The last Jeep I had the great pleasure to own was a 1999 4X4 Grand Cherokee with the inline six. If Ex-wife #2 had not trashed it, like she trashed the 1988 Lerado 4X4 and the in line six I owned when we met...I'd still have both of them....The Jeeps...Not the wife.
I just bought a 2000 WJ limited with the 4,7 engine and 131k miles for $1800 with a good working Quadra drive system. Great bargain with a lot of capability.
When you buy a 4x4 that you want to take out and break.. Simple rules are, no technology... Your engine has a cpu, mapping ebd technology.. Screwed if you are stuck in the middle of no where.. My landy 3 series.. Has a Holden 202, sprint car engine... simple fix stuck anywhere...
@@aaronmodlin1871 The sunrooof does not work but I do not care about that. It does need a front axle due to leaking CV joint. I always do the brakes anyway but they were about 50%. Engine runs strong and no check engine lights and all fluids look good.
You guys are trying hard to jinx it :D Jokes aside; I sold my 4.0 XJ 4 years ago at 300k miles and bought it back few weeks ago at 500k miles. Same car, original engine, original interior. I mean it's kinda getting boring that it is the same car for 12 years right now. No tear or discoloration in interior, still below 10 secs 0-60 acceleration. Even the guy I sold it was complaining about the same thing. It just runs, only asks for fuel really...
The WJ has a few quirks, such as the door jam wiring pinching and the auto-headlight sensor crapping out and turning your headlights when you park it as well as the blend doors in the dash breaking, but all in all it's a great low buck option with expanding aftermarket support.
The new ones are nice but I rather have my 1995 jeep grand cherokee with a 5.2 v8 it's been a great vehicle and it's very reliable especially the 5.2 v8 and I love that engine and for a old 90s vehicle it's really quick and its fun to drive
Our 95 Jeep Cherokee with a 360 CI. Was the bomb, i just bought a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4, 4.7 L. New tires, with 277,000 miles on it for $900.00 AC works on the passenger side only, someone took the blend door out, so I'll order a set probably tomorrow... So far so good! Godspeed from the Yakima Valley in Nortwest Washington State! 🙌🏾🙏🏽🕊️✝️😇
I put 437,000 miles on my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I replaced the engine at 280,000 and rebuilt the transmission at 200,000 miles. I was pleased with that, especially given that I am not someone that does maintenance like I should at times.
Was lucky to come across a 2nd hand 60,000 km 2004 model in 2020 and after 20 years, everything still works, great job . I also got it for a steal at R50,000, about $4000.
Love the WJ! I bought an 04 last January with 4.7 HO. Installed a 4” long arm lift. Hidden winch behind the front bumper and Spartan locker in rear. Picked up a set of JK 33” take offs and cut out the wheel openings. True dual exhaust with Thrush glass packs. She’s a rocket! Works very well so far.
Honestly the ZJ is underrated as heck. I have a 97 with a 4.0, 3.5 in lift and 32” A/Ts. It rides like hell, but off-road beast and it drives surprisingly well on the highway. I think the ZJ is the best Grand Cherokee. But to each their own
I agree the zj with a 5.2 or 5.9 was an absolute beast. For the era it was a decent ride as well considering most 90s vehicles drove like a boat or really stiff.
Agree. I had a 97 ZJ with a 4.0. 3-inch lift and 31's, that thing has flex for days as compared to my late model 4Runner. Sure the 4.0 felt underpowered here and there, but it was super smooth and reliable.
So wrong on so many points. The ZJ was so much better. More reliable drivetrains, less issues with electronics. The Chrysler deadly 7 engines is what killed the WJ reputation
I like both the ZJ and the WJ. Grew up with them and XJ Cherokee. Never been a Wrangler fanboy but I do like the bigger and more comfortable Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Newer ones are nice but you can't beat the older ones for price and off road capability. I work on my own cars and the 4.0L is simple to maintain. Easy to do belts, hoses, plugs, wires, coolant flush, oil changes, trans filter and fluid, and differential gear oil changes. If you take care of them, they last a very long time.
Great video. WJs are the best kept secret of second hand 4x4s for all the reason Tommy mentioned. Best compromise of old and new. We just added a second WJ to the garage and have both a 4.0 I6 and the 4.7 V8. More WJ content pls!
Last year I picked up a '12 WK2 5.7 Hemi Overland, w/172K mi. No serious issues yet. Among the mods I'm considering, I'm thinking about adding an aux fuel tank.
Miss my WJ a lot. I've been keeping my eye out for an affordable one in decent condition, but we all know how silly prices on old 4WDs are these days. I couldn't get one in the condition I bought mine for in 2010 for what I paid then.
I got my 2000 WJ Laredo for $2500 with the 4.7 with about 160,000ish miles on it. The day we got it the transfer case went out 💀, but still going strong 30,000 miles later
Tommy, step into a 2004 Overland and you’ll be surprised at even how much better those lounger seats get, and how many options were available. Even up to an early Navigation system. I keep toying with replacing mine, but I just can’t imagine being as happy in a new one especially for daily logging roads and forest applications.
@@yeahman1975 Yeah, I agree, modules all over the place and hidden. I had some electrical problems with my 2002, I had high parasitic drain on three circuits, I traced two of them to electronic control modules. My solution, I put on/off switches on those circuits, as long as I remember to shut them off at night, I don't have to worry about a dead battery in the morning. May be a hillbilly fix, but it keeps the Jeep on the road a little longer.
I fixed the window regulator problem by bolting the end of the cable to the metal plate instead of replacing the whole regulator for a piece of broken plastic. I fixed all 4 regulators this way after they all broke shortly after I bought it and haven't had a problem with them after 8 years and I use all 4 every day.
I had a 1996 Grand Cherokee. Bought it used. It was a Laredo. Great car! Felt like the offspring of my sons Cherokee and my brothers Cadillac STS! V8 full time 4-wheel drive. Never let me down! The only thing I didn’t like was the fuel economy! Day to day mpg 12-14! Highway trip best 18 mpg. That’s why I had to let it go. Still miss it!
