Hi all,
This is my first post; please excuse me if this particular topic has been addressed elsewhere. I have been lurking for a while here at EP, reading build threads and trip reports. My idea is to build a setup that can double as an “affordable” expedition rig to go explore with my children on vacation; and as a light-to-medium duty weekend off-roader.
To that end, I have been reading and looking for candidates, and based on my budget/ time limitations and “perceived need” for the vehicle, I ended up looking at Grand Cherokees.
Today I found a diesel WK (2007) and got me thinking if I should buy it ASAP before is gone. To provide some context, I live in the province of Alberta, Canada; and expedition-worthy vehicles with small diesels are rare. On top of that, I found the average vehicle in Alberta is too old, with too many kilometers, too rusty, and too expensive. So when making your suggestion, please keep in mind that I am aware that I can find better deals elsewhere… but I can't take advantage of those deals in the near future.
Ok, these are the contenders – both vehicles are equally clean:
Option A
2007 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4 – 3.0L Diesel, with 200,254 kilometers (Canadian version) $ 11,900 (Can$)
Pros: small diesel (better mileage, more reliable [?], is a popular Mercedes engine, etc)
Cons: small diesel (I don't know how frugal it will be loaded up with equipment, maintenance costs, etc), no Quadra-Drive II (I think is not included in the Laredo)
Option B
2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 – 5.7L Hemi, with 129,372 kilometers $ 10,888 (Can$)
Pros: Quadra-Drive II, tons of power (?), gasoline engine (common and well known in North America)
Cons: 5.7L Hemi mileage (I have asked a couple of people with trucks using this Hemi, and I only hear horror stories related to fuel consumption)
Option C
Don't buy anything. Wait until a better suited rig shows up.
My main issue with the diesel is the amount of kilometers (200,254kms) and that the engine may have not been well cared for. A strong factor is the Quadra-Drive II, which I assume would allow me to have access to a little more challenging terrain without needing a dedicated diff locker (I would not be able to afford them in the short term). That being said, I have no idea what 4x4 system the WK Laredo diesel comes with, and whatever it is it may sufficient for my immediate off-road needs.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to help me.
See you on the road,
PD
This is my first post; please excuse me if this particular topic has been addressed elsewhere. I have been lurking for a while here at EP, reading build threads and trip reports. My idea is to build a setup that can double as an “affordable” expedition rig to go explore with my children on vacation; and as a light-to-medium duty weekend off-roader.
To that end, I have been reading and looking for candidates, and based on my budget/ time limitations and “perceived need” for the vehicle, I ended up looking at Grand Cherokees.
Today I found a diesel WK (2007) and got me thinking if I should buy it ASAP before is gone. To provide some context, I live in the province of Alberta, Canada; and expedition-worthy vehicles with small diesels are rare. On top of that, I found the average vehicle in Alberta is too old, with too many kilometers, too rusty, and too expensive. So when making your suggestion, please keep in mind that I am aware that I can find better deals elsewhere… but I can't take advantage of those deals in the near future.
Ok, these are the contenders – both vehicles are equally clean:
Option A
2007 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4 – 3.0L Diesel, with 200,254 kilometers (Canadian version) $ 11,900 (Can$)
Pros: small diesel (better mileage, more reliable [?], is a popular Mercedes engine, etc)
Cons: small diesel (I don't know how frugal it will be loaded up with equipment, maintenance costs, etc), no Quadra-Drive II (I think is not included in the Laredo)
Option B
2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 – 5.7L Hemi, with 129,372 kilometers $ 10,888 (Can$)
Pros: Quadra-Drive II, tons of power (?), gasoline engine (common and well known in North America)
Cons: 5.7L Hemi mileage (I have asked a couple of people with trucks using this Hemi, and I only hear horror stories related to fuel consumption)
Option C
Don't buy anything. Wait until a better suited rig shows up.
My main issue with the diesel is the amount of kilometers (200,254kms) and that the engine may have not been well cared for. A strong factor is the Quadra-Drive II, which I assume would allow me to have access to a little more challenging terrain without needing a dedicated diff locker (I would not be able to afford them in the short term). That being said, I have no idea what 4x4 system the WK Laredo diesel comes with, and whatever it is it may sufficient for my immediate off-road needs.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to help me.
See you on the road,
PD
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