Buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1999-2004

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a true offroader that offers decent on-road performance and handling, ample towing capacity (3500kg) and a relatively nimble, city-friendly body for a 4WD wagon. The Limited edition has plenty of luxury features to boot.

The WJ version arrived in 1999 and for the Australian market was assembled in Graz, Austria. It came in Laredo form (petrol six-cylinder only until June 2000 when the petrol 4.7L V8 became available) and Limited form (only with the 4.7L V8).

A four-speed, dual-range automatic and full-time 4WD system were standard. Although it featured a monocoque chassis, it had live axles and coil springs.

In November 2002 an updated Grand Cherokee called the WG replaced the WJ. Unusually for a new prefix there were few obvious changes, but the brakes, instrument cluster and transmission software were changed.

The transmission went to a five-speed – which was actually the same unit as the prior four-speeder but with an extra ratio programmed in. A Jeep dealer can reflash the earlier (WJ) four-speed auto to become a five-speed, which will lower the touring rpm.

CHECKPOINTS

Jeeps are not quite as trouble-free as their Japanese counterparts and parts can be expensive, but provided they have been maintained well, they should give reliable service.

The WJ is now a decade old so issues such as a leaking heater core and weak gas bonnet and tailgate struts will be potential problem areas.

The steering box can start to wear and require replacement, and items such as the heated front seats are known to fail.

Warped disc rotors and front differential failures have also been known to occur.

Check that low-range engages properly and be wary of examples that appear to have been touring offroad (mud splash marks in the engine bay are a usual sign), as they may have had a hard life and wear components more quickly in the future.

The best Grand Cherokee to buy will be a city car that has done nominal kilometres, hasn’t been offroad and had been serviced well.

Prices of early cars have dropped to less than $10,000 but unless you’re lucky, they will have high kilometres. About $15,000 will get you a 2001 model with around 100,000km and $22,000 should get you one of the last 2004 models with around 70,000km.