Ended up with a Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 CRD

Submitted: Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 14:28
ThreadID: 31411 Views:3470 Replies:10 FollowUps:19
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G'day All
Thanks again for the input on my new vehicle selection in my earlier thread. Had a GU3 patrol 3L auto which has performed faultlessly in the 3 years I owned it. At first looked at new patrol (but didn't like the changes, a personal and predudiced view), Pathfinder 2.5L diesel, but the auto didn't live up to expectations, Pajero diesel, good but not my cuppa tea, then the disco 3, this vehicle was very nice, though some things that didn't suit me, after coming close to getting one I realised it was just a bit to expensive for my budget, including accessories and warranty extention ($2500 can you believe).
Then tried the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (Laredo) with the Mercedes V6 CRD, incredible power ie 160 kw and 510 nm from 1600-2800 rpm, what a torque band. 3.5 tonne towing capacity. Also has quadra drive 2 and navigator pack. I'm loosing some storage but gaining a heap in safety (rated 5 in europe and USA) and performance.
All of the above seemed good vehicles, different strokes for different folks, but the jeep rekindled a glimmer of the rev head in me LOL, but within in the law :-)
By the way this is an all new model and the first produced in the mercedes factory in Austria. Though not without some annoyances, there are many interesting and impressive facets to this new Jeep, I trust it will serve me well.
thanks again
cheers
Rod

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Reply By: hoffy - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 14:41

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 14:41
Hi Rod
Congrats on your new purchase, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.
We made the same move last year; from a 3l auto Patrol to the previous Laredo with the 5 cyl Benz motor. The two vehicles are like chalk and cheese.
The Jeep tows our 19ft van much easier the the Nissan and the ride is so much better. Fuel economy is great! Averages 8.2 l/100km on highway cruising and 13 l/100km towing the van at 90/95kph.
Had no major gripes in 16000k's
Enjoy the Jeep. will be interested to hear your thoughts after it has done a few k's.
Graeme.
AnswerID: 158550

Follow Up By: woddonnee - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:19

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:19
Thanks Hoffy
Very reassuring comments there mate :-)
I'd be interested to know how much your van weighs and it profile.
cheers
Rod
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Follow Up By: Rob from Cairns Offroad Training & Tours - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 21:53

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 21:53
Good to see people looking at 4x4s other than Toyota and Nissan. Might make them lift their game a bit The 100 series hasn't done Toyota any favours in the reliability stakes and the GU is getting a bit old. Lets hope we get a CRI diesel and an improved seating arrangement and a much stonger driveline for the Toyota. I live in hope of a strong, reliable, economical, comfotable 4x4 for a reasonable price. Cheers Rob
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Follow Up By: hoffy - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 08:43

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 08:43
Seems like Jeep is beginning to attract a little more interest now days.
Rod our van is a full height Regent, 8ft wide with shower & toilet.
With regard to the weight I don't know for sure, never beeen game to go over the scales.
Tare weight according to the rego papers is 1.66t, (that seems a lillte on the light side) so I suspect when we have all the gear on board that we never need it would be over 2t.
Happy Jeeping
Graeme
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Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 20:44

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 20:44
G'day guys
Thanks Rob, always interested in your thoughts :-)
Apparrently a new landcruiser and new patrol later this year, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.
cheers
Rod
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Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 20:49

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 20:49
Graeme, thats great economy with over 2 tonne on the back, also the aerodynamics not brilliant LOL. The patrol was around the same with around 1.5 tonne (boat). Diesels don't seem to be much affected by weight though really.
I'll come back with some stats later. Towing my boat to whyalla to get in amongst some snapper soon, back in early april. Will get some k's on the clock beforehand and tow gently whilst almost new. I was told that they run the motors for around 5 hours in the factory though.
cheers
Rod
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Reply By: roofscooter2 - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 15:27

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 15:27
Ah ha,so there is more than ONE Jeep,sorry guy's could not resist LoL, enjoy.
AnswerID: 158562

Follow Up By: Member - 'Lucy' - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 15:49

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 15:49
AND what may I ask do the 'roofscooters' get around in.
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Follow Up By: woddonnee - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:20

