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Post Info TOPIC: THINKING OF BUYING A JEEP


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THINKING OF BUYING A JEEP


Any comments on the vehicles pro's & con's would be very much appreciated.

Gwynne @ "matildatraveller"



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This is purely my family's brief comments.

My cousin in-law bought a Jeep & said he wish he hadn't. Later his wife, my cousin, said my Land Rover was much nicer!

Beyond that I can't really add anything.



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matildatraveller wrote:

Any comments on the vehicles pro's & con's would be very much appreciated.

Gwynne @ "matildatraveller"


 Hi Gwynne,

Hope your keeping well.

Know very little about Jeeps.

Come to think about it, I know very little about most things.

Stay safe, stay well.



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I was looking for a new tow car early last year and spoke with a friend who owns a Jeep Cherokee and works for Jeep; his advice was not to buy one. He said that although his vehicle has been OK there have been too many problems with that model.



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For starters, I would put on a tin hat and a flame suit. Asking such a question on this site will bring out responses from people who have never owned a Jeep (and never will either). But they will jump on you from a great height. On sites such as this, unless you have a Toyota (or maybe a Nissan, Isuzu or even a Mitsubishi), it is rubbish. Very few Jeep owners seem to frequent sites such as this.

I don't have Jeep, and it is a pity really because I think they have the right balance for my needs. I am retired - just the 2 of us and very occasionally we have up to 6 people (4 adults and 2 kids) in our Pajero. But the Jeep is the right size for us, it has the towing capacity, it has the option of a diesel engine if that is a priority, and there must be hundreds of thousands of them running around America, so their basic design and build must be reasonably sound. If not, the company would be fighting off lawsuits from everywhere and would soon be out the back door. So I reason that the product must be reasonably sound. The problem in Australia is that Jeep has an awful reputation. When buying my latest vehicle, I considered a Jeep, but they were only available in automatics, which I didn't want, so that alone cast them out of consideration.

Knowing the American manufacturing ethos, I think that the car must be reasonably well made, so where does the problem lie? I guess that service and spare parts must be the issue. BUT - from what I have read, the main causes for complaints seem to be minor glitches - the doors don't line up properly, minor electrical issues, transmission issues - and do the others NOT have some of these as well? There are reports of Jeeps catching fire, but you never hear of Toyotas catching fire. I bet there have been a few over the years as well....

A lot also depends on how long you intend to keep the vehicle. Any vehicle will drop thousands in value as soon as you drive it out of the showroom, but a Jeep will drop a lot more because of the industry habit of badmouthing their opposition products. And Jeep resale values will continue to cascade as time goes by because of this attitude. If you intend to keep the vehicle for say 10 years, it won't matter a damn because even the big names will be worthless then. The important issue is how you maintain the vehicle. I don't mean how often it is washed and polished, but how often the oils are changed, major items such as the transmission, brakes diesel fuel filters etc have been serviced. Also if you are buying a used Jeep, how and where has it been driven is much more important than cosmetic appearances - it is has had regular and thorough services, a bush vehicle with high kms could well be a far better vehicle than its city counterpart which rarely gets driven more than 3 km to and from the shops.

Where do you intend to use the vehicle? If you intend to go really outback - not just up to Alice Springs on the bitumen, maybe you should think about service and repairs. Outback, nearly every mechanic knows a Toyota (maybe they break down a lot as well?) but you should be prepared to have the Jeep flat topped back into Alice for repairs because almost certainly the locals won't want to touch it. A pity really because the deep down, a Jeep is no different to any other 4WD in practice.

So, my recommendation would be to keep an open mind when looking around. When shopping, remind the salesman that you are aware of the poor reputation of the Jeep and how this affects the price. He will have counter arguments to these but you should be able to belt them fairly hard to get a good price from them. And ignore the dumpers on this and other sites who are more than ready to jump on a Jeep.

 

I'll go and put my tin hat on now because there will be quite a few bombs thrown my way as well...



-- Edited by erad on Saturday 23rd of January 2021 10:20:23 AM

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Suggest you do some research on Google, horror stories abound.

To be fair many who have bought a Jeep seem to be very happy with their purchase, regardless, I certainly wouldn't take a chance.no



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Santa.

Moonta, Copper Coast, South Aust.



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Matilda.

I dont drive a Jeep.

But do you have a Model in mind.

What are you going to use it for Off Road (occasional Dirt Track)  or real 4x4 club type trips occasionally.

Towing what weight. 

I can remember when the first of the Japanese Cars started to be sold in the UK around 1961 ?   People spoke about them like they are doing about the Jeep. "Toyota heap of crap" Hmmnn.

And over the years  Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, Land Rover, GMC, etc.  yes they all have their detractors and Haters. My Father in law would not buy anything German or Japanese. My mate videoed a Top of the Wozzer Porsche  Sports car going on fire  on a road in Switzerland  about 10 years ago. The owner had just picked it up from the dealer and it he was going home. Total write off. Even the best of them can be lemons.

