KJ CRD or WH CRD?

[machh1]

Hi all, have been looking through the many pages to try and get an idea of which one to go for. I currently have a 2.4petrol KJ manual which has been overall problem free but just underpowered, and I want to upgrade to an auto CRD KJ or WH. It's mainly a daily driver for short trips but does a 200+km trip once a month, as well as doing moderate 4wding. Any suggestions from experience as to which would be better suited? Thanks in advance for your input.

[glend]

Do you really need a CRD for low kilometre trips and with no towing required? A KJ V6 will be cheaper to purchase and maintain. The V6 engine can be replaced if necessary, CRD engines are expensive to replace, and require good maintenance including timing belt changes which can get expensive. If you are going to be towing, do high kilometres, and/or big touring trips requiring lots of torque then the CRD is the choice - but be prepared to learn a lot about maintenance. They are 500,000km engines, in the right hands. Unfortunately many CRDs were bought by folks that did not know anything about diesels, they rev'ed the hell out of them, ignored oil changes and maintenance, and then sold them off as soon as problems developed.
In the right hands they are great, long lasting, and economical, but finding a good one is increasingly difficult. You can't have mine.

[machh1]

Hi Glend, thanks for your info. There would be a handful of high km trips/ year which include towing a trailer. I'd be happy going a V6 but heard from someone who worked at Jeep that they're not too good with towing. Is that true?


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[a-frame81]

Mine tows fine, it just has more of a drinking problem when I do.

[Clarky]

If you really want a CRD then go the Grand as they have a timing chain not a belt and basic engine servicing is straight forward. In stock trim they are too low for off road use so a lift is a must.

Ps there is a KK CRD auto for $12k in the 4sale section.

[machh1]

Hi Clarky, I looked at an 05 one today with good service history. It looked nice and tidy, sounded nice too compared to some KJ models I have tried. It also has a 40mm lift. The cost of repairing a diesel is in back of my mind but I really miss the power & reliability of one (I used to have a diesel 60 series cruiser in my younger days). Thanks for your comments.


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[ren0vator]

I'm learning to love my WH Grand
A lot more room than the KJ Cherokee
and WAAYYYY more power
Running costs, insurance, rego etc
Spoiled for choice in Jeep Land