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:20
Aha, mmmm, never taken much notice of jeeps so no bites from me LOL
cheers
Rod
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 16:35

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 16:35
Well done , I think you won't be sorry,I like them but can't afford one, hope you have 1000s of Ks of happy 4wd'ing, ....not silver/grey is it ..lol They are a good looking machine too and another thing going for it MADE in USA ...well i spose it is .
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Follow Up By: woddonnee - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:22

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:22
G'day Doug
Thanks, umm, I can't really afford one either LOL
The colour is called light khaki, doesn't sound very nice but its more metallic gold looking to me.
Not made in the US, read my first post properly LOL
cheers
Rod
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Follow Up By: Gerhardp1 - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 20:27

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 20:27
Jeez Doug - those eyes are not too good for close up work - that first post clearly said maid in Australia......
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:49

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:49
Austria Eh Gawd it's as bad as here, Unions have priced them selves out of work ?????? thats why all our crap is coming from China, I'd rather pay $100 for an item than pay $40 for the same thing made in China, because the dearer one will probably last 4 times longer, just bought a pair of boots in Rockhampton recently brand is Rossi made in Sth Aussie [ UP THE CROWS ] LOL
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Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 20:56

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 20:56
Yeah doug I heard a guy talking about some factory tours he did in china, one place they walked in, pitch black, everyone working (women hand assembling batteries) in the dark to save power. Unions aren't so bad, sometimes unreasonable but do some reading on life before unions. :-)
Agree on purchases, buy quality and cry once :-)
cheers
Rod
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Reply By: roofscooter2 - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 19:38

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 19:38
Member 'Lucy' ,We get around in Suzuki X90 4x4,F250 4x4,& Ford Transit Winnebago just for a bit of comfort ,hope this eases your pain, lol,Bob.
AnswerID: 158607

Reply By: Member - Michael B (NSW) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 20:31

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 20:31
Rod,
Just spent the afternoon playing with a Laredo CRD, quite impressed. I'm in the market for a new 4X4 as the 80 is getting old and expensive to run .Found the
steering a bit sloppy, but again way better than the 80, no room for a dual battery
set up but a big battery in there. Thought the interior was a bit" chunky" all square
edges, but would get used to that.If Kaymar would make a rear carrier for the spare and some one would make a tank for the space would be nice, I,m towing
and a 77ltr tank wont go far. Overall though good value for money and that motor
is a dream.
Keep posting as it will be 3/6 months before I make a decision on what to buy.
Mike B
AnswerID: 158614

Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:23

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:23
G'day Michael,
Haven't noticed anything sloppy in the steering myself.
Its surprising how small many of these 4wd fuel tanks are, same with thte landrover. Also a friend of mine bought a new f250 4wd with a 7.3L td, only 113 litres. I think there may be room for an additional though small battery under the bonnet on the passenger side near the firewall?
I meant the reply above re upcoming trip to be to you. Feel free to keep my email address woddonnee@hotmail.com if you don't see any follow ups, or feel inclined to ask something. I will do my best to give unbiased owner feed back. :-)
cheers
Rod
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Reply By: Gerhardp1 - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 20:37

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 20:37
A friend has recently bought one of the diesels as well, haven't been able to check with him on how it goes cause he's never home now, driving past service stations all day.

He had 2 Jeeps before and was unhappy with both of them ?!

I reckon the V6 diesel is probably the best 4Wd engine available in anything today, the second best is the Mercedes diesel in the SSanyongs.

The Jeep interior is a bit squeezy and the SSanyoung exterior is a bit ugly and the Mercedex ML using the V6 diesel is just a bit 'spensive to take off road so will someone please make a tough 4Wd with this engine that is a poofteenth bigger than the Jackaroo, smaller than a Patrol or 100 series, prettier than the SSanyong, more interior space than the Jeep and cheaper than a RAV4

Pretty Please............
AnswerID: 158615

Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 21:57

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 21:57
all that as long as it's...maid....in China

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg . The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid . Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are ; the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt .





