Looking for a Grand Cherokee, but do I get a V8, S6, or 3.1D
Discussion
After loads of searching to decide on a 4x4, the ratty lifted up pickup truck idea went out the window with swmbo as she would need to drive it as well. I have been granted approval on a Grand Cherokee, but need some help to work out which one please. It will be at £2k budget for a 1999 - 2004 model (Limited, Overland, or 60th Ann spec).
Need to decide between 4.0 S6 petrol, 4.7 V8 petrol, or 3.1TD
Any advice from past owners on what to look for when buying would be much appreciated too
NB: MPG is not too important otherwise I would be looking for something less thirsty. I am covered by my business the first 25p per mile for petrol, or 18p per mile on LPG or Diesel.
Need to decide between 4.0 S6 petrol, 4.7 V8 petrol, or 3.1TD
Any advice from past owners on what to look for when buying would be much appreciated too
NB: MPG is not too important otherwise I would be looking for something less thirsty. I am covered by my business the first 25p per mile for petrol, or 18p per mile on LPG or Diesel.
Before anyone points this out...
I have seen this thread, which helps as a buyers guide, but doesn't help decide between the engines
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I have seen this thread, which helps as a buyers guide, but doesn't help decide between the engines
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It's the noise that is tempting me most towards the V8 
Scouring the internet brings up suggestions the 4.0 S6 is more reliable, whilst the V8 can have piston wrist pin and rocker problems. I'm not sure how widespead this is though.
I'm not sure how these last/ perform with LPG either.
The Diesel is apparently quite agricultural, so it's bottom of the list currently.
Scouring the internet brings up suggestions the 4.0 S6 is more reliable, whilst the V8 can have piston wrist pin and rocker problems. I'm not sure how widespead this is though.
I'm not sure how these last/ perform with LPG either.
The Diesel is apparently quite agricultural, so it's bottom of the list currently.
I spent years working for Jeep. the S6 is gutless in a GC the early diesel was rubbish but the latter one ok. Fuel economy still not great though. V8 (with LPG) is the one to go for. They are all pretty reliable. V8 is much nicer to drive and can actually get a move on if you want it to. with LPG the economy is similar to the diesel too
Mine is a WJ with a I6, quick enough for day to day driving. One of my colleagues has a V8 & reckons on 1MPG different to the 4L. Worth coming over to www.jeepclub.co.uk which is the font of all knowledge for UK Jeepers.
I (well my wife) have a GC with the later 2.7TDi. Even this one is rather agricultural and returns around 28mpg. The earlier 3.1 is absolutely gutless and no better on fuel. 4.7V8 would be good but running costs will be quite high. LPG would improve things.
You mention 25p/mile and 10p mile. The government guideline is currently 45p/mile first 10,000 miles then 25p/mile. This also applies if you get a 'car allowance' as part of your remuneration package. Any shortfall from this guideline can be recovered as a tax allowable expense when you do your tax return which helps to offset the running costs.
Example - 5000 business miles, refunded 25p/mile by employer, can offset 5000 x 20p (45-25) = £1000 as a tax allowable expense thus getting a tax refund of between £200 and £400 dependent on your marginal tax rate.
You mention 25p/mile and 10p mile. The government guideline is currently 45p/mile first 10,000 miles then 25p/mile. This also applies if you get a 'car allowance' as part of your remuneration package. Any shortfall from this guideline can be recovered as a tax allowable expense when you do your tax return which helps to offset the running costs.
Example - 5000 business miles, refunded 25p/mile by employer, can offset 5000 x 20p (45-25) = £1000 as a tax allowable expense thus getting a tax refund of between £200 and £400 dependent on your marginal tax rate.
Kevin VRs said:
I (well my wife) have a GC with the later 2.7TDi. Even this one is rather agricultural and returns around 28mpg. The earlier 3.1 is absolutely gutless and no better on fuel. 4.7V8 would be good but running costs will be quite high. LPG would improve things.
You mention 25p/mile and 10p mile. The government guideline is currently 45p/mile first 10,000 miles then 25p/mile. This also applies if you get a 'car allowance' as part of your remuneration package. Any shortfall from this guideline can be recovered as a tax allowable expense when you do your tax return which helps to offset the running costs.
