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Looking to Buy opinion ??? 2004 WJ

3K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  TJXJWJ 
#1 ·
Ok guys , i currently have a 2012 WK2 :thumbsup: and a 2014 Cherokee :eek: and am now looking to buy a 2004 Grand Cherokee with 110000 well maintained miles on it (6 cyl) for my daughter for collage any pro's or cons??
His asking price is 3500
AC not working and Im not sure why ??

I would love to hear about any know problems ?? is there something I should look for ??

I would greatly appreciate your opinions , Please no bashing !! just you opinion on this 2004 Grand Cherokee !

Thanks Again !!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
#2 ·
The AC system can be a weak part of the WJ. At least, the automatic zone control, which has drivers side and passengers side temp control separated, has many times problems with broken blend door hinges. Repair requires the removal of the complete dash, eventhough there are some alternate repair procedures which cut a hole in the HVAC housing.
Also well known is a melted connector on the blower motor controller, which stops the blower motor function.
The 4.0 is a good engine and when well maintained, will run for many more miles.
Regarding the price, i have no idea, but some others will chime in on this.
 
#3 ·
I've got the 2003 version also in 4.0ltr guise and it's ace. Realistically getting 18mpg (although I run LPG in UK so this helps it up into the 32+mpg region on price).

I've got an intermitent problem with the heater, i.e. you set to 27C for example and then it'll blow cold, reset temp and it'll be fine again.

Bushes will be a problem and I'm slowly going through them as it's a 2.5 tone car on american cheap bushes that IMHO aren't fit for purpose really for the size of the truck.

Make sure the gearbox changes smoothly up and down and ensure that you hoof it around a bend as I've known one to suffer with not knowing what gear to go into one bends... apart from this, I've had mine around 3 years, bought on 89k it's now on 140k and going strong. I put Royale Purple oil in... and ensure that the transmission oil is red stuff and in the right level.
 
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#4 · (Edited)
Owner of a 2004 Columbia Edition here with 138k miles on it. Here are the things I would watch for if I were to look for another.
- Front suspension (ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link, steering stabilizer)
- shocks
- worn lower control arms

In the past 15k miles I have replaced the following items that have improve handling:
- front and rear lower control arms (huge difference)
- saggy factory springs (I upgraded to the UC springs)

One other thought - while my WJ was down with brake problems, I borrowed a 2003 Laredo with the 4.0 - my 4.7 HO did just as good on gas and can get out of its own way. I am sold on the4.7 in the WJ but it has its quirks too.


Where are you located? That also influences prices.
 
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#5 ·
Thanks Guys !!:thumbsup: , well I finally got to see it and take it for a test ride , Runs very solid , New brakes and tires , Jeep needs a good detail ! ,, No dents or any major scratches , on the downside there is to be a nice oil leak out of the valve cover and or the head gasket ?:confused::mad:,, i cant be too sure without steam cleaning it first , also not sure if the rear main seal is leaking also ?? other than that it seams nice , he's wants 3500 for it and I think it a good deal but Im gonna see if he'll take 3,000 , I would feel much better with that price so I can make my repairs :rolleyes::thumbsup:
 
#6 ·
I loved my 04 HO...great vehicle, super dependable, and relatively easy to repair. If she's driving it off to college or something, repairs won't be too painful compared to a lot of other options. It's a safe vehicle, and awesome in all weather conditions. Mine never left me anywhere and I sold it with $125k on the 4.7L. I maintained the crap out of it though. For that price, I think you're doing just fine...it just all depends on that oil leak. If it is a valve cover gasket, that's not a big deal. Rear mains are a PITA.

Common issues are definitely HVAC (mine never had the problem others have had), and suspension, particularly rear end clunking due to worn rear upper A arm attachment points.

Consider maybe taking an oil sample if the owner will allow you to and send it in for analysis. Blackstone Labs is who I've used in the past.
 
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