WK2 2012-13. Issues to look for?

[FamilyTruckster]

Originally Posted by timsarg

i've owned a craptiva, i call it a craptiva because it's a gutless pos diesel with a bland interior and not due to it's reliability. It's a nothing car .

Everyone is free to have their own opinion. I find the performance to be more than adequate, and the interior to be a reasonable place to sit in. We have an LX, so there are quite a few nice luxuries included. Unfortunately we have now veered away from the subject topic, so please let’s now go back to what this topic was initially started for. Thank you.

[SouthernComfort]

The WK2 GC is a premium car even in base model form, it is light years ahead of earlier GC incarnations. The 2011-2013 you're interested in has a lot of Mercedes DNA in it, including interior design and build quality. Engineering wise it's a pretty complex and sophisticated beast. It won't cost as much to service as the equivalent Merc but maybe a bit dearer than more 'average' SUV servicing (timsarg's estimates are a fair guide). As I suggested earlier though, find a local Jeep specialist to look after it for you, dealers will bankrupt you in no time flat.

As others have suggested, the GC's reliability directly corresponds to the quality of maintenance you put into it - skimp on that at your peril, but get it right and you won't look back. Same goes for any car. Above all, look at the value. As a second-hand buy you're getting a LOT of car for little money. A 2WD 3.6 petrol will be a lot cheaper than a 4WD 3.0 diesel (totally different beasts) but all are amazing value used. Just source the best example you can with a verifiable service history.

[FamilyTruckster]

Originally Posted by SouthernComfort

The WK2 GC is a premium car even in base model form, it is light years ahead of earlier GC incarnations. The 2011-2013 you're interested in has a lot of Mercedes DNA in it, including interior design and build quality. Engineering wise it's a pretty complex and sophisticated beast. It won't cost as much to service as the equivalent Merc but maybe a bit dearer than more 'average' SUV servicing (timsarg's estimates are a fair guide). As I suggested earlier though, find a local Jeep specialist to look after it for you, dealers will bankrupt you in no time flat.

As others have suggested, the GC's reliability directly corresponds to the quality of maintenance you put into it - skimp on that at your peril, but get it right and you won't look back. Same goes for any car. Above all, look at the value. As a second-hand buy you're getting a LOT of car for little money. A 2WD 3.6 petrol will be a lot cheaper than a 4WD 3.0 diesel (totally different beasts) but all are amazing value used. Just source the best example you can with a verifiable service history.

A fantastic response. Thanks for your input. It is very good advice. It is still about 6 months before I can get a GC (waiting for my current lease car to finish), but it’s advice from people like yourself that helps a great deal.

[AnthropoidApe]

I am looking at a 2012 Overland 3.0DT. I have a couple of questions.

Firstly, to get a good look at the air suspension, what would the process be with the buttons in the cabin? ie what do I set the 4wd system to, do I press the "up" button, etc. I just don't know the normal operation of this system.

Secondly, assuming it's had all the recall work done, anything else I should be looking at?

I am not trying to bag these things but they have a reputation for unreliability. I tend to think this probably relates to recall issues (I think I'd be pretty annoyed if I kept having to take my brand new Jeep back to the dealer for recall work) but just wanted opinions. I am happy given the price point of these things to have to do some rewiring or other improvements. On the other hand I am not keen to be stranded with a drivetrain issue that is not capable of roadside repair.

[bjm]

You might be even more annoyed if you had to spend thousands on injectors,HP pump ,etc in near new Toyota Landcruiser and Prado,Hilux s. Google problems with these vehicles you may be surprised.There are faults with all makes of vehicles.I own a 2010 WH diesel and a 2012 CC Overland diesel (Merc autobox) and both are great vehicles. WH caused a headache with N23 recall.Google how the suspension works.Plenty of parts available in US for airbag suspension.Make sure all services have been done to schedule.Remember A/T fluid should have been changed at no more than 40000ks if vehicle been towing van.

[AnthropoidApe]

Yep, I am with you and that is why I am looking at this make and model. I have never owned a car that didn't need a bit of rectification of design flaws.

On paper the WK2 is just sensational value as a used purchase, provided you get a good one. I am pretty close to pulling the trigger.

[Benn0]

I have a 2014, but the air suspension should be the same. Start the car, have all doors closed, press the up button next to the terrain selector dial. Once should go up to OR1 level, press a second time to go to OR2 level.

When its at the selected height the yellow light stops flashing