Example - 5000 business miles, refunded 25p/mile by employer, can offset 5000 x 20p (45-25) = £1000 as a tax allowable expense thus getting a tax refund of between £200 and £400 dependent on your marginal tax rate.
I looked into this with a tax accountant, but I was told that I could only claim the difference if I was self employed and contracting to them? I might just have another look, as I have 7 years of mileage expense claims that I could use as proof of miles covered and claimed at the lower rateYou mention 25p/mile and 10p mile. The government guideline is currently 45p/mile first 10,000 miles then 25p/mile. This also applies if you get a 'car allowance' as part of your remuneration package. Any shortfall from this guideline can be recovered as a tax allowable expense when you do your tax return which helps to offset the running costs.
Example - 5000 business miles, refunded 25p/mile by employer, can offset 5000 x 20p (45-25) = £1000 as a tax allowable expense thus getting a tax refund of between £200 and £400 dependent on your marginal tax rate.
tr7v8 said:
Mine is a WJ with a I6, quick enough for day to day driving. One of my colleagues has a V8 & reckons on 1MPG different to the 4L. Worth coming over to www.jeepclub.co.uk which is the font of all knowledge for UK Jeepers.
Cheers, I've registered and awaiting approval Looks like a great site
On the tax thing my mum recently claimed back all the difference in her mileage between the company payment and the tax threshold. She got back about £7k if I remember right adn she's not contracting/self employed - field sales for the same compnay for the last 20+ years.
Might be worth looking into - I think just phoned up the tax office and asked them.
Good luck!
RS
Might be worth looking into - I think just phoned up the tax office and asked them.
Good luck!
RS
I have found a few V8's without LPG which are well within budget, and even some with LPG.
There is a specific truck for sale locally which has an engine ticking noise, but is very cheap because of it. I'm trying to find out if it is a easy fix (lash adjuster, exhaust manifold studs broken, incorrect oil viscosity) OR a death sign (broken piston skirt, rattling wrist pin, bent rod).
There is a specific truck for sale locally which has an engine ticking noise, but is very cheap because of it. I'm trying to find out if it is a easy fix (lash adjuster, exhaust manifold studs broken, incorrect oil viscosity) OR a death sign (broken piston skirt, rattling wrist pin, bent rod).
don't get a diesel, the 3.1 is really bad, and the 2.7s are starting to show weaknesses with the injectors.
I am on the lookout for another for the wifey, I have an I-6 with 225,000 miles on the clock with no breakdowns, only servicing. I am steering toward another I-6 as the v8s don't seem to be as reliable (look on the US forums) apart from some porus head castings around 2000 (which should have been picked up by now) the I-6 is very reliable
I am on the lookout for another for the wifey, I have an I-6 with 225,000 miles on the clock with no breakdowns, only servicing. I am steering toward another I-6 as the v8s don't seem to be as reliable (look on the US forums) apart from some porus head castings around 2000 (which should have been picked up by now) the I-6 is very reliable
kiwifraser said:
There is a specific truck for sale locally which has an engine ticking noise, but is very cheap because of it. I'm trying to find out if it is a easy fix (lash adjuster, exhaust manifold studs broken, incorrect oil viscosity) OR a death sign (broken piston skirt, rattling wrist pin, bent rod).
Searching the forums brings me to the conclusion it is typically one of 5 things - lash adjuster, exhaust manifold studs, incorrect oil, broken piston skirt, or rattling wrist pin.The noise is evident up to 2000 rpm, when you cannot hear it over the engine noise. At first they thought it was under the inlet manifold, but listening from underneath it sounds as though it is more of an exhaust note.
It sometimes goes away when the engine is warm, but not all of the time.
I am going to look at it tomorrow, and am hoping someone who knows these could help me with what I should be looking for to work out where the noise is coming from? Any suggestions of forums I should ask for advice?
I'm hoping to work out if this is a diy/ easy repair job, or if it is the sign that a new engine needs to go in soon.
look at www.wjjeeps.com very usefull, also tells how to run the diagnostics on the jeep & its heater (for the blend door issues)
scrwright said:
look at www.wjjeeps.com very usefull, also tells how to run the diagnostics on the jeep & its heater (for the blend door issues)
What a great reference site! Reading OBD codes on the dash - inspired Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff