Automan2164 Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 It sad to say, but the old XJ is finally starting to show its age. My '97 Country has treated me kindly over the past few years, but it's time to poop or get off the pot. I don't have many vehicles in my radar, but the WK2 is one of them. I miss my old ZJ, with the room and features. I know a WK would get me a lot of nice features, but then I would have the old V6 as an option, and I really don't like the way they look. The WK2 has the Pentastar in the lineup, as well as just being a (IMHO) a damn good looking vehicle. I am going to shoot for a price range with 20K being the top end. I know in doing this I am going to end up with something with higher miles, but that really doesn't concern me much. Auto trader says 20K price range is doable, but I want to ask my friends here if they have any opinions on it. I would like to find a Limited or an Overland, because if I am going to have a car payment, it's going to be loaded. I've found some overlands with 100K right around 20K. I guess my only questions really come down to drivetrain and reliability. I hear great things about the 3.6, and a couple have popped up with the 5.7. Both seem to have similar mileage, so I'm not terrified of that. I would be leaning towards the 3.6 just due to the rumor mill. Are the transmissions better than the Chrysler transmissions of yesteryear? Any other big problems or things to look out for? Thanks in advance, Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjrev10 Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 Buddy of mine has a '15 with a 3.6. It absolutely rips and gets around 23-23 mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjrev10 Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 How about WK2 wheels on a MJ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 From my experience, the Pentastar 3.6 is a great engine. We had a 2012 JK, the first year for the 3.6, and now have a 2015 JK. Some of the 2012 and early 2013 engines had a valve/head problem especially on the left side that was covered under warranty, but we put 50K on the 2012 with no problems. Our daughter in the USAF drives it now, and it's still problem-free. The 6-speed auto is great and it's fun slap-sticking through the gears when accelerating or decelerating. Mileage is decent (19-21), but not great with the boxy JK. I'm ASSuming the WK2 drive train is the same as the JK's. One thing that really makes a very noticeable difference is gear ratio. Both the 2012 and 2015 have 18" tires. The gear ratio on the 2012 with auto was the standard 3.21 and it was kind of doggy off the line. I ordered the 2015 with 3.73's, and the lower ratio made a huge difference when accelerating. Mileage remained about the same for both. So if you have a choice, get the numerically higher gear ratio if possible especially if your tires are or will be larger than stock. You'll like it more. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamsmith Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I have a '14 WK2. It has the 8sp Auto so I can't comment personally on the 5sp auto in 11-13 era but I am thrilled with mine so far (19k trouble free miles). I'm not aware of any big issues with the 3.6 and 5sp. I'm sure you know it has a shared platform as the Merc ML (which I think is a good thing) and it drives with an air of refinement that I think fits the upmarket pedigree. I probably wouldn't get the air suspension that is offered in the Overland if you can help it; probably more trouble with higher miles and expensive to fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellaheep Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 The earlier WK2's had quite a few recalls and TSB isues, the vast majority are nuisance really, just a minor few safety related. I'd buy your used one from a Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler dealer, get with a trustworthy tech/service writer who will print out all the recals nd TSB's, bring those to the negotiation and as a condition of the sale, insist that ALL get addressed before delivery. Our '12 SRT8 has been in the shop more than any of our new vehicles prior. Some were SRT8 specific (rear magnetic shock defective, front LED shorting out/flickering, roof rack delete strip breaking at mounting screws) but here's a list of the recall/TSB stuff we've had addressed: Recall- sun visor vanity mirror wire short/fire hazard Recall- fuel pump wiring harness short/fire hazard Recall- Brake master cylinder push rod corrosion issue TSB's: -squeaking sun roof track/assembly (replaced entire assembly) -front bumper fascia coming un-snapped around headlights/fenders (lengthy procedure to improve snap tabs) -water leak around rear wiper assembly (replaced rubber seal) -loose splash