Yes I knew that. I had a wj 4.7 while my father had a wk 5.7. I loved the wj for it being really well rounded. Pretty comfortable on open road, quite fuel efficient for long distances and great off road. It was a better daily than the wk. the hemi just drinks too much. The wk is more comfortable but in a sportier way. Loved my wj
First memory of my uncle's 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2l V8, it was dark green with a tan interior and had the unique with the fog lights on the top of the middle of the front bumper I remember the first time I drove it, it felt powerful and fast for it's time.
Loved my 03 Grand Cherokee but can’t say it was reliable. Electrical issues, rear end went out, transmission went out, ac broke multiple times, transfer case literally blew up, along with many other small issues all before 180k miles and it was not driven hard and never went off road. The 4.0 was a great engine though, never had any issues with the engine. Road great and was awesome in the snow. It was really enjoyable to drive when it was at home and not in the shop.
@grant holdridge Your story reminds me of our experience with Chrysler's Slant Six engines in a couple of cars. The engine was still going strong when almost every other component had failed.
I have a 2003 jeep Grand Cherokee Larado 4.0 V6. It had 190,000 miles on it. It was in good condition. I love mines. I paid 2,000. I love it. I had heard so many bad things about them, but I ignored it n bought one anyway. 😊👍🏼
Love my old 95 ZJ with the 4.0. 240,000 and still running great. I lifted it 2" 13 years ago, and will go another 2" and all new control arms soon. I will likely be trading my 2013 Dodge Journey Crew AWD for a 2015 to 2019 WK2 before long.
3x WJ owner here. I most recently had a 2004 Overland. Love that Jeep. I took it all over the west coast, slept in it out in the desert, never let me down. The Quadra drive was literal magic in the snow, with the two limited slips and brainless operation. I just upgraded to a WK2 Trailhawk, and I freaking love it. It’s also amazing off road… but I do miss the compliance of the solid axles in the twisty stuff. But the WK2 is insanely good on the trail, especially ripping down wash board roads out in the Black Rock desert. I now prefer the independent suspension for all around trail driving. It’s smoother and nicer to drive for long trips. The air suspension also keeps the Jeep at the ride height it should be, no matter how much gear you have. I can also sleep, totally flat and comfortable in the back of my WK2, and I’m 6 feet tall. Whichever one you pick, they’re great rigs and way cheaper used than a wrangler.
I had a great running 2004 Grand Cherokee limited I bought in August of 2019 for $1700. The body was in excellent condition for being a Michigan car and the interior was very clean and loaded with every option. For my first time not driving a Silverado I was really impressed. Sadly I totaled it running through a big telephone pole with live wires so I'm lucky to be alive. That jeep had the 4.0 motor in it and she ran like a champ with just over 238,000 on it. Great off road and i was about to put a 3" lift on it before the accident. Get one if you have the chance you won't regret it.
@@ninjabearpress2574 I love my '03 4.0 as well! I call it Peej 😂 But it's very sentimental to me, as it was a gift from a good friend and I've invested a lot in it already! 😎
Love Grand Cherokees … have owned 3 and all were solid. By contrast, had a Toyota 4Runner that was wrought with electrical issues. Jeep is the most durable SUV mark - even using that fact in their new ads.
I have worked at the Grand Cherokee plant for 30 yrs.. The model we are running now is by far the best ever. I personally know a guy that has 300k on his. The Daimler Chrysler models that is the G.C and Commander were the worst models ever. 3.7 and 4.7 motors were the worst,Married to the cheapest plastic interiors. Buy a 2015 Laredo with the 3.6 and it will last forever combo with the the nicest interiors of all.
Tommy my friend as a former owner of a 07 Grand I need to point out some common issues found with the WJ. The 4.7 V8 was not a great engine especially in the Dodge trucks. Due to a design flaw with the cylinder head cooling, under heavy load the heads will over heat and warp allowing coolant to enter the cylinder and cause engine failure. (Ask me how I know). As I said before this was more common in the trucks than the WJ because not many towed heavy loads. The other issue was the alloy Dana 44 rear deferential. The rear suspension is a four link design with the upper center links attached to the top of the deferential. If larger tires and or a lift is added the stress of off road use can break the mount. The final blow to the WJ was the placement of the fuel tank. In a rear end collision the tank can easily be ruptured and that's not good. In crash test it was determined that a heavy skid plate or the installation of a hitch would deflect the majority of the collisions. There was a recall by Chrysler to install hitches. The V8 was only available with the full time transfer case and if you haven't already discovered in hi range it doesn't lock out the all wheel drive clutch. The only way to lock out that clutch is in low range. Again ask me how I know Your assessment of the WJ is mostly spot on. With some modifications the WJ is a very capable on and off road.
Thank you so much for this highly detailed clarification. You have done a real service to viewers who might otherwise have been caught up in Tommy's youthful enthusiasm.
100% agree. My wj had slightly larger tires and i ended up having just the fronts replaced at some point. The shop put the stock size and after a few hundred miles had a horrible shudder. Traced it to mismatched diameter tires and with the clutches in the tcase it ended up vibrating the driveline. Also on the modded 4 link rear ive had to swap the upper link and balljoint together. If anyone has to do this in their garage just buy the pair. These jeeps didnt have much suspension travel and unbolting the ball joint from the diff is way easier than trying to separate them. I could be wrong but i do believe the long travel suspension kit out there solves the d44 housing issue. The big tire thing is cool but it will require cutting. Not much room in those wheel wells stock. Wj was my favorite looking GC of them all.
@@TheShift1313 Who in the fuck thought that was a good plan at any point?? Fuck, that's off-road 101. Shits not causing vibration mate, it's tearing up your transfer case. Especially on a full time 4x4. Tires can't slip on asphalt to compensate for the different rotational speed, so something has to give and it's your drivetrain.
@@JC021963 yup. Well the noise was the clutch pack dragging in the tcase. Thankfully no damage was done and the tire place replaced the other tires free.... it was the day before i drove to the beach and the shake started as i got back.
