC is a 2000 Limited and I'm beginning to notice the pulsating others here have mentioned.
Thanks for any information.
-Paul
For a Laredo, they list the Selec-Trac (NV242) as the standard transfer case and Quadra-Trac II (NV247) as the optional transfer case. There is no mention of the Quadra-Drive system being available on the Laredo.
Also on the Laredo, a Vari-Lok rear axle is an available optional with either Selec-Trac or Quadra-Trac II. Note: having this option with Quadra-Trac II does not make it a Quadra-Drive system.
On the Limited, Quadra-Trac II is the standard transfer case, which can also be had with the optional rear Vari-Lok axle. Quadra-Drive is the optional system, which gives you the Quadra-Trac II transfer case plus front and rear Vari-Lok axles.
The only 4WD system available on the Overland is Quadra-Drive.
Note that Quadra-Drive employs both FRONT and REAR Vari-Lok axles as standard. It is a totally separate system and only available on the Limited and Overland models.
Also, Quadra-Drive is only available with the V8 engine... at least that's the way it was when they came out with it in 99. I believe that's still true today on the 02's.
The easiest way to tell if you have Quadra-Drive? Does it have the Quadra-Drive emblem on the console by the shift lever and one below the Jeep emblem on the lower left side of the liftgate? If not, then you don't have it.
Unless someone can show me that I'm wrong here, I have to stand by my original statement.
I need, sometime in the future, to talk with you about the Quadra Drive system in extreme winter conditions. My short list of replacements for a 99 MB ML430 includes a Volvo XC90, a VW Touareg V10 TDI,and the JGC Overland (hopefully with the Hemi), all of this happens in May, 04
Cheers
Pat
And if the price is right, I may just bolt on some tow hooks, too.
-Dave
2002 JGC Laredo Sport 4x4 4.0L I6
6000 miles
What would be a fair price for this Jeep? Dealer asking in the 23's, but I know these thing are going for about 25 new...
There are probably more vendors out there. Jparts.com appears cheaper than the jeep site with the quality the same. Dave
I have seen several Laredo's around town with the Quadra-Drive lable on the liftgate. And at least one didn't have the V8 badge.
Why should someone choose the GC?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
You'll be happier with the GC over the Pathfinder and many other models. Much more power (265hp HO), much nicer looks, more comfortable ride and seats, better sound system, better fit and finish, nicer options and accessories, much better handling in snow and mud, and on and on.
There is a reason that the Grand Cherokee outsells the Pathfinder, by almost a whopping five to one margin (!!!), it has so much more to offer. For August 2002 the PF was No. 26 on the top-selling SUV list, while the GC was near the top.
Even the Buick Rendevous out-sold the Pathfinder, that alone should say something!! And the QX4 is not very popular with consumers at all, it's near the bottom of the sales list...IF they were THAT good a LOT more people would be buying them.
Hey guys, you don't quit do you.. Take a deeeeep breath...exhale and rrreeeellllaaaxxx.
To: timkansas. Go back about 50 posts. You will find a very entertaining comparison of JGC(tloke1) vs QX4(bigorange30) . If you want unbiased opinion go read consumer report for yourself as well as edmunds long history report on JGC problems that are common with JGC and QX4/pathfinders.
Tloke1: What was that website that gives you list of problems with JGC or QX4/Pathfinder? Let this guy read for himself.
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/04/020438EQ.html for the JGC
and
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/76/02760111.html for the QX4.
I would give you the link to the Consumer Reports data but you have to pay the online subscription fee to get into it.
I did my own research when I made my decision to buy the QX4 in January. Everyone has their own opinions and they are clouded by their past experiences. I would be interested to know what decision you make. I try to be objective and I will concede that the JGC is a very good offroad vehicle. If that's what is most important to you, research will probably tell you to buy the JGC. If reliability is what's most important, research will likely tell you, like it did me, that the QX4 is the way to go. Appearance and styling is enormously subjective but that was the second criteria for me and the QX4 appears about 2 notches more classy than the JGC.