pans and skid plates (tightened fasteners) Warranty: -carbon fiber/wood dash trim coming loose and warping (replaced 2 sections of carbon fiber dash trim) -horn hard to press/honk at steering wheel (replaced airbag assembly -better but not by much) -batteries in tire pressure monitors low volt. (All replaced) I think that's all of it..... Wife hit a dog with it so the front bumper cover and lower grill trim had to be replaced....I had to print out the bumper/fascia TSB to give to the dealer body shop. Mechanically, it's been the most reliable vehicle we've owned (knock on wood....lol) it's never been towed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 The 11-13 models have the NAG1 (W5A580) trans that chrysler has been liscencing from Mercedes since at least 2005. It has been around for a long time and is a decent trans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted October 30, 2015 Author Share Posted October 30, 2015 Thanks all for the great input. Sounds like a solid vehicle, like something I would want to pick up. I found one at another local Municipality up for auction. It's a 2011 Laredo with the 3.6 and 113K. They sold another admin unit WK2 last month with new tires and a noted power steering leak for $13,000 after buyer premiums, so that gives me hope. While I would love one loaded to the gills, if I could get into one cheap, feel it out, and go from there, it works for me. I had some friends here and elsewhere look it up for me, and it's current on recalls. Those checks also surfaced some other stuff, like options and gear ratio (3.06. Hopefully different in a WK2 Don!) It's a pretty basic model, but may be a cheap entry into the segment. I've been trying to find out how to add factory things I would want, like touchscreen or remote start after the fact. I also work in the public sector, so I was going to give the listing agency a call an inquire about service schedules and records for increased peace of mind. I'll ask for any info I can, some are tighter than others with records. See how the dice roll! Rob :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSimon Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Are you dead set on a Jeep? Cause with a $20k budget, there are sooooo many great truck and SUV options out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted October 30, 2015 Author Share Posted October 30, 2015 Are you dead set on a Jeep? Cause with a $20k budget, there are sooooo many great truck and SUV options out there. Kinda. I was sort of liking the Ridgeline RTL also. Everyone has that friend in the group of friends that is the "Jeep Guy". I'm that guy. I feel like I'd be giving up my torch a bit if I pulled up in a Honda. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 I've carried a solitary Jeep torch for the last 15 years. However, I am looking forward to trading our '06 WK in on a Toyota for my wife. Will either be a Land Cruiser, 4Runner or Highlander. I know it's not a WK2, but FCA is one in the same when it comes to recalls... My father in law bought a new WK2 a few years back. He loves the vehicle, but constantly talks about how often it is at the dealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Welp. Had an interesting day. Decided to go down to the dealer and try a couple on for size. I wanted to find one that had about the same options as the auction one (basically none). I found a white '12 that had 33K on it. Options were right, so I went in to talk about driving it. We talked price, they wanted $28K for that one and change. He told me he had another '12, closer to my range (Told him $20K). It was a local trade, Laredo with 85K and just about every option. We took it out and I liked it a lot. Salesman was kinda dry, maybe more dry than I would like. When we came back he pulled out the history. Bought new from that dealer, and serviced there all the way up to the last oil change. One owner. Has leather, navigation/dvd, subwoofer, heated seats, panaramic sunroof (the all glass one), keyless proximity fobs, towing package, automatic climate control... Pretty much all the good stuff. I got to thinking about that auction car, and how much I was going to have to spend on adding the things it didn't have... More miles, and this one being optioned like it is.The price was ok. They wouldn't budge much on the $21750 they had it listed for, but I beat them up a bit in financing and warranty. Threatened to walk a few times. All in all, ended up taking it home. I appreciate the input fellas! Hopefully this one lives up to the hype! Rob :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 What's the gear ratio since it has the towing package? It sure looks nice. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 I don't know that as of yet. I need to have an insider run the VIN. We were definitely last hour-ing it tonight. Signed the papers shortly after closing time on the 31st day of the month. Service dept was closed, and the salesman played naive when I asked about the Chrysler history. The Autocheck showed all dealer maintenance with them and the oil change reminder on the window backed it up. I just wish it still had the original sticker with it! How hard is it to just fold it up and put it with the owners manuals!? People annoy me with vehicles. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 I have to say it isn't "quick" by any means, but I would definitely call it adequate. Driving home from mom's house I averaged 23 MPG also. Even behind someone who couldn't pick a speed. The Uconnect is nice, and displays track info off streaming bluetooth, so that's very nice also. Impressed so far. I want to spend more time tomorrow in the daylight giving it the once over. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrawombat Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Don't be alarmed when I drive you to the noodie bar via UConnect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Found a back door for options lookup. Looks like the 3.09 stayed. The vitals: Equipment Listing VIN 1C4RJFAGXCC150722 Vehicle Description 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4X4 SPORT UTILITY 4-DR Monotone Paint 700 Amp Maintenance Free Battery Rain Brake Support Ready Alert Braking Electronic Stability Control Hill Start Assist Four Wheel Traction Control Trailer Sway Damping Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes Active Head Restraints Rear 60/40 Folding Seat Child Seat Upper Tether Anchorages Supplemental Side Air Bags Child Seat Anchor System-LATCH Ready Advanced Multistage Front Air Bags Center Rear 3-Point Seat Belt Supplemental Frt Seat Side Air Bags Floor Carpet Cargo Tie Down Loops Cargo Trim Panel w/Storage Net Luxury Front/Rear Floor Mats w/Logo Passenger Assist Handles Base Door Trim Panel STANDARD EQUIPMENT Full Length Floor Console Overhead Console Illuminated Cupholders Quadra-Trac I ® 4WD System 195MM Front Axle 3.09 Rear Axle Ratio 195MM Rear Axle Conventional Differential Frt Axle Conventional Differential Rear Axle Acoustic Laminated Front Door Glass Tinted Windshield Glass Front Door Tinted Glass Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass Flipper Liftgate Glass Rear Window Defroster Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors Power Heated Mirrors, Fold-Away Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System Hood Insulation Premium Insulation Group 140 MPH Primary Speedometer Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers Rear Window Wiper/Washer Dual Note Electric Horns Auxiliary 12-Volt Rear Power Outlet 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet Power Accessory Delay Air Filtering Power Locks Pwr Front Windows, 1-Touch,Up & Down Illuminated Entry Vehicle Information Center Glove Box Lamp Front & Rear Interior LED Lamps Interior Removable/Rechargeable Lamp Halogen Headlamps Automatic Headlamps Fog Lamps Enhanced Accident Response System Bright Grille Chrome Bodyside Molding Sill Molding Body Color Fascias Bright Day Light Opening Moldings Body Color Door Handles Bright License Plate Brow Jeep Badge 4X4 Badge Integrated Liftgate Rear Spoiler Laredo Badge 24.6 Gallon Fuel Tank Speed Control Standard Duty Engine Cooling Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat Removable Short Mast Antenna Power Rack and Pinion Steering Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel Normal Duty Suspension Tilt/Telescope Steering Column Compact Spare Tire Non Adjustable Pedals Power Locking Fuel Filler Door English/USA Language Protective Coating and Remover Headliner Parts Module Seat Parts Module Instrument Panel Parts Module Door Parts Module Front End Parts Module Front Suspension Parts Module Rear Suspension Parts Module Tire & Wheel Parts Module Front Suspension Damper Parts Module Rear Suspension Damper Parts Module Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications GVW Rating - 6500# U.S. Dealer Retail Zone 51-Chicago Four Wheel Drive (4WD)/(4X4) Left Hand Drive (LHD) 2012 Vehicle Specifications WK/6042 Vehicle Family Price Class H Vehicle Order Tracking U.S. Specifications Label Illinois Ship to State Code Carb. Code 03 Smog Code 06 Illinois Sold to State Code Prem Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats Black Laredo E Group 180 Amp Alternator Supp. Side Curtain Frt/Rr Air Bags Cargo Compartment Cover Leather Wrapped Shift Knob All Automatic Transmissions 5-Speed Auto W5A580 Transmission 3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof Remote Proximity Keyless Entry Remote Keyless Entry Keyless Enter-N-Go Air Cond ATC w/Dual Zone Control Premium Instrument Cluster w/Tach 115V Auxiliary Power Outlet Garmin Navigation System Heated Front Seats Pwr Driver/Pass 4-Way Lumbar Adjust Power 8-Way Driver/Passenger Seats Body Color Exterior Mirrors Security Alarm Front License Plate Bracket OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Bright Side Roof Rails 50 State Emissions Engine Oil Cooler Exterior Mirrors w/Heating Element Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat 9 Amplified Speakers w/Subwoofer Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Ctrls 506 Watt Amplifier 6.5" Touchscreen Display Radio 430N SIRIUS Satellite Radio SiriusXM Travel Link Uconnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth Audio Jack Input for Mobile Devices Remote USB Port P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires Michelin Brand Tires Compact Spare Wheel All Aluminum Wheels 18X8.0 Aluminum Wheels ParkSense Rear Park Assist System ParkView Rear Back-up Camera Remote Start System Tip Start Universal Garage Door Opener Tire Pressure Monitoring Display Flex Fuel Vehicle 40GB Hard Drive w/28GB Available Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering For More Info, Call 888-539-7474 1-Yr. SiriusXM Radio Service 1-Yr. SiriusXM Travel Link Service 7.5 Additional Gallons of Gas Spring - Left Front Spring - Left Rear Spring - Right Front Spring - Right Rear Customer Preferred Package 2TX Customer Preferred Package 26X Distribution Services Tracking 7 11/01/15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Ah well, the good thing is that with the 18" tires and the standard 3.09 axle you'll never know the difference unless you get another later with higher numerical gears to compare it to. It'll be fine. I was kind of satisfied with my similarly equipped tall geared 2012 JK. Seemed like a dog, my MJ blew it away off the line. So I got on the JK forums and did my reading. That's why I ordered the 2015 with 3.73's. Does it have the towing package? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 it's not like you can't upgrade the ratio later on :yes: I give it a year before there's a small lift and bigger tires in the picture. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjrev10 Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Don't be alarmed when I drive you to the noodie bar via UConnect LMAO!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSimon Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 That is a sharp looking vehicle! Congrats on the new ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted November 5, 2015 Author Share Posted November 5, 2015 Thanks everyone for the comments. The UConnect is cool. Love the navigation and the 9 speaker stereo with the sub. Just enough to really make the sound quality better. Crazy though... The PO nor the dealer wiped it clean. I was driving home from the dealer and noticed a "House" icon pop up on the nav screen. Curiosity got the best of me so I punched it in. 5 minutes away, so I drove by. Big u-shaped ranch with 3 car garage on 2 acres in an affluent neighborhood. The rest of the "Recent destinations" are O'hare and Midway airport terminals in Chicago, places 250 miles away in WI... Those 85K miles were highway. The nav even shows the max reached speed (102) and the average moving speed (45). Tells me it did a lot of highway driving if the average was as high as 45 MPH. Crazy... Because I have the guys first name (from his voice naming the first phone entry), his home address, frequent stops which are most likely friends and family... All from a vehicle. Got under it and did some inspecting today. Found everything in great shape, and brand new brakes and rotors on all 4 corners. The pads are still shiny black with Mopar PN's clearly visible. Yesterday I had the dealer repair a rock chip the GF found on the windshield Sunday, and picked up my slush mats today. The more and more I look at this thing, the more and more stupid clean it is. I couldn't find a door ding on it, only found a small dent in the above the passenger door, and a little rock chip by the Jeep emblem on the hood. Plans are to get a set of splash guards and roof rails and call it a job for now. Other thing I realized was I never got you guys better pics! Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Mmmmmmm, chrome. And black. Don't get no betta than that. :drool: :drool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Where's the personalized license plate? :hmm: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted November 5, 2015 Author Share Posted November 5, 2015 Mmmmmmm, chrome. And black. Don't get no betta than that. :drool: :drool: I like the touches of chrome, but thw wheels are a bit much. I think I'd like to try plastidipping them matte black or grey. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now