The v8 didn't only come in only full time 4x4 (247) it was available with the selectrac 242HD as well compared to the 4.0's 242. A lot of folks with quadra drive switch to a 242hd tcase in order to have the variloks of the qd, with the select ability of selectrac. For non wj factory tcase's, folks swap in a 231 because the SYE options are more plentiful and cheaper
I have had 2 2008 Jeep Commanders, both with the final version of the 4.7L...305 HP and they've both been excellent motors. Yeah, the exhaust manifold bolts break...but first one made it to 223k miles before it was totalled out when another driver rear-ended us...our current 2008 Commander has 236k miles on it and has never had an issue. Yeah, radiator has been replaced once, alternator just was replaced...still has its original battery even. I maintain my vehicles and they just continue to last. I love them and would buy a 3rd 2008+ 4.7L in a heartbeat if I could find a pristine, low miles one.
I have a 2001 grand Cherokee 4.0 with selec-trac everytime I drive it it feels special to me especially when you compare it to newer jeeps, mine has 104,000 original miles and excellent condition.
I’ve had my ZG for 25 years and 500 000 Km on the original 4.0. It’s had 6 water pumps, one crank sensor and a distributor. I’ve rebuilt the rear diff, just changed the heater core and changed suspension bushings to poly urethane (front lower arm bushes are the key!) one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever had
Love my WK, never driven a WJ. I wouldn't buy an off-road vehicle without at least a solid rear axle, just wouldn't, and most definitely not air suspension. I do wish it was body-on-frame though. I think some of the body creaks have to do with its uni-body construction after years of off-road use.
I have both. WK is far superior onroad with with its IFS and QD2 locking capabilities are fantastic offroad that it makes up for articulation. The WJ though makes you feel more connected to the machine in terms of feedback, on road or off, and obviously the live axles with coils to wonders for articulation
I love the old WJ's. I can't really justify having on in England but I have spent a lot of time in them in America. The only one I ever saw with problems was a 235,000 mile one my father in law had that needed some transmission work. I never asked him what the problem turned out to be but it would only be happy if you put it in 2 or 3 until fixed. Lots of slippage in D.
TOMMY IS THE MAAN . .KEEP IT UP KIDDO .IM OLD LIKE UR. DAD N KEEP GIVIN DAD GUFF HE NEEDS IT..GOD BLESS U ALL...ROCK ON ..JUST FOR NATHAN SINCE HE WEARS THE RUSH TSHIRT....LOL
Great vid. I have an 02 4.0L WJ. 235k on the clock. She runs like a champ but it's a pig on gasoline. Super reliable and durable. One of the positives on this Jeep is the parts market. Tons of used and new parts can be found online and scrap yards.
The WJ has only one thing going for it over the 1st Gen ZJ: Refined looks and interior styling. That's it. They are beautiful, thats for sure, but were plagued by cracked heads on the later 4.0, as well as all the other little annoyances that Chrysler has always been known for. The ZJ's were simpler, had no known issues with chronic cracked heads, and despite the myth, the auto trans was fine. It was the torque converters that were bad (sometimes). Most of the failures were because of poor maintenance. For a vehicle designed in the early 1980's, and not produced until 1992/1993, the ZJ was pretty nice all around. And, those prices? They're going up fast.
I like both the ZJ and the WJ. Grew up with them and XJ Cherokee. Never been a Wrangler fanboy but I do like the bigger and more comfortable Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Newer ones are nice but you can't beat the older ones for price and off road capability.
Glad to see this review of the older grand Cherokee. I’ve got a 2004 w/ 92k miles and it runs great and as you noted, very comfortable. One change I would make would be to rear seat comfort as the seating position isn’t great for long trips, otherwise unstoppable and love it
Wj are real nice . I agree with that. My personal opinion is the zj are better. I have a 98 zj with the 5.9l . It has 198k miles on it. The reason I think zj are better is because they are a little smaller and can fit in tighter places. That said I would not trade my zj for that brand new 63k dollar even though it's worth 60k more. They look like station wagons.
Haha! 2004 WJ with the inline six. Got it for $500, with 295,000 miles on it. I now have 305,000 after many upgrades, mods, and replacement of old worn out components. These things are AWESOME! Goes anywhere i wanna try.
Damn really like mine but couldnt find one that cheap. Everything kinda of high right now. Mind of paid to much but most are around 7 now in good condition with low miles. Love My v8 though got it with 129k
Xj or wj 4.0, I have owned a few and loved them! Way tougher than even the newer wrangler. I destroyed a 15 in one off road trip and the 19 rubicon I had was a POS. Currently looking for a clean wj.
I got a ‘05 WK, watching my neighborhood vehicles getting stuck and unable to go to work because of ice on the hill to get out makes me giggle in QDII 😆
I realize this is an older video but I enjoyed it. The sales rep and I built my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition on the dealership's computer in October 2003, it was ordered and arrived early 2004. It is Midnight Blue Pearl Coat, high back cloth bucket seats, 4.7 HO, Quadra-Trac II transfer case, tow package w/hd cooling and pretty much loaded less a sunroof. It has been very capable and reliable with the exception of a front axle seal fixed under wty., a couple of window regulators, an abs sensor out and trans output sensor of wty. (ouch). It is a pig on fuel consumption so the extreme long distance use has been limited hence the current 66k on the odometer. I had considered a newer 4x4 but had sticker shock and my old Jeep looks better everyday.
Had a UK market 2.7 diesel WJ Overland model. Absolutely loved it. Driving it gave amazing confidence that it would get anywhere I needed it to, regardless of weather/terrain.
No WJ is better than a 98 5.9 ZJ. the 1998 grand Cherokee was, and will always be the best! The WJs are cheaper for a reason. Also, 99-01 4.0 WJs will not go 300,000 miles like you say, because the heads were prone to crack on those models. I would still rather get the 4.0 over the 4.7 tho
I found the rarest of the WJs for a steal. 2000 with the 4.7 AND the select trac 242HD from factory. Most of them came with the towing package and this one didn’t so therefore it got the selec trac instead of the Quadra drive. It’s my first jeep and turned out to be my dream SUV. An absolute monster on trails AND drives so well on the roads. Luxury with off-road capability beyond imagination EDIT: got it for $1000, only needed a brake line to get it back on the road and previous owner lifted and put 32s on it and broke front DS so I did the double cardan swap for only $100 and had to install a bushing for the transfer case linkage and the rear brake line rusted straight through. So far I’m only 2200 into it and get compliments from many Cherokee and wrangler owners jealous of the steal and seeing what my cheap jeep can do compared to their 20-30k+ rigs
unibody has subframes front and rear. the ZJ/WJ don't have subframes. That's because they have full length frame rails welded to the body. Hence they are uni-frame design. Put them on a lift next to a true unibody and you'll quickly see the difference.
