OT: Jeeps??

As some of you know, I"m looking for a new family mobile, keeping the old truck and car for daily drivers and such, just need something a little newer and nicer for the trips and such. I had settled on a "05 Equinox, but after a little research, got scared away from it.

Now I"ve came across two Jeeps, and "06 Commander with 22k miles, 3.7 V6, 4wd, not a hole lot of options, power driver seat, PW, PL, and and the backup assist...$12,200. The other is an "07 Grand Cherokee with 25k miles, 3.7 V6, 4wd, and is pretty well loaded, heated leather, sun roof, power everything, for $13,500.

I like both vehicles and I know the powertrain is pretty much the same under both of them. MPG"s sucks for both, probably 15 or 16 for the Commander and maybe 17 or 18 for the Grand Cherokee. Is there anything, add on wise, to improve the mileage on this things??? Would a K&N intake system help any?? What about running synthetics?? If I could get them up to about 20 mpg or so I wouldn"t be so turned off...but they are both nice rides and the price is right on both...any other opinions on the Jeeps?? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Casey

With that kind of MPG why don't consider a Surburban. We have a 2001 that has always given us better 19 mpg and lots more room. Handling is also much better. I had a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee once for 6 or 8 mos. All we got was about 15 mpg and cramped space.

We have an '05 Grand Cherokee, 3.7, full time 4x4. The poorest mileage we have gotten was 17mpg. That is Interstate driving doing 75mph. My wife drives it 50 miles each day for work, and consistently gets 22-23 mpg. That's driving 55mph on two lane roads. She is very pleased with ours. She actually picked it out, did the dealing, and has been very glad she did.

(reply to post at 17:37:03 12/21/08)

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I have 3 Jeeps on the road and love them. The newest is 2002, 96,000 miles. 4.0 I Bought it new and other than brakes I have only replaced the alternator. Have a 2000 Limited 4.7 with 101,000 miles. I just put tie rod ends on it. I drive a 1992 Cherokee 4.0 with 188.000 and have not had any major problems. I have a 1987 4.0 with 267,000 but the body won't pass inspection but it still runs great.

As far as the later models go I really don't know too much about them. But I think my next vehicle will be a Jeep.

We had a "91 Cherokee with the 4.0 with a 5 speed manual and LOVED it. Always got 22+mpg.
It finally started to show its age and so we bought a new 2004 Grand Cherokee with the V8. It has power and comfort, but 15 mpg around town and got a best of 20 mpg on a trip to Vegas. The carpeting is shoddy compared to the old Jeep and the stereo has a short in it sometimes when it plays CD"s. The dealer could never find it so we live with it. The original tires are still on it with 41,000 miles, but they are pretty aggresive, so road noise is pretty noticable.
That trip to Vegas was late August and 115 degrees. Never even thought about overheating and the A/C was going full bore for 8 hours.
I think the technology is much better but they sacrificed quality of construction. Besides the carpeting, both door windows cables broke, one during the first year, one last year. First one was covered, the second one my son replaced. The leather is starting to show cracks, but I have never put any conditioner on it.
But, I have never had any mechanical problems with it, but I"m thinking about getting a new battery and putting the original one in my Massey.

HTH,
Chuck

Looks like the Cherokee miliage may have improved on newer models our 98 gets 17.8

Friend had an 89 and 90.seems we were always fixing them. I wouldnt have one.Both had jap manual trans missions, may as well buy a jap car.

Have 2 Grand Cherokee's. They are essential vehicles considering where we live, 4WD is a must. I used to mess with cars when I was a kid but got away from it until I bought my 93 and found it to be very wrench friendly. I don't know why but I just get them. Bought a service manual for it and do most everything to it. The wife needed a new vehicle last year and we got her a 97.

The thing about Jeeps is not just the community but the aftermarket and used parts industry that has built up around them. You can keep them running forever if you have the mind to.

The acronym for Jeep is Just Empty Every Pocket but the truth is mine has 235K on it and I drive it daily. It doesn't owe me anything. My DD will always be a Jeep.