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How much more is the 2008 refresh worth?

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2008
3K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  jeepgcoman 
#1 ·
I'm looking to get a WK Grand Cherokee from between 05 - 10. In particular, I'm comparing a 2005 model sold by a dealer vs. a 2009 model sold privately. I understand there is a mild refresh after 2008. Both have done around 100k miles, both have the Hemi engine, and similar trim level. But the private seller is asking around $2,500 more. So, are the changes post-2008 worth the extra money?

My usage will be to use it for a daily driver for a short commute to work in Michigan, and as the family car once I can get a second car just for commuting.

I'm also considering the Dodge Magnum RT AWD as an alternative to the WK G. Cherokee.

Thanks for your help!
 
#4 ·
I would look at it this way. The dealer is selling a 2005 and private sale is 2009 which is a 4 year newer jeep. The dealer wants 2500 less for an older jeep due to the mark ups they have , where if that same 2005 was a private sale you would be much cheaper. A dealer selling a used vehicle won't take much care in what has been done to the jeep in regards to maintenance or what is needing to be done. A private seller usually takes much more care with their own vehicle, and if it was well maintained (ask for maintenance records) the mileage is not a huge factor as I have bought used after seeing records with 100+k miles on it and the engines were still like new.

In my opinion I would go the private sale being the newer jeep, with more options , and as I mentioned odds are better that is was well looked after. At a dealers you never know how it was treated by previous owner or anyone that has taken it out for a test drive.
 
#6 ·
The dealers will check it over and make sure it meets the SAFETY requirements. That does not mean that it doesn't need some kind of work like brakes , fluid changes , new tires , etc. I just bought a 14 summit from a dealer , used , and it had the original tires on it with 20% wear left on them.Also I had asked about fluids and was told ALL fluids had been done, being specific about asking about the diffs , and when I checked them myself they had not been done , probably still original from street date. None of those were SAFETY issues that had to be done and certified , but things that will cost you money.The main safety issues they check are brakes good enough to stop you , do all lights work , is there at least 15% tire wear , does the steering keep you on the road. Anything else as long as it runs they aren't too concerned about it.They will not spend money on it to fix little issues , an example is I had a leaking steering rack , took it in and they replaced it under warranty but the dealer didn't care it was losing power steering fluid.
 
#7 ·
What are the actual miles on the vehicles? I'd probably opt for the 2009, but I'd want to see both in person before making a decision.

I think you'll have more options available to you in 2009. I think you can get bluetooth streaming music from the later model stock premium stereos (maybe need a lockpick)?

You can tell a lot from these vehicles if you inspect them personally. Carfax might have some information on them as well (ask sellers for a copy).

Me personally? I'd get as new as possible with the lowest number of miles. Check for signs of service; you can tell if they've dropped the transmission pan, removed covers on differentials, etc.

Then the test drive...
 
#8 · (Edited)
Here's my take on this. First, I have a bought new 05 Dodge Magnum R/T Hemi (2WD though) and a bought used w/48K on it 06 Grand Cherokee Overland. With these two vehicles you're comparing apples to oranges. They are totally different in almost all respects, except for the Hemi engines, which are pretty much the same. If you're looking for better mileage/performance and more room (cargo and passenger), go with the Magnum. If you're looking for 4WD capability, go with the Jeep as the AWD Magnum sits lower, does not have a low range. As far as vehicle integrity and maintenance requirements, I've found that the Jeep is a little more maintenance intensive, but the Magnum has more rattles and squeaks than the Jeep, which is totally solid. My Maggie has only 72K on it and my Jeep has 102K on it, and I am very pro-active when it comes to maintenance and service. I also have both vehicles modded to give nearly 100 more horsepower than stock....although not completely current, see signature for approximate mods. As far as summer fuel economy goes, my Maggie gets ~14-16 mpg in town and ~26-28 mpg on the highway.....my Jeep gets ~13-15 mpg in town and ~22-23 mpg on the highway. Winter fuel economy is a mile or two less all around. As far as the fun factor goes, obviously I drive the ~600 pound heavier (Jeep is nearly 4900 lbs, Maggie is just over 4200 lbs.) Jeep more, mostly because it handles better with my lowered SRT suspension, I sit a little higher, and I think it looks better. My Maggie is quite a bit quicker (again same engine mods.) by about 1/2 second in the quarter mile, and better to drive on the highway, as far as comfort goes. Also, remember the 05's through 07's of both were made in partenership with Mercedes. The Maggie R/T has Mercedes seats, transmission, and suspension, hence a little more comfort. On the highway, the Jeep is a little more tiring.

Now, here's my take on comparing your 05 and 09 Jeeps. I'll talk about what I know on the 05's (through 07's) first, then the 09's. The 05 Jeep (and Magnum) was the first year of the WK and LX platforms with the 5.7 engine. Both the 05 Hemi's (Jeep and Magnum) used the failed Chrylser Wasted Spark System, which was only used on the 05's of both. It is not a big deal and can easily be retrofitted to the late model system which does away with this system. IMO, the biggest problems with the system were accelerated spark plug wear and a rat's nest of spark plug wires criss-crossing the top of the engine. Also, some of the 05-06 Hemi's had valve seat problems that could be quite serious. I have never had a problem with either of mine (knock on wood), and I think this problem may be aggrevated by high/overheat engine temperatures. I run 190 degree thermostats in mine instead of the stock 205 degree ones, and have the cooling fans start kicking in at just over 200 degrees instead of the 220+ degree factory settings. The 545RFE transmission, in its stock form (shift schedules and torque management) on the 05-07 Jeeps were terrible. (By the way the Hemi Magnum uses the Mercedes NAG1 which is much better, has better gear ratios and more performance potential.)