Couldn't have said it better myself! Also the uni-frame design has more in common with a truck than a car if you think about it, in that it resembles body-on-frame due to the full length ladder frame rails that are welded to the body. It's the same concept as body on frame and even uses a truck like body. It's a unique platform and is NOT a car based crossover(vehicles that I HATE with a burning passion!).
One thing I never see anyone mention in how it's the moat comfortable vehicle , at least the Limited. The seats are great, the ergonomics of the controls, the whole package.
Liked the video but it would have been nice if you actually took them on a trail that would challenge the vehicles so you could see which preformed better.
I've given up with new cars! My Jeep wj is great and does everything I want it to do, my dog loves it too. The 4.7 quadtrac 2 isn't slow off the lights either LOL, shocks people. Why pay $50k plus for the new rubbish if you can have a WJ that's easy to work on and goes anywhere with ease.
Definitely the best deals out there IMHO. I also think it looks better than its successors, esp when equipped. And yeah, unibody is good. I've never really understood the arguement to the contrary, unless you are heII bent on a body lift?
I would absolutely agree with you Tommy. I had an '04 WJ. I have a '12 WK2 now and it's nicer in some ways but it's definitely lost a lot of the off road capability and perhaps more importantly to me, the personality! It's just not the same.
Bought an 02 4.7l v8 limited back in April. I drive it to work and back an hour each way and it still keeps on trucking. Got it with around 172,000 im now getting ready to hit 199,000. Going to replace the front differential bearings in the near future because its whining at around 30mph but haven't had any significant problems. Love it and would buy it again
One thing I never see anyone mention in how it's the moat comfortable vehicle , at least the Limited. The seats are great, the ergonomics of the controls, the whole package.
Also I hate that most of the v8 engines don't have a 2wd option a few do but I've never seen one ever with my own eyes if it's not a 4.0 with a 242 selec trac transfer case I will walk away. Now with a 98 zj it came with either a 5.2 or a 5.9 360 which is very hard to find but those are the only 2 v8 models I would accept. My neighbor had a 4.7 wj and I actually had to tow him off the highway with my 4.0 so if that thing has over 200k it's been worked on one way or another trust me!!!!
Overautomation is a turn off and too much digitalization lcd screens is not welcome. The designers and engineers have taken these and other vehicles to childish levels of their own stupidity that the consumer does not share.
I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 4 inch lift 33 x12.50 R17s , Absolutely Mint Condition,Around 5 Years Over $20.000 Into It And It's Better Than New. I Have A 2021 with 9 K MILES on it And Yes Their Junk Compared To The Older Ones
Very enjoyable video.
I just got an 4.7 2002 with 75,000 miles! …. 1 owner… Was a grannies church transport… can you say unicorn
My favorite part of your older Grand Cherokee is no car payment.
Oh yeah, that feeling you get when you plunk down the whole price, can't beat that.
If you're little bit a mechanic ZJ or WJ could be awesome rigs!
@@PistonShack Sadly I'm not mechanically inclined at all, but I luv my Jeep.
Lol
@@PistonShack just replaced plugs on my wj 4.0.... about 1 hour....
The last Jeep I had the great pleasure to own was a 1999 4X4 Grand Cherokee with the inline six. If Ex-wife #2 had not trashed it, like she trashed the 1988 Lerado 4X4 and the in line six I owned when we met...I'd still have both of them....The Jeeps...Not the wife.
Women are a losing proposition!
Relatable :( I used to have a mint little Vitara with 5spd manual and 4x4, ex destroyed it.
I just bought a 2000 WJ limited with the 4,7 engine and 131k miles for $1800 with a good working Quadra drive system. Great bargain with a lot of capability.
The sales tax on a new one is more than $1800.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q I bought it just 2 weeks ago. Tax here on a 60K vehicle would have been $3600
That's a steal, assuming it's in even halfway decent condition. I haven't seen one for that unless it's beat up with a bad cylinder.
When you buy a 4x4 that you want to take out and break..
Simple rules are, no technology...
Your engine has a cpu, mapping ebd technology..
Screwed if you are stuck in the middle of no where..
My landy 3 series..
Has a Holden 202, sprint car engine... simple fix stuck anywhere...
@@aaronmodlin1871 The sunrooof does not work but I do not care about that. It does need a front axle due to leaking CV joint. I always do the brakes anyway but they were about 50%. Engine runs strong and no check engine lights and all fluids look good.
My 2004 WJ, with a 4.0, still runs strong with 453,000 miles, still original engine
I have a 1991 Xj 2dr, 4x4 with the 4.0 HO.. 444,166 original miles on original engine, still runs like a top..
I have one only covered 65000 UK had it for ten years
You guys are trying hard to jinx it :D Jokes aside; I sold my 4.0 XJ 4 years ago at 300k miles and bought it back few weeks ago at 500k miles. Same car, original engine, original interior. I mean it's kinda getting boring that it is the same car for 12 years right now. No tear or discoloration in interior, still below 10 secs 0-60 acceleration. Even the guy I sold it was complaining about the same thing. It just runs, only asks for fuel really...
What about the transmission?
@@p00ner same, the original one.
I have the 4.7 and it has 180,000 miles and it still roars when stepped on.
My dad has a 16 Grand Cherokee Overland with the 5.7L, truly a great vehicle, should last a while…
The WJ has a few quirks, such as the door jam wiring pinching and the auto-headlight sensor crapping out and turning your headlights when you park it as well as the blend doors in the dash breaking, but all in all it's a great low buck option with expanding aftermarket support.
Did you fix the blend doors yourself? I’m having that problem and wondering how long it takes and how many curse words
The new ones are nice but I rather have my 1995 jeep grand cherokee with a 5.2 v8 it's been a great vehicle and it's very reliable especially the 5.2 v8 and I love that engine and for a old 90s vehicle it's really quick and its fun to drive
So much for reliability issues.