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Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:25

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:25
G'day Gerhard
No such thing as the perfect vehicle, specially not at a bargain price :-)
cheers
Rod
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Reply By: jon p qld - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 09:32

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 09:32
I've done a lot of the technicians factory training courses for this vehicle and engine, very impressed with it. The engine has great power and fuel consumption figures. Enjoy it.
Regards Jon
AnswerID: 158672

Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:33

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:33
G'day Jon
Nice to know someone with technical knowledge is also impressed :-)
I've learned a reasonable amount about the systems, construction and safety of these vehicles but always like to learn more if theres any points of interest you would like to share.
cheers
Rod
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Reply By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 22:05

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 22:05
I think you'll like it. It's a good motor car.

I have the previous model - the WJ with the 2.7L CRD (the same common-rail engine as the Merc ML270CDi. It is also a fantastic motor - and only leaves a little behind to the new engine.... and chipped - it is also a screamer. The main difference is consumption - I get a steady 8.0L/100km from mine at highway speeds.

"By the way this is an all new model and the first produced in the mercedes factory in Austria. "

Nope - Mine also came from the same plant. All Jeeps' RHD variants in the Grand Cherokee range come from the Austrian plant in Graz. Have done since the ZJ model way back. They also make Unimogs and Haflingers (or did).
AnswerID: 158801

Follow Up By: woddonnee - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:38

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 23:38
G'day Omaroo
The wj sounds good, I had a look at your members rig area, what the hell are you doing to that Jeep in the pic and why do you need 3 4wd's
I guess incase you loose one in a muddy hole :-)
Thanks for the clarification on the factory production.
I think what was actually said to me is that this (the wk) is the first complete new vehicle made under the daimler/benz Chrysler/Jeep alliance.
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Follow Up By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 10:30

Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 10:30
hehe.. no worries woddonnee

Actually... we have four 4WD's, only three are currently registered.

You are correct about the design/manufacturing alliance. The WK is the first design produced by the group.

Oh! about the WJ in the mud - isn't getting out and about t what 4WD's are designed for? ;) Don't worry - you'll be doing the same soone enough. Just wait for the "new car smell" to diminish......

Cheers
Chris
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Follow Up By: hoffy - Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 22:05

Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 22:05
Hi Omaroo,
I have to agree with you about the Benz motors, they are great. Can I take it from your comment above that you have chipped yours, and if so which one did you choose.
I have been looking at doing the chip thing in mine but can't decide which one to buy. They all seem to claim similar results but there is a huge difference in price.
The cheapest I have found is called HiFlow which is about 1/2 the price of its competitors. Plug in and drive like all the rest.
Interested to hear your thoughts.
Cheers
Graeme.
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Follow Up By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 10:31

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 10:31
Hi Graeme :)

No, mine isn't chipped (yet). A friend of mine had his done a while ago and used the Tunit upgrade. There is currently some discussion going on around the traps as to who owns/runs some of the chip-up manufacturers, but the Tunit seemed to work well for my friend. He has gone from 120 to 165kw at 2,600rpm (dyno'd) and 400 to 480mn @ 1,200 rpm through to over 3 grand on the tacho. It's very tractible, has no flat spots anywhere and is a little better off the mark. Neck-snapping actually.

His consumption remained about the same - probably because he now thinks that he's driving a sports car.....

Cheers
Chris
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Reply By: Member - Kevin (NSW/ACT) - Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 09:41

Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 09:41
Congratulations on the new Jeep Rod,

I've had mine for 6 months now and with 18,000km on the clock couldn't be happier. About 30% of that has been towing my Aussie Swag Camper Trailer (1.5T loaded) and average fuel consumption is 11.9 l/100km.

It was a bit low for off-road work but I've fixed that now with a body lift kit I sourced from the USA which gave me an extra 55mm clearance all round.

Also pull a 2T caravan from time to time and worst consumption with that behind was 15l/100km across the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Definitely a very competant but underated vehicle

AnswerID: 158838

Follow Up By: woddonnee - Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 18:38

Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 18:38
G'day Keving
Glad to hear you are very happy with the vehicle. They are great figures on the fuel consumption.
Hopefully the clearance will be adequate for my needs
cheers
Rod
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