It started in the engine compartment and by the time the Fire Department arrived it was too late. It was a charred shell. A truly traumatic experience!!!
If ANYONE has heard of any such incidents please RESPOND. It is not abnormal for a 3 year old car of this type to do this and other drivers lives should not be at risk like this. My car was not recently touched by any mechanics so there was no malpractice on the part of any other mechanics.
I intend on getting some answers from Chrysler and will take the time and effort - and $$ - to ensure that other lives are not at risk.
In the meantime for all the rest of you - - - Go and BUY a Fire Extinguisher and put it in your car - its a small price to pay. Also there is a recall out on over 1 million Jeeps for a potential engine compartment fire in certain models - Recall # B-06. If you have not heard from Chrysler regarding this [just as I had not heard from them] call them with your VIN number and check if your car is part of the recall. Their tel. # is 800 853 1403.
I look forward to hearing form anyone who can HELP. BE SAFE.
Thanks - -
ex-owner of a Grand Cherokee LTD.
Go and BUY a Fire Extinguisher and put it in your car - its a small price to pay.
Excellent advice!
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Here is just a shot in the dark. Do you have any aftermarket electrical accessories that might be hooked to your battery? A very common cause of fire in vehicles is improper installation of aftermarket accessories that are hooked directly to your batter. This is especially true with custom car audio components. The problem occurs if the fuse isn't close enough to the battery terminal. If there is a short between the fuse and battery, the wire will overheat and the insulation will ignite, spreading to the battery, and you can probably guess the rest. Anyway, it may be something you want to check into. Usually firefighters can recognize these problems right away.
k2rm: sqib mentioned that there was a recall and he seemed to imply that his problem was covered by it. I would assume that they would not recall and fix something that you added on to it "aftermarket". Investigators are usually very good at determining the cause of a fire too.
I am glad that DC recognizes the problem and is recalling it. This sounds terrible.
Here's the recall...
MANIFOLD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION
Recall Date: 04/15/2002
NHTSA Campaign ID number: 02V104000
Potential number of units affected: 1,115,322
Manufactured: 06/1998 - 03/2002
Owner notification start date: May, 2002
Defect: Sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine only. The design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Consequence: This could result in a vehicle fire.
Solution: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder.
just my .02
happy shopping!
I am still waiting to hear from anyone who may have had a similar problem.
Thanks for your help - and buy those fire extinguishers!!
SQIB.
# 1 cold starting with foot on the brake and with AC off I switch to Reverse to back up. For about 10 seconds there is no engagement of the gear then the force gradually builds.
#2 Scary problem. Same scenario as above but only three times in 19,000 miles of use. Put vehicle into reverse and immediately there is a rapid acceleration that requires forceful application of the brakes...it literally jumps backward out of the garage.
Anyone else have this problem or heard of this? Appreciate any help.
deloid
Each student drove their own car (one student was the son of a Motor Trend writer and was doing an article). My daughter drove our 2000 JGC Limited. In the emergency evasion stuff, I was really nervous about her rolling it, but the Jeep really controlled quite well. She had the only SUV there, others were Saturn wagon, Acura CL Type S, and a Toyota Camry.
It was really something to watch her do rapid lane changes and evasions at close to 50 with very little lean.
-Paul
I'm looking to upgrade from a 96 GC to a 2002 GCL. I've noticed the price on the Chrysler service contract has sky-rocketed over the past couple years (I'm sure to compensate for the problems with the 99s).
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has extended their contract once it hit the expiration. I'm considering going with the 5yr/75,000 because it saves me about $1000. I'm curious what Chrysler will want to extend at the end of the 5/75.
Any info would be appreciated.
You've probably already noticed they eliminated the pinstripes, woodgrain trim piece on the ashtray, etc. Several small items like that.
I ordered my 02 Ltd with more equipment than my 99 Ltd had. The 02's MSRP was a little over $2K less than the 99's. For that kind of savings, they can go ahead and trim a little fat.
I knew this ahead of time so I took the cargo net out of my 99 before I traded it in... hehehe.