Our 95 Jeep Cherokee with a 360 CI. Was the bomb, i just bought a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4, 4.7 L. New tires, with 277,000 miles on it for $900.00 AC works on the passenger side only, someone took the blend door out, so I'll order a set probably tomorrow... So far so good! Godspeed from the Yakima Valley in Nortwest Washington State! 🙌🏾🙏🏽🕊️✝️😇
I put 437,000 miles on my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I replaced the engine at 280,000 and rebuilt the transmission at 200,000 miles. I was pleased with that, especially given that I am not someone that does maintenance like I should at times.
Was lucky to come across a 2nd hand 60,000 km 2004 model in 2020 and after 20 years, everything still works, great job . I also got it for a steal at R50,000, about $4000.
I'll take the 4.0 over that 4.7 all day
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, DAVID !
I'll take the 4.0l and stroke it to 4.7l. Might cost as much as rebuilding a small block chevy or ford though.
I love the 4.0L but I’d take the V8 as long as I have the select trac
4.7 is a Thirsty Pig...13mpg ( mostly highway )
@@donc6781 I get 17.3 HO version
Love the WJ! I bought an 04 last January with 4.7 HO. Installed a 4” long arm lift. Hidden winch behind the front bumper and Spartan locker in rear. Picked up a set of JK 33” take offs and cut out the wheel openings. True dual exhaust with Thrush glass packs. She’s a rocket! Works very well so far.
I thought of a WJ, but just cant let my 95 ZJ Orvis go and I prefer the 5.2 over the 4.7
I had an orvis in high school. 318. It was a blast
Honestly the ZJ is underrated as heck. I have a 97 with a 4.0, 3.5 in lift and 32” A/Ts. It rides like hell, but off-road beast and it drives surprisingly well on the highway. I think the ZJ is the best Grand Cherokee. But to each their own
I agree the zj with a 5.2 or 5.9 was an absolute beast. For the era it was a decent ride as well considering most 90s vehicles drove like a boat or really stiff.
Agree. I had a 97 ZJ with a 4.0. 3-inch lift and 31's, that thing has flex for days as compared to my late model 4Runner. Sure the 4.0 felt underpowered here and there, but it was super smooth and reliable.
My 96 4.0 has 362,000 miles.
I pretty much said the same about my 98 zj with the 5.9.
ZJ Best Grand Cherokee, easily...
The 4.7 is an awesome engine.
So wrong on so many points. The ZJ was so much better. More reliable drivetrains, less issues with electronics. The Chrysler deadly 7 engines is what killed the WJ reputation
That’s why the 4.0 was the best engine option.
Actually, any Jeep with Cherokee in its name has been unibody since 1984, that’s about 38 years.
the 4.7 engine has a lot of problems, not the one I would choose
I like both the ZJ and the WJ. Grew up with them and XJ Cherokee. Never been a Wrangler fanboy but I do like the bigger and more comfortable Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Newer ones are nice but you can't beat the older ones for price and off road capability. I work on my own cars and the 4.0L is simple to maintain. Easy to do belts, hoses, plugs, wires, coolant flush, oil changes, trans filter and fluid, and differential gear oil changes. If you take care of them, they last a very long time.
Great video. WJs are the best kept secret of second hand 4x4s for all the reason Tommy mentioned. Best compromise of old and new. We just added a second WJ to the garage and have both a 4.0 I6 and the 4.7 V8.
More WJ content pls!
Last year I picked up a '12 WK2 5.7 Hemi Overland, w/172K mi. No serious issues yet. Among the mods I'm considering, I'm thinking about adding an aux fuel tank.
Had a 2001 Overland . Was a monster in the snow. On the negative side seemed like something was always broke.
Miss my WJ a lot. I've been keeping my eye out for an affordable one in decent condition, but we all know how silly prices on old 4WDs are these days. I couldn't get one in the condition I bought mine for in 2010 for what I paid then.
I got my 2000 WJ Laredo for $2500 with the 4.7 with about 160,000ish miles on it. The day we got it the transfer case went out 💀, but still going strong 30,000 miles later
Tommy, step into a 2004 Overland and you’ll be surprised at even how much better those lounger seats get, and how many options were available. Even up to an early Navigation system. I keep toying with replacing mine, but I just can’t imagine being as happy in a new one especially for daily logging roads and forest applications.
My favorite thing about the wj is the high quality parts, especially the window regulators. Can’t say I miss the 02 I owned back in 2004.
Electronics from those years are the worst. Manual windows and locks have their advantages
@@yeahman1975 Yeah, I agree, modules all over the place and hidden. I had some electrical problems with my 2002, I had high parasitic drain on three circuits, I traced two of them to electronic control modules. My solution, I put on/off switches on those circuits, as long as I remember to shut them off at night, I don't have to worry about a dead battery in the morning. May be a hillbilly fix, but it keeps the Jeep on the road a little longer.
my favourite has to be the door blends, just after the warranty ran out!
I fixed the window regulator problem by bolting the end of the cable to the metal plate instead of replacing the whole regulator for a piece of broken plastic. I fixed all 4 regulators this way after they all broke shortly after I bought it and haven't had a problem with them after 8 years and I use all 4 every day.
Thank you for the great video. Would love to see a ZJ WJ head to head
when he said the 4.0 was a cockroach, I was like WHAT??? but then I realized what he meant. They are a cockroach
I had a 1996 Grand Cherokee. Bought it used. It was a Laredo. Great car! Felt like the offspring of my sons Cherokee and my brothers Cadillac STS! V8 full time 4-wheel drive. Never let me down! The only thing I didn’t like was the fuel economy! Day to day mpg 12-14! Highway trip best 18 mpg. That’s why I had to let it go. Still miss it!
Yes I knew that. I had a wj 4.7 while my father had a wk 5.7. I loved the wj for it being really well rounded. Pretty comfortable on open road, quite fuel efficient for long distances and great off road. It was a better daily than the wk. the hemi just drinks too much. The wk is more comfortable but in a sportier way. Loved my wj
I dont think ill ever sell my ZJ. 1995 Laredo 4.0L. Its a beast
I have a 2004 Limited V8 with 251000 miles. Still drive it daily.
First memory of my uncle's 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2l V8, it was dark green with a tan interior and had the unique with the fog lights on the top of the middle of the front bumper I remember the first time I drove it, it felt powerful and fast for it's time.
