WK2 reliability-fake news?

[FamilyTruckster]

Hi, battery in my car just died so I had the RACV come and replace it. I told him to put in the cheapest one as I’m selling it in June and getting a GC. He told me a horror story about his dad just having spent $30k on his diesel GC that just stuffed up and told me never to buy one. Now I’m starting to worry. I know there’s been some horror stories about them, but also some great positive feedback about them. When we bought my wife a Captiva everyone said don’t, but it’s been the most reliable car we’ve ever had. I know that most cars have both good and bad feedback, but now I’m starting to think long and hard about it. Talking to people at caravan parks and stalking and asking people at supermarket car parks etc. feedback seems to be about 70-30 in the positive. I actually like to get opinions from people that have or had a GC.

[Troutman]

The biggest issue with any Jeep is if you aren't very mechanically minded and are relying on the stealership/FCA evil empire to look after your vehicle. Very poor technical knowledge, outright criminal spare parts pricing, and bend over customer care are all hallmarks. Other than that, the WK2 Grand Cherokee diesel is a great vehicle and no more unreliable than any other modern and complex CRD....and a good deal better than most.

[Starion VR4]

I have a 2014 Limited with 140,000Km's not a single issue apart from 2nd sump gasket leak with was fixed at the 1st service. Tow a 2600kg van, I will be replacing it when the 2021 JGC comes out with a 2020 JGC as this is the last model in the current shape. Been the best car I have owned, had 1x Landcruiser, 2x Patrols... best car 2nd to none!

[FamilyTruckster]

Originally Posted by Troutman

The biggest issue with any Jeep is if you aren't very mechanically minded and are relying on the stealership/FCA evil empire to look after your vehicle. Very poor technical knowledge, outright criminal spare parts pricing, and bend over customer care are all hallmarks. Other than that, the WK2 Grand Cherokee diesel is a great vehicle and no more unreliable than any other modern and complex CRD....and a good deal better than most.

Definitely won’t be going to a dealership. Nearest one is an hour away anyway. I have a local mechanic that I trust, and he reckons that they’re pretty good. Only thing he said was “do you really need a diesel?” Mainly because I only drive about 12k kms a year. Looking around 2015-16 GC and prices for diesel and petrol are about the same. Forums like this are great for info. Love talking to people that do own or have owned GC’s. Sick and tired of people saying they’re crap, but have never owned one.

[Troutman]

Even if you only do 12K a year in the diesel mate, won't be an issue unless it's all short trips. The DPF equipped diesels all hate short trips where they don't get hot enough to initiate a DPF regen. Short trips are also considered extreme conditions regards the servicing recommendations too. A petrol model is a better option if you're city based and do short trips IMO.....goes for all makes, not just Jeep.

[FamilyTruckster]

Originally Posted by Troutman

Even if you only do 12K a year in the diesel mate, won't be an issue unless it's all short trips. The DPF equipped diesels all hate short trips where they don't get hot enough to initiate a DPF regen. Short trips are also considered extreme conditions regards the servicing recommendations too. A petrol model is a better option if you're city based and do short trips IMO.....goes for all makes, not just Jeep.

No short trips. Work is a 50k round trip, so it won’t be a worry. Local mechanic also said service costs aren’t really that much different between the two.

[nitrobrent]

Considering your annual mileage , test drive all 5 motors and buy what excites you the most.
Which ever one you pick , isnt really going to make much difference in the annual running costs