Which recent model Grand Cherokee?

[SarsfieldCherokee]

Hi all, I'm a new member looking to purchase a recent model Grand Cherokee Diesel and wondering what recommendations and/or reservations members may have. Ill explain a bit about our situation and objectives. We are looking to replace our 2004 MB ML270CDI, which we were foolish enough to buy brand new. Should have saved a bundle and bought recent/low mileage vehicle back then. Live and learn! The ML has been a good vehicle but getting a little long in tooth and we are about to take possession of a new horse float which the Grand Cherokee will have to drag around. Float will weigh around 2500-3000 kg loaded and have electric brakes, so it's a significant load to drag around and my wife does quite long trips with horses over weekends (maybe 300-400 K's each way). We need a vehicle that will tow such a load comfortably at 100Kmh and not pull the vehicle to bits prematurely or consume a crazy amount of fuel. Prior to the ML270 we had a 2000 Grand Cherokee Ltd, back in the USA. That was a petrol V8 and we loved it. Had it for 4 years until we left and I don't recall having any problems with it at all. Had far more bells/whistles than the ML270 also! So, we are keen on something like a low mileage 2012+ Grand Cherokee Turbo Diesel with all the bells and whistles. I guess that means "Limited" still but interested to know if there are other full-spec model designations. I just spotted one (2012 with 61,000Km) which also has the "hydra-Lift" suspension upgrade, which sounds like it might be a good thing for regular towing action. I would love to hear that such a vehicle is the perfect solution for our needs but I am interested to hear what you guys have to say? Any comments, reservations and/or suggestions welcome. Thanks.....

[GMEMUD]

I would stay away from the limited with self levelling rear shocks as a lot of people are having to replace them many times and still having clunking noises from them and as you will be towing a lot it would only add more troubles I think, go for the air suspension if possible and if budget allows, I would consider a '14 or later with 8 speed tranny. I have a '15 CRD Grand and tow a 3300kg van and it does it so much easier than my old '08 WH with the 5 speed and a few less kw and torque.
my 2c worth.
Regards Ross

[SarsfieldCherokee]

Thanks for responding Ross. Happy to expose my ignorance by saying I am confused between the self-levelling rear shocks and the air suspension. The system I am referring to is the Quadra-Lift option, which I understood to be be both self-levelling and pneumatic. So, is Quadra-lift the one to avoid or to desire? Ia appreciate what you say about the 8-speed auto, and I assume 2014 is when the change from 5 to 8 took place. Thanks again, Paul

[GMEMUD]

Hi Paul,
The quadra-lift is the one you want, it is the far better of the two in my opinion.They self level also but done by pneumatics in the air suspension (springs) and not in the shocks as do the standard self levelling set up on the Limiteds.
Yes it was the '14 model that the 8 speed become available.
Regards Ross

[TGearon]

G'day Paul,
I've had a MY13 GC Trailhawk for 3 years and 75K km, pulling a Golf Outback van of 2220 GVM. The car has Quadratrack plus 3Lit Motori diesel through 5 speed auto. While I sometimes wish I had more gears when in a hurry and not towing, I just limit cruising to max 110kph to save fuel and reduce revs. The car when towing runs beautifully in 5th gear without hunting for the right gear. The self levelling is a brilliant system for towing, so far no problems. The heated seats are great for a sore back. Knowing what I know now, I would not hesitate to get another the same.
Regards,
Tony.