That’d been an orvis editon model
Loved my 03 Grand Cherokee but can’t say it was reliable. Electrical issues, rear end went out, transmission went out, ac broke multiple times, transfer case literally blew up, along with many other small issues all before 180k miles and it was not driven hard and never went off road. The 4.0 was a great engine though, never had any issues with the engine. Road great and was awesome in the snow. It was really enjoyable to drive when it was at home and not in the shop.
@grant holdridge Your story reminds me of our experience with Chrysler's Slant Six engines in a couple of cars. The engine was still going strong when almost every other component had failed.
I have a 2003 jeep Grand Cherokee Larado 4.0 V6. It had 190,000 miles on it. It was in good condition. I love mines. I paid 2,000. I love it. I had heard so many bad things about them, but I ignored it n bought one anyway. 😊👍🏼
Love my old 95 ZJ with the 4.0. 240,000 and still running great. I lifted it 2" 13 years ago, and will go another 2" and all new control arms soon. I will likely be trading my 2013 Dodge Journey Crew AWD for a 2015 to 2019 WK2 before long.
3x WJ owner here. I most recently had a 2004 Overland. Love that Jeep. I took it all over the west coast, slept in it out in the desert, never let me down. The Quadra drive was literal magic in the snow, with the two limited slips and brainless operation. I just upgraded to a WK2 Trailhawk, and I freaking love it. It’s also amazing off road… but I do miss the compliance of the solid axles in the twisty stuff. But the WK2 is insanely good on the trail, especially ripping down wash board roads out in the Black Rock desert. I now prefer the independent suspension for all around trail driving. It’s smoother and nicer to drive for long trips. The air suspension also keeps the Jeep at the ride height it should be, no matter how much gear you have. I can also sleep, totally flat and comfortable in the back of my WK2, and I’m 6 feet tall. Whichever one you pick, they’re great rigs and way cheaper used than a wrangler.
What year trailhawk??
2021. Hemi. I actually kept the wj too. Love them both!
I had a great running 2004 Grand Cherokee limited I bought in August of 2019 for $1700. The body was in excellent condition for being a Michigan car and the interior was very clean and loaded with every option. For my first time not driving a Silverado I was really impressed. Sadly I totaled it running through a big telephone pole with live wires so I'm lucky to be alive. That jeep had the 4.0 motor in it and she ran like a champ with just over 238,000 on it. Great off road and i was about to put a 3" lift on it before the accident. Get one if you have the chance you won't regret it.
Have one, luvvin it, even though it gave me a check engine light for X-mas.
@@ninjabearpress2574 Don't feel bad. You could fart the wrong way into the seat and throw off a CEL in those lol
@@digitalchaos1980 Nuh, most of Big Red's problems are age-related but I love her just the same.
@@ninjabearpress2574 I love my '03 4.0 as well! I call it Peej 😂 But it's very sentimental to me, as it was a gift from a good friend and I've invested a lot in it already! 😎
@@digitalchaos1980 Today's our anniversary, I'm taking Big Red out for an oil change.
Love Grand Cherokees … have owned 3 and all were solid. By contrast, had a Toyota 4Runner that was wrought with electrical issues. Jeep is the most durable SUV mark - even using that fact in their new ads.
Another question that nobody asked obviously the Grand Cherokee when it was owned by Mercedes is better than the Grand Cherokee from stillantis
I have worked at the Grand Cherokee plant for 30 yrs.. The model we are running now is by far the best ever. I personally know a guy that has 300k on his. The Daimler Chrysler models that is the G.C and Commander were the worst models ever. 3.7 and 4.7 motors were the worst,Married to the cheapest plastic interiors. Buy a 2015 Laredo with the 3.6 and it will last forever combo with the the nicest interiors of all.
Tommy my friend as a former owner of a 07 Grand I need to point out some common issues found with the WJ.
The 4.7 V8 was not a great engine especially in the Dodge trucks. Due to a design flaw with the cylinder head cooling, under heavy load the heads will over heat and warp allowing coolant to enter the cylinder and cause engine failure. (Ask me how I know).
As I said before this was more common in the trucks than the WJ because not many towed heavy loads.
The other issue was the alloy Dana 44 rear deferential. The rear suspension is a four link design with the upper center links attached to the top of the deferential. If larger tires and or a lift is added the stress of off road use can break the mount.
The final blow to the WJ was the placement of the fuel tank. In a rear end collision the tank can easily be ruptured and that's not good. In crash test it was determined that a heavy skid plate or the installation of a hitch would deflect the majority of the collisions. There was a recall by Chrysler to install hitches.
The V8 was only available with the full time transfer case and if you haven't already discovered in hi range it doesn't lock out the all wheel drive clutch. The only way to lock out that clutch is in low range. Again ask me how I know
Your assessment of the WJ is mostly spot on. With some modifications the WJ is a very capable on and off road.
Thank you so much for this highly detailed clarification. You have done a real service to viewers who might otherwise have been caught up in Tommy's youthful enthusiasm.
100% agree. My wj had slightly larger tires and i ended up having just the fronts replaced at some point. The shop put the stock size and after a few hundred miles had a horrible shudder. Traced it to mismatched diameter tires and with the clutches in the tcase it ended up vibrating the driveline.
Also on the modded 4 link rear ive had to swap the upper link and balljoint together. If anyone has to do this in their garage just buy the pair. These jeeps didnt have much suspension travel and unbolting the ball joint from the diff is way easier than trying to separate them.
I could be wrong but i do believe the long travel suspension kit out there solves the d44 housing issue. The big tire thing is cool but it will require cutting. Not much room in those wheel wells stock.
Wj was my favorite looking GC of them all.
@@TheShift1313 Who in the fuck thought that was a good plan at any point?? Fuck, that's off-road 101. Shits not causing vibration mate, it's tearing up your transfer case. Especially on a full time 4x4. Tires can't slip on asphalt to compensate for the different rotational speed, so something has to give and it's your drivetrain.
@@JC021963 yup. Well the noise was the clutch pack dragging in the tcase. Thankfully no damage was done and the tire place replaced the other tires free.... it was the day before i drove to the beach and the shake started as i got back.
