2014+ Grand Cherokee opinions?

Fiance is looking to get into a new to us vehicle. She likes the diesels.

Grand cherokee is in the running, does anyone have any knowledge about them?

The good, bad, and the ugly.

thanks,
Eric

I know if you get one with electronic diffs (front, center, rear) they actually take a bit of maintenance and specific (expensive) fluid. And the driveshafts are pretty fancy as well. I usually recommend people to get the V6 version. Not as fast, but decent on fuel, and more mechanical/conventional driveline.

As for the diesel, EGR coolers's last to around 100k, fuel filers are expensive, and trans filters require you replace the whole trans pan, so that's expensive too.

You can find smoking deals on ~2012 V6, loaded grand cherokees right now. ;-)

What kind of mileage are the V6 getting?

And did they solve the issues with the transmissions in that 2012 model?

mfsuper90 said:

What kind of mileage are the V6 getting?

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High 20's in good conditions like 55mph roads and actually doing 70mph (not 80).
Low 20's in city and doing 80mph.

mfsuper90 said:

And did they solve the issues with the transmissions in that 2012 model?

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That was V8 only. And it was not nearly as bad as publicized. The issues were usually found in the first 10,000 miles.
The worst thing that happens on the V6's is the water pump goes out. That's actually pretty typical at ~80k-100k, but it's cheap and easy to replace. Otherwise it's a really decent setup. And 295hp isn't bad. It's enough to get out of the way, and tow.

That’s good to know, it’s hard to tell when the internet blows things out of proportion.

I read on a Jeep forum that the basic models (Laredo?) don’t do as well in the snow as the higher trim models. Does this have to do with the differential system you were talking about earlier?

Thanks for you expertise!

mfsuper90 said:

That’s good to know, it’s hard to tell when the internet blows things out of proportion.

I read on a Jeep forum that the basic models (Laredo?) don’t do as well in the snow as the higher trim models. Does this have to do with the differential system you were talking about earlier?

Thanks for you expertise!

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Yeah, so the Limiteds and up get a electronic three diff system. It has modes for different terrains. So most V6 Laredo models have an open diff front and either a mechanical LSD or open rear. Basically the electric diff model has the potential to be fully locked (equal power to all wheels). You're not going to care unless you're doing some serious off roading.

So in your opinion the diesel isn't worth it?
She's pretty set on one. She likes the grand cherokee, the Ram ecodiesel, and the VW TDI Touaregs

mfsuper90 said:

So in your opinion the diesel isn't worth it?
She's pretty set on one. She likes the grand cherokee, the Ram ecodiesel, and the VW TDI Touaregs

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Sure seems like unless its hooked to a trailer daily, or you're traveling at least 50-75 miles daily, the diesels are not worth it anymore. Just too much overhead and emissions issues to overcome. Sadly.

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J-Pipes said:

Sure seems like unless its hooked to a trailer daily, or you're traveling at least 50-75 miles daily, the diesels are not worth it anymore. Just too much overhead and emissions issues to overcome. Sadly.

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This. At this point I personally wouldn't get another diesel anything again, unless I legitimately needed a diesel to tow/haul stuff a gasser couldn't. If I said that to me from 5, 10, or 15 years ago I would've kick current me in the ballsLOL. They're just not worth it anymore unless you literally need one or you REALLY love the characteristics of a diesel engine. It's tragic...

Here are pics of my dirty 2016 75th Anniversary Edition EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee. I have over 24k trouble free miles. People will claim BS but the best highway mpg was 34 and the worse I've had is 28mpg at 80 mph which is our interstate speed limit. The 28 gallon fuel tank allows for over 750 highway miles. Truth is the wife has to pee before we have to stop for fuel. Around town mileage is 21-23 mpg depending on my right foot.

FWIW, the 2014 & 2015 models had some DEF issues...

The EPA issues were due to the fact that in cold climates, the def system would go into a type of "bypass" mode until the fluid was liquid enough to function/spray properly. The EPA determined that was an "Emissions Defeat" mode and made FCA redesign the DEF system.

BTW... The color is RECON Green...