Here's what I know about the 09 Jeep, which isn't much. It has been refined somewhat since the 05-07's.....better aerodynamics (maybe better highway fuel economy) and, IMO, most importantly it has the later style Hemi engine with the Eagle heads and intake....hence a little more power and probably reliability. The transmission has also been silighly improved. Also, the Nav. Unit (if they both have it) on the 09 is way better than the antique, joy stick input type on the 05.

Bottom line would be that if you go for the Jeep, go for the 09, and if you go for the Magnum, go for an 08 which is the last year they were made. Of course you'll want to do complete "look overs" on anything you buy, making sure everything works and appears to be well cared for. After you get whatever you get, do a complete major service/inspection so you will know for sure the complete maintenance status of it. Along these lines, I'll say that neither of my vehicles have ever been to the stealer or an independent, except for custom exhaust work and tires/wheel alignments. My son and I do everything else, and neither vehicle has EVER had any maintenance issues (almost 12 years for the Maggie and over 6 years for the Jeep), except for EGR Valves and thermostats. So, stay on top of the maintenance and you'll probably have a fairly trouble free vehicle.
 
#9 ·
@barak, That's interesting to know, thanks. After all, the profit margin is number 1 for them. The '09 that I'm considering is owned by a (he claims) ASE certified tech. So perhaps from the maintenance point of view, the '09 Jeep is also a better deal.

@brent, both are close to the 100,000 figure. Thanks for the inspection tips. I'll definitely test drive and look over them closely.

@jeepgcoman, thanks so much for the lengthy response. I am considering either of these cars because firstly, I am a big fan of wagon. So the Dodge Magnum is an option. But my other consideration is that the Jeep, being an SUV, might be better for the soon-to-come children. I just love more cargo space. I might be over thinking this, but might the SUV be better in the winter weather? Mind you, I don't predict that I will be going off-road anytime soon. Would you think these cars would be sluggish without the hemi? Maybe the smaller Patriot or Liberty would suit me better?
 
#10 · (Edited)
jeepgcoman, thanks so much for the lengthy response. I am considering either of these cars because firstly, I am a big fan of wagon. So the Dodge Magnum is an option. But my other consideration is that the Jeep, being an SUV, might be better for the soon-to-come children. I just love more cargo space. I might be over thinking this, but might the SUV be better in the winter weather? Mind you, I don't predict that I will be going off-road anytime soon. Would you think these cars would be sluggish without the hemi? Maybe the smaller Patriot or Liberty would suit me better?
The Magnum has more room, both seating and cargo, than at least the 05 Jeep. I don't know about the 2009 Jeep though. If we have to haul a bunch of stuff or travel with a bunch of stuff, we usually take the Magnum. It also gets ~3-6 mpg better fuel economy. As far as the 4WD goes, you'll never find a better setup than the QuadraDrive II in the Jeeps. The Magnum's 4WD is high only and does not have the Electronic Limited Slip Differentials. I am getting ready to drop about $2000 on my 2WD Magnum and put in a 2012 Challenger Limited Slip Differential, axles, and hubs. My Maggie, as it is now, is terrible in the rain, ice and snow even though it has traction and electronic stability controls.

IMO, neither the Jeep nor the Magnum have enough power to "get out of their own way" if you have any of the six cylinder engines.....2.7/3.7 in the Magnum (no 4.7 V-8 available), or the 3.7 in the Jeep. The 4.7 V-8 that is available in the Jeep is a good engine, but a Hemi with its MDS (4 cylinder cut off) in either the Magnum or the Jeep will get as good or better fuel economy than any of the lesser V-6/V-8 engines.

For what it's worth, if it were me and I needed 4WD, it would be either a 4.7 or 5.7 (99% sure it would be the 5.7) Jeep, preferably a 2008 and up, or a 2008 (only) AWD Hemi Magnum.
 
#11 ·
I'll definitely get a 5.7 Hemi. The only issue is that the Magnum's around my area are 2005 models. Is the 2008 Magnum that much more desirable?

I'll definitely get winter tires, so I think AWD isn't really necessary for my uses?

I've further narrowed my selection to 2 2009 Jeep G. Cherokees AWD, and 2 2005 Dodge Magnum RTs RWD. All have the Hemi. One car of each model is sold via private seller and the other through a dealer.
 
#12 ·
While there is not a thing wrong with the 05 Magnums (I've had mine for almost 12 years now), the 08's are the last year they made them and they had a better Nav. System, did not have the wasted spark system that the 05's had (not a real big deal), and had a few subtle changes/improvements. None of them of any year came with limited slip differentials......mine will have it pretty soon though. If you're in snow country, as I said earlier, you won't have the best traction....only as good as the ABS, traction control and Electronic Stability programs will permit. I am not saying they're terrible in the snow, but they aren't any where near as good as the Jeep is under the same poor traction conditions. I've driven my Maggie many times, without issue, in the snow, rain and ice, but if possible, I'll almost always take the Jeep in these conditions.

Sounds like you'll have to decide if you want more room, performance, fuel economy, not as good traction, and probably less cash to purchase, or less cargo/passenger room/fuel economy, a little more maintenance (and purchase cash price) and much better traction. Good luck with whatever you decide to do, and keep us posted on your decision and impressions.
 

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