I've never been a fan of Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep quality, or my perception of their quality. However, I have always liked the look of the Grand Cherokees. I'm browsing for vehicles for my kids (nothing in particular) and came across a 2015 Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4, but it has 164,000+ miles on it for a little under $14,000.

What are the board's thoughts on this having plenty of life left in it and taking a look at it, or being likely to have issues soon and just keep on looking for something else? Based on my prior pre-conceived notions of quality, I've never really followed the Jeep brand and don't know what to expect with a Jeep at that age and mileage.

I owned a 2015 Cherokee TrailHawk. I really liked it when the lift gate would lock, the infotainment system wasn't locked up, the back up camera would work, the door latch mechanism would allow me to open the passenger door, and the transmission didn't feel like it was exploding underneath me when I shifted from reverse to drive.

That wasn't very often.

I own a JK now. It's kind of a dog, but fun. I'll never buy another Chrysler.

I have a 2018 Wrangler JL with 40,000 miles. The AC and radio have electrical issues (sometimes they won't turn on for several minutes).

Everything always works perfectly for the dealer so no luck getting it fixed, which is the most irritating part. I don't drive much or else it would be a goner.

If you are going with that high mileage, I'd look at a Lexus GX. 2010 -2012.

FWIW, I owned a 2003 GC (a couple of generations older) and my mechanic said it would be good for about 150k miles - either the engine of transmission would go by then. My transmission went out at about 135k despite routine maintenance, all fluid changes, etc. Switched to a 2006 4Runner that is still my daily driver with 206k miles on it. The GC was a lot more trouble than my Toyota: front diff rebuild, 4 window actuator replacements, power steering pump, transmission, and on and on. I would be leery of a Grand Cherokee with that many miles on it personally. Your mileage may vary.

It's a jeep. It's not known for reliability.

I wouldn't buy a GC with 150k miles on it, and that price is particularly unappetizing for a high mileage car with reliability issues. Funny coincidence to seeing this thread, but I just got stuck behind one broken down at a light about 20 minutes ago.

Been a long time so hard to compare, but we bought one new in 2000. By 90k miles it had a handful of issues that I'd fixed over that time (nothing crazy, but stuff like the water pump), but the transmission was starting to leak along with a few other concerning signs. Dumped it about that time

Thanks for the replies. The Wrangler and GC are the only models I would take a chance on, but sounds like I should stay away.

We bought a 2012 JKU for my daughter in 2017 with 147K miles on it. She drove it all through HS and during college in Lubbock. She's graduated and living in Indiana with it now and it has 206K miles. Fortunately her job gave her a daily driver truck so she's not having to drive it every day anymore. I expect she'll keep it a few more months - at least till she's been at work and sees how she can live on her salary. Been a good car, no major issues other than we replaced the clutch at one time (it's a manual). Been very happy with it. I also have a good mechanic in Helotes that has helped me take good care of it.

Only car we've ever owned that had crazy voodoo problems was a keep.

Was a Cherokee that was red with the gold trim package and the softest leather seats on the planet - loved that Jeep's look and style - but it's problems were a hot mess, and electrical system a nightmare. It ended up being the only car I ever traded in, and we did it by taking it on one of its good days to the dealer for evaluation - and then running like the wind once we left in our new car.

For my money, a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with a V8 is a great way to go.

If you want a Wrangler, it's all going to come down to who had it before and what they might have done to it. If you really want a Wrangler, try to find one that's been driven by some Sorority Girl. Think Alicia Silverstone in Clueless.

I've had a JLUR as my daily driver for 3+ years and honestly, I can't believe how many of them I see on the road.

I agree with you about having concerns about buying used.

See if you can find one with a warranty, or part of an off-lease pre-owned program.

The good news if you get a Wrangler is that there will always be somebody willing to buy it off of you.

Full disclosure, I've owned 4 Jeeps.
1985 CJ-7, 1994 Grand Cherokee, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 2020 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Bought a used 2013 JGC with a Hemi & 50k miles. No major problems until maybe 140,000 miles when the "Hemi exhaust tick" turned out to be a lifter tick. A friend & I rebuilt the top of the engine in the driveway. Quite a PITA for this average DIY but the engine codes didn't come back on for a few weeks & we sold it as used car prices were high at that time. So overall, YMMV.

I had a 2003 GC Laredo off the lot in 2003 - 2WD inline-6. It was a dog compared to the 2000 GC Limited I'd leased right out of college.

Drove it until January 2016. I think it had about 165K on it.

It went through a few rough patches but otherwise was fine.

For 2 or 3 years I replaced the driver window regulator once a year (cable kept snapping). I went a few years with the cooling system failed bit by bit (thermometer, then fan, then cracked radiator, etc). It was a lot of fun when the crankshaft position sensor started failing - casually turning left at an intersection, it fails, powersteering goes out while you're barely holding the wheel in one hand and a drink in the other....good times

All said though I got my $'s worth. 13 years with a Chrysler and never left truly on the side of the road is pretty special.

I'll take my 2000 Nissan with 265,000 miles on the original drivetrain on solo 4WD trips in west Texas.

Would any jeep owner do the same?

I really like the fundamental design of some jeeps but they are Chrysler products when it comes to quality in materials, design, etc. they aren't designed to last. They are designed to be used and traded in every 3-5 years.

To be fair, I did upgrade both of the differentials to aftermarket lockers but the original gear sets were just fine.

MouthBQ98 said:

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I'll take my 2000 Nissan with 265,000 miles on the original drivetrain on solo 4WD trips in west Texas.

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Got a used '07 GC last year, my 4th Jeep. It is a Mercedes era. Got it at 153k, at 156k the real diff and the trans basically died. Should have it back in a few weeks after dumping too much money it it from the day I bought it.

Should have paid to ship the '04 down from Anchorage that I sold for double what I paid for it, but I was too cheap to pay $2500 to do so. I'd be $7500 ahead if I had.

The moral I'd offer is that the Mercedes versions are passes because the redheaded stepchild issues with expensive part fixes. Otherwise, I do like it better than my '04.

My dad is still driving a 2004 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo with 340k miles daily. And a bunch of those bad boys still on the road if you look around.

My 2004 Wrangler, yes.

Any other Chrysler product, no.

Chryslers are just as good as anything else