The v8 didn't only come in only full time 4x4 (247) it was available with the selectrac 242HD as well compared to the 4.0's 242. A lot of folks with quadra drive switch to a 242hd tcase in order to have the variloks of the qd, with the select ability of selectrac. For non wj factory tcase's, folks swap in a 231 because the SYE options are more plentiful and cheaper
I can prove you wrong with the following sentence.
1998 Jeep Cherokee V8 5.9L. Best Jeep ever.
I have had 2 2008 Jeep Commanders, both with the final version of the 4.7L...305 HP and they've both been excellent motors. Yeah, the exhaust manifold bolts break...but first one made it to 223k miles before it was totalled out when another driver rear-ended us...our current 2008 Commander has 236k miles on it and has never had an issue. Yeah, radiator has been replaced once, alternator just was replaced...still has its original battery even. I maintain my vehicles and they just continue to last. I love them and would buy a 3rd 2008+ 4.7L in a heartbeat if I could find a pristine, low miles one.
Those things take huge batteries not surprised it's still original
I have a 2001 grand Cherokee 4.0 with selec-trac everytime I drive it it feels special to me especially when you compare it to newer jeeps, mine has 104,000 original miles and excellent condition.
I’ve had my ZG for 25 years and 500 000 Km on the original 4.0. It’s had 6 water pumps, one crank sensor and a distributor. I’ve rebuilt the rear diff, just changed the heater core and changed suspension bushings to poly urethane (front lower arm bushes are the key!) one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever had
Same with my GCs (owned three) … routine maintenance & solid in our snowy mountains, dirt trails, & even trips to the coast (sand).
My 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7l has gone through lifters twice in ~185K miles. Driveway replace took a weekend of work.
Cam too or just lifters?
Uni-body contraction vehicle makes more difficult to swap different engine or transmission compare to simple frame design.
Love my WK, never driven a WJ. I wouldn't buy an off-road vehicle without at least a solid rear axle, just wouldn't, and most definitely not air suspension. I do wish it was body-on-frame though. I think some of the body creaks have to do with its uni-body construction after years of off-road use.
You're missing out.
I have both. WK is far superior onroad with with its IFS and QD2 locking capabilities are fantastic offroad that it makes up for articulation. The WJ though makes you feel more connected to the machine in terms of feedback, on road or off, and obviously the live axles with coils to wonders for articulation
The WJ with the solid front axle is amazing. I own a 99 WJ Limited with the 4.0, leather interior and sunroof.
The best....
I love the old WJ's. I can't really justify having on in England but I have spent a lot of time in them in America. The only one I ever saw with problems was a 235,000 mile one my father in law had that needed some transmission work. I never asked him what the problem turned out to be but it would only be happy if you put it in 2 or 3 until fixed. Lots of slippage in D.
TOMMY IS THE MAAN .
.KEEP IT UP KIDDO
.IM OLD LIKE UR. DAD N KEEP GIVIN DAD GUFF HE NEEDS IT..GOD BLESS U ALL...ROCK ON ..JUST FOR NATHAN SINCE HE WEARS THE RUSH TSHIRT....LOL
Great vid. I have an 02 4.0L WJ. 235k on the clock. She runs like a champ but it's a pig on gasoline. Super reliable and durable. One of the positives on this Jeep is the parts market. Tons of used and new parts can be found online and scrap yards.
The WJ has only one thing going for it over the 1st Gen ZJ: Refined looks and interior styling. That's it. They are beautiful, thats for sure, but were plagued by cracked heads on the later 4.0, as well as all the other little annoyances that Chrysler has always been known for. The ZJ's were simpler, had no known issues with chronic cracked heads, and despite the myth, the auto trans was fine. It was the torque converters that were bad (sometimes). Most of the failures were because of poor maintenance. For a vehicle designed in the early 1980's, and not produced until 1992/1993, the ZJ was pretty nice all around. And, those prices? They're going up fast.
I like both the ZJ and the WJ. Grew up with them and XJ Cherokee. Never been a Wrangler fanboy but I do like the bigger and more comfortable Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Newer ones are nice but you can't beat the older ones for price and off road capability.
Glad to see this review of the older grand Cherokee. I’ve got a 2004 w/ 92k miles and it runs great and as you noted, very comfortable. One change I would make would be to rear seat comfort as the seating position isn’t great for long trips, otherwise unstoppable and love it
Wj are real nice . I agree with that. My personal opinion is the zj are better. I have a 98 zj with the 5.9l . It has 198k miles on it. The reason I think zj are better is because they are a little smaller and can fit in tighter places. That said I would not trade my zj for that brand new 63k dollar even though it's worth 60k more. They look like station wagons.
Haha! 2004 WJ with the inline six. Got it for $500, with 295,000 miles on it. I now have 305,000 after many upgrades, mods, and replacement of old worn out components. These things are AWESOME! Goes anywhere i wanna try.
Damn really like mine but couldnt find one that cheap. Everything kinda of high right now. Mind of paid to much but most are around 7 now in good condition with low miles. Love My v8 though got it with 129k
Xj or wj 4.0, I have owned a few and loved them! Way tougher than even the newer wrangler. I destroyed a 15 in one off road trip and the 19 rubicon I had was a POS. Currently looking for a clean wj.
I got a ‘05 WK, watching my neighborhood vehicles getting stuck and unable to go to work because of ice on the hill to get out makes me giggle in QDII 😆
I'm intrigued by the WJ's reputation for reliability. Is it as dependable as they say?
very enjoyable video regarding a grand cherokee wj i have one 4,7 l powertech v8 , year 2001 .
I realize this is an older video but I enjoyed it. The sales rep and I built my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition on the dealership's computer in October 2003, it was ordered and arrived early 2004. It is Midnight Blue Pearl Coat, high back cloth bucket seats, 4.7 HO, Quadra-Trac II transfer case, tow package w/hd cooling and pretty much loaded less a sunroof. It has been very capable and reliable with the exception of a front axle seal fixed under wty., a couple of window regulators, an abs sensor out and trans output sensor of wty. (ouch). It is a pig on fuel consumption so the extreme long distance use has been limited hence the current 66k on the odometer. I had considered a newer 4x4 but had sticker shock and my old Jeep looks better everyday.
