Thoughts on a Grand Cherokee?

[DBasher]

My best advice...don't have any more kids!

I've got a 2005 now and really like it. It's quieter and feels more solid then the 99 we had a few years ago. Both equipped with the 4.7 V8, power everything and a small lift. With both my boys, the dog and wife packed for a trip we were out of room, roof top cargo deal solves that problem.

If your kids are still in car seats and a third is a strong possibility, I'd be looking at the early/mid 90's Land Cruiser/Lexus. Inexpensive, solid front axle and more room front and back. A lot of these were never abused off-road and were second or third vehicles so the mileage isn't all that bad for the age.

[Brewtal66]

Originally Posted by DBasher

My best advice...don't have any more kids!

I've got a 2005 now and really like it. It's quieter and feels more solid then the 99 we had a few years ago. Both equipped with the 4.7 V8, power everything and a small lift. With both my boys, the dog and wife packed for a trip we were out of room, roof top cargo deal solves that problem.

If your kids are still in car seats and a third is a strong possibility, I'd be looking at the early/mid 90's Land Cruiser/Lexus. Inexpensive, solid front axle and more room front and back. A lot of these were never abused off-road and were second or third vehicles so the mileage isn't all that bad for the age.

I never even thought about a Land Cruiser/Lexus...but I'd imagine there isn't half the aftermarket support as a GC. Both my boys are current in car seats, but by time the third comes around, the oldest boy will only be in a booster seat.

[DBasher]

Oh there is, mainly because they've been sold all over the world. I had an Old Man Emu lift on mine and loved it. What the hippie...er wife didn't like was the mileage...whatever! A lot of them are equipped with factory lockers...get the lift, some armor and bigger tires and you're done.

What will you be using it for? A daily or the tow behind every once in awhile rig?

[Brewtal66]

Originally Posted by DBasher

Oh there is, mainly because they've been sold all over the world. I had an Old Man Emu lift on mine and loved it. What the hippie...er wife didn't like was the mileage...whatever! A lot of them are equipped with factory lockers...get the lift, some armor and bigger tires and you're done.

What will you be using it for? A daily or the tow behind every once in awhile rig?

Purely a tow-behind pleasure vehicle. Not a daily driver.

[DBasher]

Tim, I think if I was you I'd go look at a few, load the kiddos up and see what you're dealing with. I'm a big kid at 6'4" and my seat is always all the way back, my boys have plenty of room in the back but aren't in any kind of booster/car seat.

I'm a fan of Jeeps and would recommend them to most people, I just wonder if 3 seats across the back will fit well.

[Brewtal66]

Originally Posted by DBasher

Tim, I think if I was you I'd go look at a few, load the kiddos up and see what you're dealing with. I'm a big kid at 6'4" and my seat is always all the way back, my boys have plenty of room in the back but aren't in any kind of booster/car seat.

I'm a fan of Jeeps and would recommend them to most people, I just wonder if 3 seats across the back will fit well.

I think that's sound advice. I talked to a buddy with a Cherokee...he fit three but said it was snug.

Right now I've decided on a 2000-2004 Grand Cherokee V8 4x4. That way it's fairly new, has good power, straight axle front end, and can fit the whole family.

[camsdad]

My Wife has a 96 Grand Cherokee Laredo 6 Cyl 2WD and loves it!
When it's not acting like a Boat. The proverbial money pit.
Good MPG, Tight turning radius, good ground clearance, comfy seats, weird suspension, Decent interior space for a sub-compact 4 door SUV.
When the sensors start failing, heed my advice and use OEM sensors only.