2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large 4WD aimed more at buyers of luxury station
wagons rather than keen off-road drivers.
We will start this used car checkout with the WK Series Grand Cherokee that launched
in Australia in February 2011. Compared to previous models it was designed to better
suit on-road conditions, with SUV-type suspension to give it a smoother, quieter ride.
True to its roots Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a genuine 4WD and can tackle rugged
off-road work that would stop most crossover wagons in their tracks, or rather off their
tracks.
Grand Cherokee was facelifted in June 2013 and again in May 2017. Significant
advances were made to the infotainment system in both cases.
Hotrod models, called SRT (Sports Racing Technology) and Trackhawk 700 are
something very special. The 700 in the latter’s title refers to its 700 horsepower engine!
It has a 6.2-litre Hemi V8 supercharged engine that sits in front of a TorqueFlite eight-
speed automatic transmission and Jeep’s Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive
system.
This utilises an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer
case. Added to this is a Selec-Track system with Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow.
Keep in mind that an SRT and Trackhawk models may have belonged to people who
liked to take place in serious redlight drag racing, so be wary.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 75th Anniversary of Jeep was celebrated in 2016. The 75th Anniversary Edition of
the Grand Cherokee has Tangarine stitching in the leather panels on seats and centre
armrest, de-bossed 75th logos on the front seats and Moroccan Sun highlights on the
centre console, steering wheel and door handle surrounds.
Other Jeep models also received this 75-year tribute and some feel these may become
collectors’ editions in years to come. Your call, but Jeep owners are proud of their
machines and it may well happen.
Grand Cherokee has good interior space and a voluminous boot thanks to its squared-
off rear end – sometimes the old shapes are the best ones.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is easier to drive in traffic than you might expect due to its high
seating position and the well-defined extremities of the squared-off body. Parking can a
hassle in really tight situations but otherwise few owners say they’ve had any real
problems.
In Australia, the Jeep dealer network operates in the bush as well as the suburbs. We
hear of no significant complaints about the prices of spare parts or their availability.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Insurance costs are generally about average for this class of vehicle. The range of
premiums between major companies doesn’t seem to vary a lot, but it’s still worth
shopping around. Make sure you use comparable figures, but be aware that insurance
companies appreciate long-term customers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Listen for squeaks and rattles when test driving on rough roads, ideally should do off-
road as well as on-road driving.
Jeeps go off-road more than many so-called SUVs, so do a thorough body and
underbody check. Scratches on the doors and front guards, as well as the lower
corners of the bumpers are the sign of off-road running.
Also look for damage to the protection plates, the platform and the bumper mounts, all
of which indicate serious off-road work.
Salty sand on the under surfaces probably indicates beach driving – which is great fun,
but if salt gets into the metal it can do dreadful things in the way of rust.
Check the cabin and boot for signs of wear and tear.
Tyres on the SRT hotrods may have had a hard life. Look for uneven wear and also for
heavy build-up of brake dust on the sides of the tyres and on the suspension.
There should be no fumes from the exhaust pipe, even when the engine is worked hard
or has been idling for an extended period then accelerated.
Automatic transmissions are typically American in that they are beautifully smooth. Any
roughness should be a reason to call in a professional.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $9000 to $14,000 for a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited;
$11,000 to $17,000 for a 2012 Laredo; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2012 Limited; $16,000
to $23,000 for a 2012 Overland; $18,000 to $26,000 for a 2014 Laredo; $22,000 to
$31,000 for a 2012 SRT; $24,000 to $33,000 for a 2017 Limited; $27,000 to $36,000
for a 2016 75th Anniversary; $34,000 to $45,000 for a 2017 Blackhawk; $43,000 to
$58,000 for a 2018 Trailhawk; $49,000 to $64,000 for a 2019 Overland; and $55,000 to
$73,000 for a 2020 Overland.
CAR BUYING TIP
Looking to buy a car that appeals to enthusiast? Try joining a club for specific marque
as owners are an excellent source of information.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at:
www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