You guys should find a Jeep Liberty CRD to review.
No, we don't want to value to go up.
@@some5dude True! They are hard to find as is.
Had a UK market 2.7 diesel WJ Overland model. Absolutely loved it. Driving it gave amazing confidence that it would get anywhere I needed it to, regardless of weather/terrain.
What sort of real world MPG did you get with the diesel?
The WJ was expensive for its time. Adjusted for inflation, the sticker price of my 1999 Laredo is over $50k in 2023's dollar.
Tommy, with the glasses. Now.. after eye surgery .. Thomas. Looking good kid. :)
Why the background music as Tommy is speaking?
WJ with a 4.0L -- that's the way.
I own a V8 ZJ And a 4.0 ZJ. Also have a V8 WJ And a 4.0 WJ WJs are awesome but my vote goes to the ZJ 🙌
No WJ is better than a 98 5.9 ZJ. the 1998 grand Cherokee was, and will always be the best! The WJs are cheaper for a reason. Also, 99-01 4.0 WJs will not go 300,000 miles like you say, because the heads were prone to crack on those models. I would still rather get the 4.0 over the 4.7 tho
How is gas in this suv? What year model is he showing in this video? I would love to look into this SUV.. thank you
Was the bad torque converter the reason the WJ made that screeching noise at RPM?
what about the WK with the 3 Liter Diesel? Very affordable hete in Germany
I found the rarest of the WJs for a steal. 2000 with the 4.7 AND the select trac 242HD from factory. Most of them came with the towing package and this one didn’t so therefore it got the selec trac instead of the Quadra drive. It’s my first jeep and turned out to be my dream SUV. An absolute monster on trails AND drives so well on the roads. Luxury with off-road capability beyond imagination
EDIT: got it for $1000, only needed a brake line to get it back on the road and previous owner lifted and put 32s on it and broke front DS so I did the double cardan swap for only $100 and had to install a bushing for the transfer case linkage and the rear brake line rusted straight through. So far I’m only 2200 into it and get compliments from many Cherokee and wrangler owners jealous of the steal and seeing what my cheap jeep can do compared to their 20-30k+ rigs
unibody has subframes front and rear. the ZJ/WJ don't have subframes. That's because they have full length frame rails welded to the body. Hence they are uni-frame design. Put them on a lift next to a true unibody and you'll quickly see the difference.
Couldn't have said it better myself! Also the uni-frame design has more in common with a truck than a car if you think about it, in that it resembles body-on-frame due to the full length ladder frame rails that are welded to the body. It's the same concept as body on frame and even uses a truck like body. It's a unique platform and is NOT a car based crossover(vehicles that I HATE with a burning passion!).
Ask anyone of the salt belt about those wish bone rear suspension😂
One thing I never see anyone mention in how it's the moat comfortable vehicle , at least the Limited. The seats are great, the ergonomics of the controls, the whole package.
I have limited 4.0 WJ, 1999, and second that. Very comfortable car. Also, after 25 years, there are no signs of rust. Can’t believe it.
Missing the wk 1st and 2nd gen
Wj here had since new!160,000 not a single engineTranny issue only thing fixed radiator/Death wobble fix.thats it other the Routine mantience.
Same Fixes No Other Issues.
Liked the video but it would have been nice if you actually took them on a trail that would challenge the vehicles so you could see which preformed better.
No better testament to the inherent goodness of the original Grand Cherokees
I've given up with new cars! My Jeep wj is great and does everything I want it to do, my dog loves it too. The 4.7 quadtrac 2 isn't slow off the lights either LOL, shocks people. Why pay $50k plus for the new rubbish if you can have a WJ that's easy to work on and goes anywhere with ease.
Definitely the best deals out there IMHO. I also think it looks better than its successors, esp when equipped. And yeah, unibody is good. I've never really understood the arguement to the contrary, unless you are heII bent on a body lift?
I would absolutely agree with you Tommy. I had an '04 WJ. I have a '12 WK2 now and it's nicer in some ways but it's definitely lost a lot of the off road capability and perhaps more importantly to me, the personality! It's just not the same.
Love my 2001 GCL 4L 6 banger. Can't afford the 10.2 mpg it gets. So it sits looking pretty.
Ive owned 3 WJs and 1 WK. Traded the WK for another 01 lol
As a WJ owner, can confirm "for the most part" is how you describe the functionality of every system on the rig lol
Bought an 02 4.7l v8 limited back in April. I drive it to work and back an hour each way and it still keeps on trucking. Got it with around 172,000 im now getting ready to hit 199,000. Going to replace the front differential bearings in the near future because its whining at around 30mph but haven't had any significant problems. Love it and would buy it again
If I had the money to buy a 2022, I'd spend it on my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
I'd get 3 or 4
@@joeyd2715 They come in different colors and if I had the money...(sigh)
Wait a minute…. Is there a way to unlock the transmission software so I can use that fifth gear?
yes
I am a proud six-time Jeep owner.
One thing I never see anyone mention in how it's the moat comfortable vehicle , at least the Limited. The seats are great, the ergonomics of the controls, the whole package.
What size are these tires - min 4:40? They seem a tad bigger than stock?
I tried to zoom in but I just can see it
That's the generation that has major safety issues a la Pinto. They catch fire and/or explode.
Wk 2006-2010 CRD 3.0 Mercedes diesel engine for me.
Also I hate that most of the v8 engines don't have a 2wd option a few do but I've never seen one ever with my own eyes if it's not a 4.0 with a 242 selec trac transfer case I will walk away. Now with a 98 zj it came with either a 5.2 or a 5.9 360 which is very hard to find but those are the only 2 v8 models I would accept. My neighbor had a 4.7 wj and I actually had to tow him off the highway with my 4.0 so if that thing has over 200k it's been worked on one way or another trust me!!!!
Overautomation is a turn off and too much digitalization lcd screens is not welcome. The designers and engineers have taken these and other vehicles to childish levels of their own stupidity that the consumer does not share.
I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 4 inch lift 33 x12.50 R17s , Absolutely Mint Condition,Around 5 Years Over $20.000 Into It And It's Better Than New.
I Have A 2021 with 9 K MILES on it And Yes Their Junk Compared To The Older Ones