I was in a 4x4 club where we had members who drove Jeeps,  and of course there was all the banter about Jeeps. I never saw one of them with any problems and their owners swore by them.

There are an awful lot of Jeeps in use in USA and Canada, I have noticed in visits over the years.

Keep doing your research and Talk to people who "drive them"

 

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com.au/forum/search.php?searchid=12046180



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Mike & Ellie



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I had a jeep Cherokee 2.8 vm motori motor which is the same as the 2.8 duramax that is used in the collies i had no major issues with mine and the only reason i sold it was to get a tray back ute i dont know anyone with a jeep that has had any major problems of course there are plenty of people with a friend of a friend that had issues. Jeep sold 1.49 million vehicles in 2019 in usa compared to landcruiser 3,500 in the same period. Maybe they just send all the lemons to australia just as an interest my jeep was built in Austria and the motor is out of Italy the most annoying thing with jeeps is the turn indicator lever is on the wrong side same as my s series valiant

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bgt


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Ok I own a Jeep. Now 9 years old. Second best car I've every had. RAM was the best. Remember there are Jeeps and there are Jeeps. Fiat took over around 2008-9. Jeeps such as the Cherokee are actually rebadged Fiats. I've replaced a battery, who hasn't? And a water pump. Now the BUT bit. But stay away from Jeep dealers. They all charge like a wounded bull. If you buy one find a good local mechanic. Would I buy one again? Yes for the luxury and comfort. No for the fuel consumption. Ignore all the nay sayers cos they are just spreading camp fire rumours for the most part.

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Chief one feather

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Hi Gwynne, you might need to buy a bigger boat, so keep that in mind when costing things.

Hope you are well over in Skippy land.



Keep Safe my friend.

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A mate and I were talking about this very subject a while ago. We both have vehicles that have fearsome reputations for unreliability and expenses.

I own a Land Rover Discovery 2 and I'm always complaining about it and it's minor problems. Old mate asked what I'd replace it with and my answer was another D2.

He drives a Grand Cherokee and was complaining about the same order of problem so I suggested that he trade it in on something else. His answer was "no way" I'll stick to my Jeep thanks.

At the end of the day we agreed that both vehicles have an undeserved reputation and that if you look after them - cosmetically as well as mechanically - you'll have a reliable, tough, comfortable vehicle which can be used to tow a heavy caravan or camper wherever you want to go.

The only other thing I'd add is if you get a Jeep (or LR) find a good independent mechanic and stick to them - dealers tend to be a bit expensive and not generally responsive. There are good dealers around though.



-- Edited by markf on Saturday 23rd of January 2021 12:17:39 PM

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Chief one feather

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"find a good independent mechanic and stick to them - dealers tend to be a bit expensive and not generally responsive"

I agree 100% Mark. I gave up too and found a reputable mechanic near me that was very responsive and car booked in to get a on going problem for the last 12 months fixed (hopefully). It was since a Dealer did some work.





Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

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I always use an independent mechanic. Same mechanic with my previous cars.



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I owned a Jeep. Best car Ive ever had but didnt suit my needs. Same old story, ask anyone who doesnt have one and the common response is dont buy one. Ask someone who has owned one and theyll respond that best car they have ever had. Dont listen to the BS that non owners sprout.

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I was the head mechanic on Jeep for over 3 years , at a Mazda and Jeep dealer ,In Fremantle many moons ago.

By far the most horrible piece of crap I had ever worked on in 30 years as a fully skilled mechanic ,a pre delivery would take a couple days sometimes with all the faults ,.

A Mazda 1hour.

I did take a look at them before purchasing my latest veh , I dont think they have changed much.

Ok if they are running ok but if you haave a problem , well read the reports on Chrysler service .

My 2 penneth

Orid

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orid wrote:

I was the head mechanic on Jeep for over 3 years , at a Mazda and Jeep dealer ,In Fremantle many moons ago.

By far the most horrible piece of crap I had ever worked on in 30 years as a fully skilled mechanic ,a pre delivery would take a couple days sometimes with all the faults ,.

A Mazda 1hour.

I did take a look at them before purchasing my latest veh , I dont think they have changed much.

Ok if they are running ok but if you haave a problem , well read the reports on Chrysler service .

My 2 penneth

Orid


 Great post Peter..and I can only hope that,for her own sake,Gwynne heeds your advice. Cheers



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Thanks guys for all your feedback, as some of you may know, I am a full on TOYOTA HILUX fan.  I knew the subject matter (Jeep) would create controversy, but a BIG thanks to all who answered my blog for taking the time to make comments. 

I am not on the road much these days.  I will not be putting it under any pressure just pulling a medium size fishing boat up and down the boat landing. (Full of fish and Crays of course) Maybe a short caravan trip away once or twice a year, Covid19 permitting.  

