Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2.7 v 3.1 Diesel Automatic

[Maginnis]

We're looking to change from a 2.0TDCI Mondeo estate to the Jeep, Mondeo is OK but I love 4x4s.

I've done the What Tow Car comparison, I've checked Parkers for reviews, etc. but I wondered if anyone had an real experience or knowledge regarding the difference between the 2.7 and the 3.1.

Both tow perfectly acceptably according to What Tow Car with the 3.1 being slightly lighter in weight but not enough to cause a problem.

Matching to our caravan (Ace Prestige 25) comes in at (from memory) a 65% and 67% match so again no issues.

Several people have said 'the 2.7 is built for towing and it's the best' but no-one can tell me why the 3.1 isn't just as good.

Look forward to hearing some views and many thanks in advance.

 

[thursdays child]

Hi Tina, we have a 2003 2.7 crd ltd Grand Cherokee with 65k on the clock. Before buying it we researched as you are doing and the 2.7 option with auto box was considered the best option at the time.The reasons given were mainly performance related and the fact that the 2.7 engine is Mercedes. You need to be aware that according to WMS warranty insurance the air conditioning has an inherent "known manufacturers fault" and if the car you buy has not had this fault remedied you could find yourself parting with

 

[ChrisUK]

There is a recent magazine article on how to buy a jeep, can not remember which one, but do remember reading the the 2.7 is more powerfull and more reliable. I think they said that you needed to be careful with the service history on the 3.1 if you did go that route.

 

[Maginnis]

Thursdays Child - thank you for taking the time to reply, it's good to hear from someone actually using one.

Thanks for the warning about the AirCon, I will put it on the questions list and be very aware when I test drive on Friday.

Our van is a mid sized single axle but I do have a hankering for a TA in the future so it's good to hear it pulls yours with no problems, and details of the MPG is interesting too.

Chris - thanks for the warning, I'll do some Googling and see if I can find any more details.

Many thanks for the replies so far

 

[ChrisUK]

Try

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/

 

[DarrylFlynn]

DEFINITELY go for the 2.7 rather than the 3.1. The 2.7 is a well proven Mercedes Diesel and the 3.1 is a rather weak VM Italian Engine that is known to have problems with cylinder heads ( Each cylinder has a seperate cylinder head on that engine).

I tow with a Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0CRD ( Mercedes Diesel) and honestly cannot fault it.Permanent 4WD , 215bhp, 500nm of torque and over 2 tons in weight make it a good towcar

I get 22mpg towing an Eldiss Odyssey 544 and around 27 solo. Taking it easy on a solo run i can top 30mpg.

The 2.7 will be very capable and more importantly reliable.

Darryl

 

[DarrylFlynn]

Link to reviews of Jeep Grand Cherokees that you are looking at.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/jeep/grand-cherokee-1999.aspx

 

[Maginnis]

Thank you Darryl, that's the exact kind of info I was looking for. Test drove one at the weekend, liked it but wasn't happy with a few bits and pieces (mostly cosmetic) so dealer is hunting for another for me.

I'm very excited, and more so now I have some factual info to support my search.

best regards

 

[Maginnis]

UPDATE - we got one!! Yay!!!

Picked him (the numberplate says Ed) up this morning, he's gorgeous, and I'm very excited about our next trip away in the 'van to test him out.

Many thanks to everyone for their advice, first thing I checked was the aircon, and very pleased to report it was ice cold )

 

[DarrylFlynn]

UPDATE - we got one!! Yay!!!

Picked him (the numberplate says Ed) up this morning, he's gorgeous, and I'm very excited about our next trip away in the 'van to test him out.

Many thanks to everyone for their advice, first thing I checked was the aircon, and very pleased to report it was ice cold )

2.7 litre hopefully ?

Enjoy it. Ive been very happy with my 3.0 Diesel and it's absolutely effortless with the van on the back.

Regards Darryl

 

[Russell_374578860]

UPDATE - we got one!! Yay!!!

Picked him (the numberplate says Ed) up this morning, he's gorgeous, and I'm very excited about our next trip away in the 'van to test him out.

Many thanks to everyone for their advice, first thing I checked was the aircon, and very pleased to report it was ice cold )

as stated by others above the 2.7 is the better option (I have one) yes there are horror stories regarding the Climate control also there was a recall for free modification on the heated seats on the LTD or above versions (My local dealer contacted me via DVLA system)

The 2.7 gives better fuel efficiency, more power and better reliability. 1999-2004 is also referred to as the WJ model and there are many good user sites for them www.wjjeeps.com for one.

The only issue is that if you have an after market Tow ball fitted there is a factory installed wiring harness behind the Near-side (left) panel in the boot (Normally tucked in the bodywork just below and mid-way along the rear quarter window. if they try and install wiring kits to the off-side rear lights it can lead to blown fuses on the indicator circuit. My friend had issues with his new installation on his Jeep)

In short a very able and reliable Tow car experience from the 2.7