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Advice wanted on WK-2--new on here

2K views 11 replies 11 participants last post by  lstowell 
#1 ·
I currently have a KL which has been a pain with my transmission and I believe that FCA is going to do a buy back so I am considering moving to a WK2 (hope I have the right letters for the 2011 up Grand Cherokees). I want a 4 by 4 and it looks like I have to get the Limited to get the 4 by 4 with the low gear and also standard backup camera. I would be happy with a Laredo X if it had the backup camera as standard as I have done a search and really don't find but one or two in a distance of 200 miles that have it--so pretty sure if I go with the WK-2-it will be the Limited.I am a senior citizen and not going to do any off roading, but like it just for winters if I go up North--live in Upstate SC and very little snow here. It just doesn't seem right to invest that much money in a WK-2 and not have a 4 by 4. I do have a 2015 Jeep Patriot Sport with FWD and just a few extras for my town driving mainly. Anything I need to check when looking at WK-2s before I buy one if I do.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Sounds like you're informed on the models/features. Just to expand your knowledge, the Laredo 4x4 has QuadraTrac I, which is more an all-wheel drive system so it is quite capable. I had a 2012 Laredo, and a typical automatic to still select low gears, and in Pennsylvania winters I was just fine. Once you get to the Limited 4x4, it has QuadraTrac II, which will give you selectable modes, notably snow - plus modes and features really for offroading: mud, sand, hill descent control, and low range 4x4 not to be confused for the low gear you want in snow... unless it is some really bad stuff you shouldn't even be driving in on the road.

All models now have an 8-speed paddle shift, so you can get the low gears, or start in 2nd. I don't think that you need to go for a Limited to get the 4x4 you want. The Limited will give you other luxury features you'd have to decide if you want to pay for if you like them, not just to get more 4x4 control that as you say, you won't use. I myself just got an Overland, which is a model above the Limited, has more off-roading (and on-road) control, notably the QuadraLift suspension, and all the bells and whistles, well, because I wanted them.

The back-up camera is great, the interior finish is great, Jeep service always is friendly. As my dad is a "senior citizen" who just bought a new car, so his concern, and even my concern (and experience) is to tell you reliability on Jeep is not so great. He did not consider Jeep for long. Consumer Reports loves the Grand Cherokee except for reliability. At 300 miles, my power steering failed completely, and I've heard now of other random issues from the factory... nothing consistent, but inconsistent quality. It's all repaired and great now, fast service and apologetic, but... reliability might be a concern for you, depending how "senior" of a citizen you are. I would recommend my older Laredo (no issues ever), and I would recommend my current Overland, but reliability had to be mentioned. Make sure you have a nearby dealer that can provide you timely service.
 
#7 ·
Sounds like you're informed on the models/features. Just to expand your knowledge, the Laredo 4x4 has QuadraTrac I, which is more an all-wheel drive system so it is quite capable. I had a 2012 Laredo, and a typical automatic to still select low gears, and in Pennsylvania winters I was just fine. Once you get to the Limited 4x4, it has QuadraTrac II, which will give you selectable modes, notably snow - plus modes and features really for offroading: mud, sand, hill descent control, and low range 4x4 not to be confused for the low gear you want in snow... unless it is some really bad stuff you shouldn't even be driving in on the road.
Thanks for the reassurance - I just got my first Jeep (a 2012 Laredo X) and was a little worried about the same PA weather. Going from a 4x4 to an AWD was making me a little nervous, I admit. My wife's Subaru Legacy handled everything it was asked of it, though we didn't attempt any deeper snow - we'd just take my old 4x4 Dakota so it's good to hear I should be ok. :thumbsup:

-D.
 
#4 ·
I have a 2012 Laredo X.
It has the Q1 system which is just AWD (no low range).
Leather seats with seat heaters.
Dual zone automatic climate control.
I have the tow package so I have the Nivomat rear shocks and full size spare.
I have the 430N radio (with satellite and navigation) and the backup camera (which works great for hooking up to trailers).
Halogen headlights with crappy fog lights.

The OEM Michelin tires are crap.
I ran them until they were too worn out for snow (only 27k miles) and then switched to Goodyear Wrangler A/T Adventure tires in the OEM size. They are great in the snow and rain, but not too loud on dry pavement. I was running them at 35psi, but Discount Tires pumped them up to 35psi when warm which was 37psi when cold and I'm leaving them at that psi because at highway speeds (55-70mph) I can still get 25mph whereas with the lesser 35psi cold I was only getting 22-23mph.

I also upgraded the fog lights to JW Speaker LED fog lights. I got in early when they first came out and only paid $320 for the pair, but now you are probably looking at $400 for a pair, but well worth the investment. The OEM foglights are like buggy lights (candles).
 
#9 ·
Other than the bad luck with your transmission did you like your Cherokee? I bought my daughter one and she has had ZERO problems ( knock on wood ). I believe there is a difference in the transmissions between the 4 cyl and 6 cyl Cherokees. My daughter's is a 6.

While not a 4WD, the front wheel drive of the Cherokee is better than a rear wheel drive non-4WD Grand Cherokee in the snow. If you liked the Cherokee other than the bad luck with the transmission why not just replace it? You obviously thought enough of it to buy one in the first place.

Paul
 
#11 ·
No "4 cyl" Cherokees that I am aware of. Though the V8s convert to 4 cyls when in the ECO mode when appropriate.

Dan
 
#10 · (Edited)
My '12 has been very reliable. Other than the head replacement under the TSB all of the recalls have been prevenative rather than curative. Did have to add a rear view camera and displays then were not as good as ones available now.

There were a rash of bad ground issues with the '14s that may lead to issues later but those seem to be resolved. That said the current range has no advantages for me over my '12. Have said before it is the best multipurpose tow car I've had.

Might get tempted for a boosted direct injection Pentastar with a significant torque increase that runs on 87 PON but until then still think my '12 was the best choice available.
 
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