Gwynne floating.gif

 

 



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G'day Gwynne,
Two friends have the V6 diesel Grande Cherokee wagons & swear by them.
One is really picky in that he said one good point is that the wagon is a 5 seater & you don't leave holes in the floor, internal panels when extra seats (as in 7 seaters) are removed!

But spare parts are quite expensive, some of the smaller run of the mill cars are difficult to work on - hence the horror stories. A good mechanic I know said they are not worth buying.

As you did when you bought your camper - have a good look around to see what is on offer & suites your requirements.

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The cost of a Grand Cherokee headlight assembly is eye watering.



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Ever wondered why most people who are in the best position to give first hand feedback on these vehicles dont even bother to respond anymore.  Gwynne my advice would be to wander around a few van parks and speak with current Jeep owners I'm sure that you will get more from that than what you will ever get from the experts who post on this forum.

BB



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Before we bought our current car we asked our independent mechanic what he thought on a few cars. 

We went against his advice & bought a Land Rover!

normal_43096447_1107573126068934_5465236985264209920_n.jpg



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G`day Gwynne ,

What The Belmont Bear said X2 .
Cheers,
Jontee .

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The Belmont Bear wrote:

Ever wondered why most people who are in the best position to give first hand feedback on these vehicles dont even bother to respond anymore.  Gwynne my advice would be to wander around a few van parks and speak with current Jeep owners I'm sure that you will get more from that than what you will ever get from the experts who post on this forum.

BB


advice ,,,, talk to some independent mechanics , they have to work on them , I think you will find most mechanics are not very fond of Jeep , or Chrysler.

Orid



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I have had two grand cherokees 93k on the first one and 102k so far on the second one. You don't need a great mechanic to do regular servicing, most can change oil and filters etc as that's
all I have needed in nearly eight years. The car has features that only the other makes are just fitting now. Test drive one at your own peril as you you will be converted. They have plenty of power to tow over three tonne. Fuel economy around 7.5l per hundred k at 100kph. I could go on, but you get the picture.
I worked in a Mazda dealership for 30 years and I could tell you about some horrors in the 70/80/90s or Hyundai's in the 90's or Saabs, but so what, that's in the past.
regards Russell.

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Yep easy to denigrate so Have a look on line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNHsE1wpqb4

The has a bad reputation in the auto world for lack of safety and most importantly dealer attention , which read about it is very poor.

Unfortunately a couple of folk have publicly destroyed their jeeps with large hammers and one was burnt. All due to nill response by the Jeep company.

It is tough for a company to come back from those things going on and it don't inspire buyers back to the brand. But please make your own decision.

 



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bgt


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Chrysler was the main culprit. They ran Chrysler into the ground. 2008 and Fiat took over. Ever since then Chrysler/Fiat have struggled to change their image. However Fiats big boo boo is not addressing dealer issues. There is something wrong with their image and pricing.

2 years ago we went south in our KK Cherokee. (The last of the 'real' off road Cherokees). We did a water pump. Had the Jeep towed to Shepparton, Vic. Weekend. So we had the Jeep dropped at the dealers gate. First thing Monday morning I went to the dealer and asked if they could have a look, give me a quote and time frame to fix. The service department said it would be 21 days before they would even look at it. Not fix but lift the darn bonnet and have a look. WHAT? They we arrogant and told me if I wanted it fix that's what I had to do. Long story short. 2 blocks away I found Dallas Repairs. They organized a tow, and in 3 hours we were back on the road new water pump and 'just' $360.00 poorer. Moral of the story. Buy the Jeep and drive it out the gate and find a good mechanic.

On the Gold Coast I would point to CJD Mechanical repairs. He has been all around the world working on Chrysler products.



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Go here to get it from Jeep themselves:

https://www.motoring.com.au/jeep-we-messed-up-128229/?utm_source=Responsys&utm_campaign=Motoring_Newsletter_2021_01_22&utm_medium=email&utm_content=carsalesc.9306905



-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Monday 25th of January 2021 02:05:16 PM

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I can't comment on the newer ones, as I have not had one, but a mate had a Jeep Wrangler in the late 80's, a bit of fun but very bouncy due to the short wheelbase.

Cheers Bob



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Other than the poor service and cost of spare parts here in Australia, the other reason people buy JEEP is that they still make live axle 4wd's and the aftermarket accessories and 4wd mods available in America make it a very capable 4wd in the rough stuff. For me I just dont like Yank cars never have so will never buy one. I know that is not a very valid reason not to but I just cannot get over that hurdle.

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Hi have recently purchased a jeep grand cherokee diesel what a great tow vehicle and comfortable,we had a fan issue which was rectified by jeep a little inconvenient but jeep australia sorted it very well,i might add i bought a brand new ford territory diesel 3 days old fuel pump failed it was sorted but not as well as jeep did ,it is a excelkent tow vehicle and hAs a lot of extras which give us confidence when on dirt,my wife says it's the most comfortable car we have ever had traveled in,not bad after 50 yrs of married life.If you like it go for it don't listen to all the negatives ,Mike g

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